It all comes down to this.
One of the sports’ toughest qualifying systems has produced its finalists, and now they will face the PRCA’s top athletes from the 2025 season.
In a David-versus-Goliath matchup, rodeo’s elite professionals and rising contenders — all competing at the highest level of the sport — will battle on one of rodeo’s biggest stages for a potential payout of more than $3 million, including the life-changing $2 million bonus available to a qualifying athlete who wins their discipline.
Set inside Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, The American Rodeo Championship Weekend will showcase compelling storylines from every corner of the sport. Following a rigorous qualification process and a highly competitive semifinal round to open championship weekend, Saturday’s championship field is set.
Concluding May 23 in Arlington, Texas, the event will feature many of the sport’s top athletes, a full concert lineup and an immersive fan experience, making it one of the premier rodeos of the year.
Now in its 13th year, The American Rodeo brings together elite professionals, rising stars and underdog qualifiers across all eight traditional rodeo disciplines in a format unlike any other in the sport.
A total of 129 athletes advanced through three regional finals held in the East, Central and West regions before competing Friday night for a spot in Saturday’s championship rounds. At the conclusion of the semifinals, the top five competitors in each discipline advanced to championship day.
Saturday’s competition will feature two rounds, with advancing qualifiers facing the sport’s top professionals. In addition to the $100,000 awarded to each event champion, qualifying athletes remain eligible for the $2 million bonus.
Among the most anticipated storylines is bareback riding, where reigning world champion and defending American Rodeo champion Rocker Steiner will return aboard Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s San Angelo Sam in Saturday’s first round, in pursuit of back-to-back titles. Steiner will face a talented field that includes fellow National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifiers Leighton Berry and R.C. Landingham, both eligible for the $2 million bonus.
Breakaway roping features a star-studded lineup, including world champions Jackie Crawford, Kelsie Domer and Taylor Munsell. They will compete against past American Rodeo champions Josie Conner and Madison Outhier–who captured Friday night’s semifinal title and $15,000 payday.
Team roping also features a standout field led by Friday night’s semifinal champions and brothers-in-law Dustin Egusquiza and J.C. Flake. The pair posted a blazing 3.41-second run to secure the top spot and set the stage for a fast-paced championship round.
Saddle bronc riding will feature three members of rodeo’s famed Wright family — Stetson Wright, Ryder Wright and Statler Wright — competing alongside fellow NFR qualifiers Kade Bruno and Sage Newman, whom are both bonus-eligible qualifiers.
Reigning world champion steer wrestler Tucker Allen will look to add another major title and the $100,000 championship payout to his resume.
Tie-down roping will offer another compelling showdown as reigning American Rodeo and world champion Riley Webb faces a veteran field that includes accomplished qualifiers Tuf Cooper and Cory Solomon.
One of the crowd favorites will be 12-year-old barrel racer Dusky Lynn Hall, who will compete against the WPRA’s best as she pursues the sport’s richest bonus opportunity.
Bull riding will feature reigning world champion Stetson Wright and fellow all-around star Wacey Schalla, the only two invitees competing in multiple events during the championship weekend.
With a maximum of 10 athletes competing in each discipline Saturday, every event features a championship-caliber field. Competitors will first battle to advance to the championship round, where the top four in each discipline will compete for an American Rodeo title. Should multiple qualifiers win their respective events, the $2 million bonus will be shared among them.
For one final night in Arlington, the sport’s biggest names, rising stars and underdog qualifiers will all chase rodeo’s richest prize on one of its grandest stages.
Fans can tune in Saturday on FS1 for the Showdown Round at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by the championship round at 5 p.m. ET on FOX.
Cowboy+ will feature pre-shows for both the semifinals and the championship round.