July 17-26, 2026
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July 17-26, 2026
Bareback Riding
Kade Berry made CFD history last year, breaking the arena record that had stood since 1974 with a 93.5-point ride to win the bareback riding title. His brother Leighton Berry, who was out most of 2025 with injury, was here to witness Kade’s success. Leighton is 6th in the world, and they both compete today. Jacob Lees, currently second in the world standings, is having the best season of his career. After two consecutive trips to the National Finals Rodeo, he missed the big show by three slots last year. Carson Hildre, who is ranked 19th in the world standings, was one of three cowboys to tie for the bareback riding national championship at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper last month. Three other bareback riders in today’s field are in 9th through 20th place in the world standings – Jayco Roper, R.C. Landingham and Mason Stuller.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Hometown favorite Brody Cress is the reigning CFD saddle bronc riding champion and the only man to win four titles in the event at the Daddy of ‘em All. He has qualified for nine consecutive NFRs, but needs to finish the season strong to move up from his current rank of 25th. After several years of injuries and setbacks, Rusty Wright is having his best season ever. He is currently second in the world.
Bull Riding
In a field full of young-gun bull riders, world champion Josh Frost is the most accomplished veteran. He’s been to the NFR five times and won the average buckle twice along with a world title. After injuries kept him away from competition for months, he is currently ranked 23rd. The only CFD champion in bull riding is T.J. Gray, who won here in 2024. Last year he finished as reserve world champion. 2026 PBR world titlist John Crimber made his debut at the Daddy yesterday in championship form. He won the performance with the highest score of the rodeo so far—90.5. Despite a limited pro rodeo schedule early in the season, he is currently ranked third in the rookie standings and 11th in the world. One of his goals is to follow his father Paulo’s path and win an NFR average buckle while dominating in the PBR. Noah Lee, the number one bull rider in the world and rookie rankings, finished out of the top six yesterday, so he needs to do well today to make the semifinals.
Tie-Down Roping
The tie-down roping today could be the best yet at this year’s CFD Rodeo. Last year’s Rookie of the Year and college champ Tyler Calhoun is working his way up the ranks. Former all-around champion here, Tuf Cooper (2013), is 40th in the world standings and is picking and choosing his rodeos carefully. Tuf is now married and a proud father, so his priorities are changing. Cory Solomon won the title here in 2022, and Luke Potter won it the next year. But keep your eyes on two-time college champ Kincaid Henry, who is second in the world standings and headed to his 5th NFR.
Team Roping
Derrick Begay and Colter Todd are fan favorites in the Western world because of their cowboy ways in and out of the arena. They have both earned titles here in the heading, but now with Colter heeling, they have the chance to win it together. Derrick’s nephew James Arviso won the college title in the heading in 2024 and is well on his way to his first NFR. He has been roping with Levi Lord, and in June they earned the silver spurs given to champions at the Reno Rodeo. They are currently 4th and 3rd in the world standings, and James is headed to his first NFR while Levi will rope at the rodeo championships next December for the sixth time. Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira have five gold buckles between them but have never earned one in Frontier Park.
Steer Wrestling
No one was more excited to win the title here in 2025 than steer wrestler Tyke Kipp. His win gave him a confidence boost that he has used to be inside the top 15 in the world standings. Tyke is currently 8th and on pace to qualify for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and we’re not sure that Las Vegas and the NFR are ready for him, but he is certainly ready to compete for a world championship. Taydon Gorsuch is following in the footsteps of his ProRodeo Hall of Famer father Dean Gorsuch. Don’t be surprised if Taydon is wearing a purple shirt here. They have family friends whose daughter has been diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, and when he found out that purple was the color for the disease, they got purple shirts and had her initials embroidered on them. Tristan Martin is looking for his third trip to the NFR and at 11th is hoping to improve that here today. Trisyn Kalawaia is hoping to represent the Aloha State in Las Vegas. The Hawaiian is currently 6th.
Barrel Racing
A CFD title would be extremely important for several of today’s barrel racers. Among those is Summer Kosel, who has set records in Frontier Park on her great horse Apollo. Summer is 12th in the world standings and working to compete at her third NFR. Jana Bean hasn’t been there for 10 years, but aboard the latest mount in the trainer’s barn, “Vizion,” she is making waves. They are 23rd. Julie Plourde qualified for her first NFR in 2025 and left with the average buckle for having the fastest total time on 10 runs. She is 19th behind Morgan Bagnell, who is leading the Rookie of the Year standings.
Breakaway Roping
The breakaway roping is full of women who have qualified for the National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR) at least once. Bradi Good and Beau Peterson have been among the top 15 at the finals twice. Bradi’s father, Shay Good, is a two-time world champion steer roper who won the CFD championship in 2015. Jordi Edens-Mitchell, Kinlie Brennise, Bailey Bates and Aspen Miller all would like to qualify for their second NFBR. Madison Outhier was the 2021 rookie of the year in breakaway roping but has yet to qualify for the NFBR. She’s currently ranked ninth, the highest of any cowgirl roping today. Her dad, Mike Outhier, has some of the bucking horses in this year’s rookie saddle bronc riding. Don’t overlook Madalyn Richards. The Texas A&M graduate was the college national champion in 2024.