As the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (FWSSR) enters its final week of competition, the oldest continuously running livestock show and rodeo in the United States prepares to crown its next champions and write another chapter of history.
With a historic $1.6 million payout on the line, top PRCA athletes are doing more than chasing FWSSR titles; they are laying the foundation for a prosperous 2026 season. Featuring many of the top competitors from the 2025 season, athletes have already collected major paychecks throughout the preliminary rounds, with more still at stake.
The tournament-style format advances the top two money earners and one wildcard competitor from each bracket into the semifinals. The wild card and semifinals rounds will take place Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 4–6, continuing the bracket-style competition. Top performers will advance to the championship round Saturday, Feb. 7.
With only a few qualifying brackets remaining, several athletes have emerged as major movers and money earners.
Barrel racing has showcased elite talent and thrilling runs, building anticipation for the wildcard and semifinal rounds. The semifinals will resemble a performance at the 2025 National Finals Rodeo, featuring 2025 NFR qualifiers such as Emily Beisel, Lisa Lockhart, Hailey Gibson-Stillwell, Tricia Aldridge, Carlee Otero, Hailey Kinsel and Tayla Moeykens. Otero also made history in the preliminary rounds, tying Wenda Johnson’s Dickies Arena record with a 16.08-second run.
Reigning world champion breakaway roper Taylor Munsell is poised for a strong start to her 2026 campaign after advancing to the semifinals with $3,350 earned in the opening round of competition. Minnesota native Shalee King leads the event’s top money earners, collecting $4,216.66 across two standout runs.
Team roping at FWSSR has provided a front-row look at new pairings and emerging talent early in the season. 2025 Resistol Rookie of the Year header James Arviso teamed up with Rance Doyal to top Bracket 4 earnings, collecting $4,650 in the opening round. The duo will be one to watch in the semifinals. Proven teams Dustin Egusquiza and J.C. Flake, winners of the 2026 Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo, along with Tanner Tomlinson and Coleby Payne, champions of the 2026 National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, also advanced to the semifinals.
Calf roper Trenton Smith captured $5,500 in Bracket 5 qualifying and will look to carry that momentum into the later rounds. In a deep field of qualifiers, NFR qualifiers like Kincade Henry, Zack Jongbloed and John Douch will continue their pursuit of Saturday’s coveted championship round.
The Steer wrestling race witnessed North Dakota cowboy Bridger Anderson emerge as one of the top earners, advancing with $4,441.66 won so far. Young gun Cash Robb will also look to build on his strong start to the 2026 season as competition intensifies.
Earning significant ground money, bull rider Trey Kimzey dominated Bracket 2, earning $7,400 in the opening round and positioning himself well for the remainder of the tournament. With a mix of young guns and NFR veterans advancing to the semifinals, bull riding promises a compelling showcase of multigenerational talent and early 2026 storylines.
Saddle bronc rider Rusty Wright has earned $5,116 to date, propelling himself to No. 2 in the world standings early in the season, as he pursues his first gold buckle. Other NFR qualifiers advancing include Allen Boore, Q. Taylor, Statler Wright, Chase Brooks, Ryder Wright and Kade Bruno, ensuring a stacked semifinal field.
Bareback rider Kashton Ford celebrated his 20th birthday with a high-marked ride to advance into the semifinals. Fellow young competitors Cooper Cooke, Wacey Schalla and Sam Peterson will look to define their 2026 seasons during the wildcard and semifinal rounds in the heart of Cowtown.
FWSSR qualifying rounds continue through Tuesday, Feb. 3, followed by the wildcard round on Wednesday, Feb. 4, with semifinals and finals to follow. Fans can follow complete results and live coverage on The Cowboy Channel and the Cowboy Channel Plus app.