For many athletes, qualifying for Championship Sunday was a make-or-break opportunity that could set the tone for the final two weeks of the regular season. With each event paying out $77,000, the stakes were high as athletes looked to earn valuable money, qualify for the CINCH Playoffs Series Finale — the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota — and ultimately secure a position inside the top 15 by Oct. 1.
With 24 of the sport’s top athletes competing across two pools, Sunday’s finale featured the top eight competitors, with the top four from each pool advancing. Those eight athletes competed for a spot in the top four, who then advanced to a shootout-style competition. The top athletes had the opportunity to take home $13,900 in the shootout alone.
Many athletes on the bubble embraced the pressure and capitalized on the opportunity, earning top honors in Puyallup.
In a thrilling tie, world champions Jess Pope and Keenan Hayes shared the bareback riding title. Both athletes have unofficially secured their spots in Las Vegas, but the Puyallup payday made the trip even sweeter.
Steer wrestler Jesse Brown found himself in a similar position, chasing the lead in the world standings and narrowing the gap after earning $13,900 in the final round alone.
Team roping also featured a tie between teams that have all but booked their tickets to Las Vegas. 2025 Resistol Rookie of the Year James Arviso teamed up with NFR qualifier Levi Lord to share top honors at the Puyallup Rodeo with world champions and current standings leaders Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira. Both teams have officially punched their tickets to Sioux Falls for the Governor’s Cup, where they will look to continue their success.
Saddle bronc rider Ryder Wright found himself atop a highly competitive leaderboard as he looked to extend his success among the top 15 in the world standings.
In the tie-down roping, three-time reigning world champion Riley Webb topped another leaderboard, this time at the 2026 Puyallup Rodeo.
Top athletes Josie Conner and Jackie Crawford shared the breakaway roping title, adding another win to both of their accomplished résumés.
Barrel racer Carlee Otero took home top honors with a quick run as she continues to build momentum in her standout season.
Concluding the action was PBR World Champion bull rider John Crimber, who topped the impressive field and continues to make his mark in the Resistol Rookie Race.
With the action in Puyallup coming to a close, all eyes now shift to the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota — the largest and most exclusive rodeo remaining during the final weeks of the regular season.