A lot of people said Randy Bernard, the man behind The American, was crazy when the event first launched in 2014. He wanted to show how rodeo could grow, and now he has.
In its eighth year, RFD-TV’s The American has paid out more than $20 million and Bernard says holding the event this year was critical because of how it can impact the athletes and the fans. According to Bernard, rodeo athletes are underpaid for how much they travel and train.
He notes that great stories come out of The American every single year, including last year when Shad Mayfield and Wyatt Casper split the $1 million side pot. Mayfield entered the NFR No. 1 in the world thanks to his win at The American and held on to win his first Gold Buckle at age 20. Casper had never had more than $20,000 in his account at one time before his triumph, he finished as the Reserve World Champion in 2020.
“We can’t let these cowboys down this year,” Bernard said. “When we first did it, we knew it was going to be where dreams come true.”
Bernard, who has produced about 4,000 live events in his life, says he loves The American the most because of the unmatched pressure, tension and drama in every ride and run.
“These cowboys are not used to competing for a $1 million,” he said. “I think that’s what the fans love about it, it’s one of those events that just creates this amazing drama. I’ve been to Super Bowls, I’ve been to Mike Tyson fights....It’s that type of aura in the building. I just think it’s the most amazing feeling in the world when you walk in there.”
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