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 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo 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.
After three weeks of cutthroat, tournament-style competition, the top athletes of the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo ProRodeo Tournament emerged as champions, cementing their names in the 129th chapter of the event’s storied history.
Championship Saturday was also sentimental for rodeo fans, personnel and athletes alike, as legendary announcer Bob Tallman celebrated his 50th — and final — FWSSR behind the microphone.
Many athletes paused to reflect and pay tribute to the voice that has narrated their careers.
“If I start to talk about it long enough, I’ll start to cry a little bit,” said 10-time NFR qualifier and 2026 FWSSR bareback riding champion Tilden Hooper. “When I hear rodeo in my head, whenever I’m practicing or getting ready to get on a horse or practicing on my spur board, it’s always been Tallman’s voice. He’s the best, and I’m so grateful I get to ride in his era and call him a friend.”
With a total payout exceeding $1.6 million, finalists collected checks throughout the tiered tournament-style rodeo. In a unique shootout featuring the top eight competitors in each discipline, the slate was wiped clean, forcing each athlete to lay it all on the line for the coveted title and $20,000 payday.
Two steer wrestlers eager to ignite their 2026 campaigns emerged as co-champions.
Three-time NFR qualifier Bridger Anderson and Trisyn Kalawaia, who finished the 2025 season inside the top 25 in the PRCA standings, each stopped the clock in 3.8 seconds to split the title. Both cowboys earned $16,000 in the final round alone, propelling Anderson to No. 1 in the PRCA world standings and Kalawaia to No. 2.
“This win is huge,” said Kalawaia, a Hilo, Hawaii, native. “The rodeo does such a great job of taking care of us contestants. I love Fort Worth. To get the win here is pretty awesome.”
Kalawaia, who has his sights set on qualifying for his first National Finals Rodeo, understands the significance of a major payday at a Texas Swing indoor rodeo.
“Texas Swing rodeos are big and crucial, but my mindset doesn’t change throughout the year,” he said. “I just focus on staying consistent and doing my job. Vegas is always my goal. It’s been my dream since I was a kid. To start off strong here is great. Hopefully we’ll keep it rolling and stay consistent through the summer.”
Anderson, who knows the road to Las Vegas well, echoed that sentiment.
“It’s a good start to the year,” Anderson said. “We want to set ourselves up for a great year and a gold buckle.”
Anderson added the FWSSR title to his decorated résumé and credited his longtime mount, Whiskers, who has carried him through nearly every chapter of his career.
“It’s pretty awesome to win on Whiskers,” Anderson said. “That horse is pretty special and tries his heart out every time. He’s 17 now. I hope I can continue to ride him for a few more years. I’m grateful for every run I get to make on him.”
Also taking top honors in Cowtown was Hooper, who marked 92 points aboard Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party to claim the bareback riding title. The Texas cowboy earned $20,000 for the win and finished the rodeo with $27,418 in total earnings.
Breakaway roper Jill Tanner added $27,308 to her season earnings after claiming the title inside Dickies Arena. Team ropers Corben Culley and Trent Vaught, took home the largest wins of their careers to date, with a 5.4-second showing, to secure the title and the $20,000 payday.
Reigning world champion barrel racer Kassie Mowry electrified the crowd with a record-setting 16.04-second run to claim the FWSSR title aboard Jarvis.
Rusty Wright of Milford, Utah, and Australia’s Darcy Radel split the saddle bronc riding title with matching 91-point rides. Wright’s score came aboard Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight, while Radel matched it on J Bar J Pro Rodeo’s Shady Jacket. Radel earned $21,935 to kickstart his 2026 campaign.
When the North Texas dust settled, four-time NFR qualifier Kincade Henry secured the tie-down roping title with a 7.6-second run aboard his horse, Mario.
Closing out Championship Saturday was bull riding champion Trey Kimzey of Strong City, Oklahoma. One of only two riders to cover his bull, Kimzey scored 88.5 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Hermes to claim the win. He earned $27,400 during the week, including ground money.
With the conclusion of the 2026 FWSSR in the books, athletes will set their sights on other major Texas Swing rodeos like the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and beyond.