All roads lead to Arlington, and all eyes are on Oklahoma City tonight. As the top athletes from the Central Region advance to The American Rodeo Central Regional Finals, competitors will lay it all on the line for a chance to earn their spot at rodeo’s crown jewel — The American Rodeo Championship Weekend.
With qualifier fields set and the first regional in the books, attention turns to the standout athletes in the qualification system, each aiming to secure a place in Arlington, and a share of the historic $2 million Qualifier Bonus. Simply put: all paths lead to Arlington.
Each region features all eight rodeo disciplines. The semifinals include up to 125 athletes per event, made up of qualifier advancements, competitors ranked No. 6–20 in the 2025 PRCA/WPRA world standings (with five seeded per region), and a limited number of direct buy-ins.
The finals, held during Saturday night’s performance and televised nationally on FS1 at 8 p.m. EDT on April 18, will showcase the top 10 athletes from the semifinals, along with three advancing from the Redemption Round. Both rounds take place in the same venue on consecutive days.
More than $540,000 in prize money is guaranteed at the regional level. In total, 27 athletes will leave the regional finals with $10,000 each before advancing to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on May 22–23.
Those who advance will go head-to-head with the sport’s elite, the top five finishers from the 2025 PRCA/WPRA world standings in each discipline. That group includes 10-time world champion Stetson Wright, bareback riding standout Rocker Steiner, two-time barrel racing world champion Kassie Mowry and three-time tie-down roping world champion Riley Webb.
The stage is set for history to be made inside the home of the Texas Rangers.
So, who will answer the call in Oklahoma City and punch their ticket to Globe Life Field?
Looking ahead to Saturday night’s finals, the field features a compelling mix of rising stars, 2025 National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and seasoned veterans.
In the bareback riding, fans will watch closely as brothers Leighton Berry and Kade Berry go head-to-head against a deep and talented field, each chasing a berth in Arlington.
Saddle bronc riding also boasts a stacked roster of NFR qualifiers, all aiming to add a potential $2 million bonus to their resumes. Among them is four-time NFR qualifier Kade Bruno, who currently sits third in the world standings after a strong winter run.
In the bull riding, world champion Josh Frost looks to secure his place inside Globe Life Field. He’ll face a competitive lineup that includes rising talent Garrett Uptain of Colorado, as qualifiers fight to keep their million-dollar hopes alive.
Barrel racing brings another loaded field. Veteran standout Lindsay Sears, a two-time world champion, returns in pursuit of continued excellence. She’ll compete alongside top athletes, including 2024 American Rodeo champion Brandon Cullins, who claimed the life-changing $1 million bonus two years ago.
All eyes will also be on the father-son duo of 26-time world champion Trevor Brazile and his son, Treston Brazile, a Weatherford College rodeo commit, as they continue building their legacy together. Meanwhile, team roping world champions Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp enter with momentum following a win at The Hondo.
Breakaway roping could deliver one of the fastest rounds in the history of the sport. Shania Johnston’s 1.29-second run in the Central Regional Redemption Round set the pace — the fastest of the day and one of the quickest in American Rodeo history. With 31 runs under 2.00 seconds across three rounds, the event continues to push new limits. Johnston returns Saturday night with a chance to add another historic performance.
All eyes remain on Oklahoma City, and all paths lead to Arlington.
Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion of The American Rodeo Central Regional Finals, airing Saturday at 8 p.m. EDT on FS1. For full rosters and updates, visit The American Rodeo’s official channels.