For many Lone Star State athletes, the Texas Circuit stands as the pinnacle of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) competition — and the perfect opportunity to launch their 2026 season campaigns.
With the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, rodeo athletes waste no time resting. Instead, they roll directly into circuit finals competition, National Finals Rodeo (NFR) preparations and early efforts to stack earnings for the upcoming year. Paying out an impressive $313,413, the Texas Circuit Finals in Waco, Texas, spotlighted some of the sport’s most consistent and promising competitors who proudly call the Lone Star Circuit home.
Bareback rider Bradlee Miller delivered one of the week’s most dominant performances, winning three of the four rounds. The two-time NFR qualifier marked an aggregate score of 336.5 points on four head to capture both the aggregate and year-end circuit titles, earning $4,698 in total. Miller’s momentum in Waco is the perfect boost as he prepares for his second consecutive NFR appearance this December.
In steer wrestling, Shayde Etherton hit his stride midway through the competition, clocking the fastest times in both the second and third rounds. The Indiana native stopped the clock at a total of 15.7 seconds on four head, claiming $4,661 and the aggregate title.
The team roping field featured a stacked lineup of veteran talent and NFR qualifiers, but Cody Carter and Blake Bentley proved to be the most consistent pair of the weekend. The Stephenville, Texas duo turned in four clean runs for an aggregate time of 26.4 seconds on four head, earning $4,661 each and closing out their 2025 campaigns on a high note.
Reigning Resistol Rookie Saddle Bronc Rider of the Year Gus Gaillard continued his breakout season, proving that his success was no fluke. With a total of 337 points on four head, worth $4,661, Gaillard further solidified himself as one of the top young bronc riders in the PRCA. His focus now turns toward earning a spot at his first NFR in 2026.
In tie-down roping, Blane Cox showed that consistency is key. After securing the first-round win, the seasoned Texas cowboy stayed sharp through all four runs to post an aggregate time of 38.7 seconds, taking home the aggregate championship title and a strong payday.
Breakaway roper Martha Angelone also proved her dominance to take home the coveted aggregate title, earning her first Texas Circuit Champion title and a coveted position in the 2026 NFR Open, to be held in the summer in Colorado.
The barrel racing competition showcased the next generation of talent, as Jordan Driver etched another line in her family’s rich rodeo legacy. With a total time of 62.83 seconds on four runs, Driver claimed the aggregate title and earned $4,661 in Waco.
As the 2025 Texas Circuit Finals come to a close, the athletes who dominated in Waco are already setting their sights on the year ahead — chasing points, paydays and the dream of qualifying for the 2026 NFR.
Bull rider Bryce Jensen, who rode three of the four head, rode to an impressive 256.5 point aggregate time to secure the aggregate time for the week.
Fans can relive every ride and run from the Texas Circuit Finals on The Cowboy Channel Plus app.