Hondo Rodeo Fest sets its sights on its next showcase, recently unveiling the first half of its invitation-only athlete lineup for its return to Chase Field Nov. 13-15. The lineup features the sport’s top competitors across eight events, all competing for their share of the $1 million purse.
In its third year of competition in Phoenix, the event looks to continue elevating opportunities for athletes and fans alike.
“What makes Hondo Rodeo Fest unique is our ability to bring together the sport’s most accomplished athletes in one incredible weekend,” said James Trawick, CEO of Hondo Rodeo Fest. “This year’s athlete lineup reflects the remarkable depth of talent across rodeo, and bringing these top competitors together in one arena creates a premier experience for fans. With a $1 million purse on the line, every head-to-head matchup will deliver the elite competition and high stakes you can only get at Hondo.”
The 2026 athlete lineup includes several previous Hondo competitors, including bull riding standout John Crimber, the 2026 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Champion and 2024 Hondo Phoenix bull riding champion. Other notable returning athletes include current Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) tie-down roping world standings leader Riley Webb, who won third overall at both the 2024 and 2025 Hondo Phoenix competitions and has won three consecutive PRCA World Championships, and iconic barrel racing phenom Lisa Lockhart, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) all-time leader in both career and National Finals Rodeo (NFR) earnings and a two-time Hondo Maverick Award winner.
The first four invitees in each event are as follows:
Bareback Riding: Jacob Lees, Jess Pope, Bradlee Miller, Kade Sonnier Steer Wrestling: Dakota Eldridge, Tucker Allen, Ty Erickson, Kyle Irwin Team Roping Header: Erich Rogers, Kaleb Driggers, Andrew Ward, Tyler Wade Team Roping Heeler: Cory Petska, Junior Nogueira, Jake Long, Paul Eaves Saddle Bronc Riding: Zeke Thurston, Kade Bruno, Sage Newman, Statler Wright Tie-Down Roping: Shad Mayfield, Riley Webb, Shane Hanchey, Dylan Hancock Breakaway Roping: Martha Angelone, Hali Williams, Taylor Munsell, Josie Conner Barrel Racing: Lisa Lockhart, Hailey Kinsel, Emily Beisel, Tricia Aldridge Bull Riding: John Crimber, Wacey Schalla, Luke Mackey, Kaiden Loud
In addition to the standout payout opportunities, athletes will also be highlighted on new stages, bringing the highest level of talent to fans across the country.
“When athletes don’t have to worry about where they’re going for three days, or the logistics of rodeo that they normally have to deal with, they’re able to perform at their highest level. Fans are seeing the highest caliber of rodeo, and it creates a positive cycle for us to continue to grow the sport,” Trawick said, reflecting on the exclusivity of the invite and hospitality offered at Hondo Rodeo Fest events.
With the athlete lineup set, Hondo Rodeo Fest returns to Chase Field Nov. 13-15 for three days of premier rodeo competition, live music and Western entertainment. The Phoenix event marks the festival’s third consecutive year at Chase Field, where Hondo launched in 2024, and continues the momentum of the festival’s expansion into the New Orleans and Tampa markets.
Trawick reflected on the event’s continued growth and his motivations for expanding the rodeo fest: “Our goal is ultimately to help grow our industry and invite new fans to our sport.”