Known as one of the most challenging and prestigious days in team roping, the Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) brings together the sport’s top athletes for a marathon-style event beneath the lights of the famed Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
With the 49th edition now complete, history was once again written in Guthrie. Young gun Tyler Tryan teamed up with veteran Levi Lord to claim the coveted title, splitting $150,000 in the aggregate race alone.
Setting the pace early, the duo clocked a 5.45-second run to win the first round and earn $8,000. They remained consistent throughout the day, entering the short go as the high-call team. When it mattered most, Tryan and Lord delivered, finishing with a 42.21-second aggregate time on six head — the third-fastest in BFI history.
They secured the title, a full prize line and a coveted victory lap.
Widely regarded as one of the toughest events in team roping, the BFI is known for long scores and fast cattle, testing even the best competitors. The event honors its namesake, Bob Feist, a ProRodeo Hall of Fame and National Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee, who established the groundbreaking roping nearly 50 years ago.
Lord, a five-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, reflected on the significance of the win.
“This win is everything. It’s life-changing — the money, the honor, all of it,” Lord said. “To come out on top against this level of competition is incredible.”
Tryan, the 2024 Resistol Rookie of the Year header, added another milestone to his already impressive resume. A second-generation BFI champion, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Clay Tryan, while also capturing the Junior BFI Open — a historic feat.
“There’s nothing like the BFI,” Tryan said. “It’s such a prestigious roping with so much money on the line.”
Tryan earned $110,000 in aggregate winnings across both titles.
The event also set the stage for key storylines heading into the remainder of the 2026 season. Tryan and Lord plan to continue their recent partnership at The American Rodeo Regional Qualifier in Lexington, Kentucky.
Meanwhile, fans witnessed one of the final runs from world champions Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp, who recently announced they will part ways for the rest of the season. Wade is set to rope with Paul Eaves, while Thorp will team up with Tanner Tomlinson.
Adding to the drama, Tryan and Lord edged out two-time BFI champions Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira, who entered the short go in position to potentially become the first team to win three consecutive BFI titles.
With another unforgettable chapter complete, anticipation is already building for next year’s milestone 50th anniversary celebration.