Wyoming native Hayden Welsh delivered a hometown performance to win the Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls at Cheyenne Frontier Days on Tuesday, July 22, adding a memorable win to his young, yet accomplished professional career
The Gillette, Wyoming, athlete kicked off his successful showing with a 93.5-point ride to win the first round. Entering Tuesday’s championship round as the final rider of 40, Welsh needed a 91-point ride to secure the overall title– an undoubtedly stout challenge.
Yet, he delivered. Proving why he’s third in the world standings and in contention for his first gold buckle, as a Resistol Rookie, set to make his first NFR.
Scoring 92 points aboard Dakota Rodeo’s Badlands for a two-head total of 185.5 points. The victory came by a single point and earned the 20-year-old $26,660.
Welsh, the son of seven-time NFR bull rider Bobby Welsh, has began to write a legacy of his won, as his ranks second in a highlighly competitive Resistol Rookie bull riding race.
Australia’s Qynn Andersen, the reigning Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo champion, won the second round with a 92.5-point ride and finished second overall with 184.5 points. He earned $25,275 in total, to jump to 16th in the world, as he pursues his second NFR qualification.
Another standout Resistol rookie, and reigning PBR world champion John Crimber placed third with 183.5 points after a 92-point ride, collecting $15,580. Cooper James of Utah finished fourth overall after posting a 91.5-point ride during the final round.
“This is what I’ve been dreaming of since I was 4 years old, watching my dad ride bulls here and when I was 11 years old pulling his bull rope,” Welsh told the crowd and The Cowboy Channel’s Katie Lucas after the win.
Welsh thanked God before adding, “I’m pumped up like a bike tire.”
Fans witnessed eight rides worth 90 points or better during the two-day event, showing the talent of the sport’s elite.
The Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls, held as part of Cheyenne Frontier Days for the second consecutive year, featured a total payout of $103,870. Last year’s event was named the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Event of the Year.
Next on deck, the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo action. Fans and athletes alike can track all the action on all Cowboy+ digital and social platforms.