The storylines were rich and the payouts plentiful at the second annual Hondo Rodeo Fest, held at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Invited athletes went head-to-head across every discipline, competing for their share of a $1 million purse. As the Arizona sun set, rodeo’s top athletes etched their names into a growing chapter of western sports history.
Headlining the event for the second consecutive year was barrel racing legend Lisa Lockhart. The 2024 Hondo Rodeo Champion and winningest barrel racer in WPRA history repeated her success in 2025, capturing her second Maverick Award — which includes a $50,000 bonus for the weekend’s top-earning athlete. Winning two of three rounds, Lockhart claimed the aggregate title with a time of 41.256 seconds over three runs, earning a total of $101,500 during the three-day showcase.
The South Dakota native beamed as she crossed the Chase Field stage, reflecting on her success. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” Lockhart said. “It’s such a team effort — my horse, my family, sponsors, and the people who put on this amazing event.”
In the bareback riding, world champion Jess Pope added another accolade to his decorated career, winning both the first round and aggregate titles to collect $40,000.
Steer wrestler Ty Erickson impressed with a sharp aggregate time of 12.38 seconds to take home his second consecutive title, building momentum as he prepares for his 10th NFR qualification.
In the team roping, Kaleb Driggers and Paul Eaves produced three clean, consistent runs to secure the aggregate title and $20,000 each.
Saddle bronc riders Kade Bruno and Sage Newman split the aggregate title after each earned a round win — Bruno in the first, Newman in the third — both marking a total of 262.5 points.
In tie-down roping, Dylan Hancock won two of the three rounds, but it was four-time world champion Tuf Cooper who claimed the aggregate title, edging Hancock’s 22.42 seconds with a total time of 22.11.
Breakaway roper Martha Angelone was one of only two competitors to catch all three calves. Her lightning-fast 1.93-second run in the first round helped her secure the aggregate title and $32,000 total payout.
Rounding out the event, bull rider Kaiden Loud delivered a standout performance to take home top honors in his discipline.
But the excitement of the Hondo Rodeo Fest isn’t ending in the Arizona desert.
Organizers have announced the event’s first major expansion for 2026 — bringing the Hondo Rodeo Fest to New Orleans. Scheduled for April 10-12, 2026, the event will take over the Caesars Superdome, home of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints. The festival will feature its signature million-dollar rodeo competition, a country concert series, and a fan festival expected to draw up to 100,000 attendees.
The New Orleans event is a partnership between The Hondo Rodeo Fest, the State of Louisiana, Legends Global, the Louisiana Stadium and Exhibition District, and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Hondo Rodeo Fest to The Big Easy,” said James Trawick, CEO of The Hondo Rodeo Fest in a recent release. “The scale of the Superdome gives us an incredible opportunity to meet the growing appetite for rodeo and live country music. We’re grateful for the support of Governor Jeff Landry and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation to help make this our best Hondo Rodeo Fest yet.”
“We’re proud to welcome the Hondo Rodeo Fest to Louisiana and the Caesars Superdome,” said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. “This event represents the kind of major entertainment investment that drives tourism, supports local business, and strengthens our state’s live events economy. The Hondo Rodeo Fest captures the spirit of Louisiana, and we’re excited to blend New Orleans culture into an unforgettable fan experience.”