The Welsh bull riding legacy isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, especially after Hayden Welsh was just picked No. 1 in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Teams Draft by the Kansas City Outlaws. The 20-year-old Gillette, Wyo., native first climbed aboard a bovine at age four, following in the footsteps of his father, Bobby Welsh, a seven-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier. While rodeo runs deep in his blood, Hayden is quickly proving he’s building a name for himself all on his own — and his story is only just beginning.
Last year, rodeo fans were captivated by Welsh’s standout permit season. He earned more than $147,000, which would have placed him 14th in the world and secured a coveted trip to the yellow bucking chutes at the NFR had he purchased his Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) card. But true to his word, Welsh stayed the course and finished out his season on his permit. Now officially a rookie in 2026, he’s already making his mark, earning $99,360 by June and sitting fifth in the world standings.
While Welsh focused on establishing himself during the PRCA season, he received a phone call from the Outlaws’ management that would change the trajectory of his career.
"I had been telling [PBR Teams] ‘no’ all year long,” Welsh shared. “But then J.W. Hart, John Williams, and Guilherme Marchi got together and called me; that’s where I thought this would be cool. I called my dad right after, and his exact words were, ‘If I had this opportunity 20 years ago, I would make it work.’"
After the call, Welsh took a hard look at the PBR Teams schedule alongside his PRCA season and realized he could make both work. The two schedules rarely overlapped, with the only real sacrifice being the opportunity to circuit rodeo. Still, Welsh knew where he was meant to be. For him, PBR Teams was a chance he couldn’t pass up.
“To declare for the draft and be able to be the first-round pick was kind of a big factor in my decision as well,” Welsh said. “Knowing that these guys really wanted me and knowing they thought I’d be a good fit for the program meant a lot to me.”
For the young bull rider, PBR teams represent more than another opportunity to ride bulls. It’s a chance to continue sharpening his craft while being part of something bigger than himself. The team atmosphere motivates him, Welsh said, knowing every ride contributes not only to his own success but also to the success of his teammates.
“I have a team that will uplift and encourage me in my bull riding,” Welsh said. “I’ll be able to stay sharp and be the best bull rider I can become. I really am so excited. I wore that jersey all around Fort Worth the day of the draft and let it sink in.”
More Than Just Another Ride
Growing up, Welsh never imagined a future that didn’t include the yellow bucking chutes. While he’s always had a deep respect for the PBR, there was never a world where he thought he’d be able to compete at a high level in both organizations – until the introduction of the PBR Teams.
“I don’t think I ever would have done the PBR without the Teams,” Welsh said. “The way it works out with the dates and still allows me the opportunity to go to my dream, the NFR, and be able to do the team deal, is why I’m going over there and doing both.”
As the No. 1 draft pick continues to sharpen his craft, he’s also looking forward to being part of a team he can both support and be supported by. For Welsh, it all comes back to the mindset he’s carried since day one: stay committed and stay true to the path.