Three weeks of cut-throat, tournament-style competition come down to this, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (FWSSR) ProRodeo Tournament Finals.
In a unique shootout featuring the top eight competitors in each discipline, the slate is wiped clean as athletes are urged to lay it all on the line for a coveted FWSSR title.
They say, “This Thing Is Legendary,” and for good reason. As the largest rodeo of the 2026 season thus far—and one of the largest overall—the FWSSR provides an early-season preview of emerging stars and established athletes to watch throughout the remainder of the Texas Swing and into the spring rodeos.
With a total payout exceeding $1.6 million, finalists have been collecting checks throughout the competition, though the biggest payday is reserved for the Championship Round. Each discipline winner will take home $20,000, placing all eyes on Cowtown as the hard work culminates inside Dickies Arena on Saturday, Feb. 7.
“It means everything to qualify for the finals,” said 2025 Reserve World Champion bareback rider Sam Petersen. “These big winter rodeos are super crucial when it comes to winning a big lump sum of money and propelling you up the world standings to try and have a great season and win a world championship.”
Petersen, who advanced from the semifinals with an 87-point ride aboard Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Mustard, understands the importance of a strong winter showing.
“You can still make the NFR after June 1, but if you can capitalize on a successful winter season, it certainly makes things much easier,” he said.
Reflecting on his finals mindset, Petersen said his approach remains unchanged.
“My mindset doesn’t change,” he said. “You have to treat every horse the same—go out there, do your best and see how the cards fall.”
Joining Petersen in the bareback riding are fellow NFR qualifiers Tilden Hooper, Jacob Lees, Leighton Berry, Wacey Schalla, Jess Pope, Cole Reiner and reigning world champion Rocker Steiner.
Marking a thrilling 91.0-point ride during the bull riding semi-finals, Colorado kid Mackey, atop Rafter G Rodeo’s Nemesis, punched his ticket to compete against a standout field. Fresh off a strong NFR during his Resistol Rookie season, he will look to capitalize on his success once again in his sophomore season.
Steer wrestling will feature a strong mix of veteran NFR qualifiers and rising contenders, including Justin Shaffer and Bridger Anderson, alongside athletes on the cusp of their first NFR qualification. Among them are Trisyn Kalawaia and Mason Couch, both of whom finished inside the top 25 of the 2025 PRCA world standings and have their sights set on breaking into the top 15 in 2026.
In the breakaway roping, world champion Shelby Boisjoli-Meged made a statement in one of her final rodeos before her “maternity leave”, qualifying for the FWSSR Finals with a winning 2.2-second run in the semifinals. She will be joined by 2025 NFBR Aggregate Champion Rylee George and Josie Conner in the finals field.
Team roping will feature 2025 Resistol Rookie of the Year James Arviso and partner Rance Doyal, who have roped consistently through the opening rounds. The duo will look to finish strong in the shootout-style finals. Two all-Canadian teams—Denim Ross and Kavis Drake, along with brothers Dawson and Dillon Graham—will also vie for top honors amongst a talented field.
Saddle bronc riding will showcase three members of the Wright family—Stetson, Ryder and Rusty—competing against a decorated field. Rusty Wright, who has found success at nearly every January appearance, will look to maintain his momentum. Competing alongside him are NFR standouts Damian Brennan and 2025 FWSSR champion Kade Bruno.
Barrel racing will feature one of the sport’s most recognizable duos, four-time world champion Hailey Kinsel and her main-mount Sister. The pair electrified the semifinals Dickies Arena crowd with a 16.26-second run to secure a spot in the finals. Kinsel will be joined by NIRA Collegiate Champion Acey Pinkston and reigning world champion Kassie Mowry in the top eight.
Capping off the FWSSR Finals storylines is a stacked tie-down roping field, with all eight finalists also past NFR qualifiers: Blane Cox, Tom Crouse, Marty Yates, Beau Cooper, John Douch, Zack Jongbloed and Kincade Henry. With each competitor aiming for their first gold buckle in 2026, the elite field promises a thrilling finish.
It all comes down to this.
Championship Saturday at the legendary FWSSR takes place Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. CT, crowning the champions of the event’s historic 130th edition. Fans can catch all the action live on The Cowboy Channel and its digital platforms.