With the conclusion of the 51st Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Edmonton, Alberta, a new chapter of rodeo history has been written. A new generation of champions now reigns supreme across the Great White North.
Headlining the week’s storylines was Zeke Thurston, who continued to etch his name in the record books and extend his legacy by claiming his record-setting sixth consecutive CPRA saddle bronc riding championship.
The Big Valley, Alberta, cowboy dazzled fans inside the arena with a thrilling 91.5-point ride on Macza Rodeo’s 6 Squash Blossom Steely Dan, marking the highest score of the week and securing his sixth straight championship. Thurston won three of the five rounds and placed in the remaining two, closing out the 2025 season with $122,481 in total earnings—a new all-time CPRA record.
Veteran bareback rider Clint Laye also made his mark in Canadian rodeo history. Earning a total of $40,485 at the CFR, Laye captured the aggregate title with 244.75 points on five head.
In the steer wrestling, Scott Guenthner delivered a flawless performance, winning all five rounds—a new record for the most steer wrestling rounds won at a single CFR. The Albertan cowboy earned $57,000 in go-round money, plus an additional $17,100 for the aggregate title, totaling $113,449 in 2025 season earnings, with nearly half coming from his dominant CFR showing.
In the tie-down roping, Kyle Lucas capped off an outstanding 2025 season both north and south of the border. After officially securing his first qualification to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, Lucas returned home to Canada to chase another lifelong goal.
After narrowly missing the Canadian title three times, the Alberta native finally claimed the coveted Troy Fischer Silverworks championship buckle. A smooth 7.6-second run in Round 3 helped seal the victory. In total, Lucas pocketed $35,807 at the CFR—nearly doubling his year-end event earnings.
Maintaining their momentum from the regular season, Ponoka cowboys Kash Bonnett and Logan Cullen continued their winning ways, taking home victories in three consecutive rounds and earning $93,951 and $94,346, respectively.
In the barrel racing, Jayden Wilson of Gleichen, Alberta, captured her first Canadian title aboard her standout horse, Whiskey. Leading the aggregate by an impressive 0.7-second margin, Wilson’s consistency paid off as she earned $39,605 inside Rogers Place.
Bradi Whiteside of Longview, Alberta, entered the 51st CFR as the No. 1 back number recipient, reflecting a season of excellence in both barrel racing and breakaway roping. When the dust settled, Whiteside topped the barrel racing year-end standings with $91,560 in total 2025 earnings, securing the prestigious season championship.
As the top athletes from across Canada and the United States now set their sights on the upcoming NFR and the start of the 2026 CPRA and PRCA seasons, they celebrate a year’s worth of hard work, dedication, and history made in Edmonton.