By Derek Beck
Territorial Rodeo Update
The race for gold buckles is entering one of the busiest stretches of the 2026 PRCA and WPRA season, with several of the sport’s biggest rodeos on tap this weekend and world standings tightening across nearly every event.
While the leaderboard remains familiar in several disciplines, injuries continue to reshape the championship picture.
In bareback riding, reigning world champion Rocker Steiner continues to lead the standings with $122,142 despite recovering from neck surgery that is expected to sideline him until August. Bradlee Miller sits less than $1,000 behind at $121,288, followed closely by Jacob Lees with $117,140. Wacey Schalla remains fourth despite being out with a broken leg, opening the door for the rest of the field to make up ground during the heart of the summer run.
Steer wrestling has become Tyler Waguespack’s race to control. The Louisiana cowboy has earned more than $110,000 this season and holds a comfortable advantage over Holden Myers. Tyke Kipp, Mike McGinn and Cash Robb round out a tightly packed top five.
Breakaway roper Jaci Hammons continues to dominate the women’s standings with more than $57,000 in earnings, nearly doubling second-place Kirby Rawlinson. Amy Ohrt, Alissa Erickson and Kaidyn Holland complete the top five.
The saddle bronc riding race may be the most entertaining battle in professional rodeo. Stetson Wright leads the world with $178,201, but older brother Rusty Wright trails by fewer than $8,000. Kade Bruno, Chase Brooks and Sage Newman remain within striking distance heading into a busy Fourth of July stretch.
Team roping continues to feature familiar names. Korbin Rice leads the header standings with $112,763, while Cooper Freeman tops the heelers with $112,403. Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nunes Nogueira remain second in their respective standings, with Jake Smith and Douglas Rich sitting third.
Tie-down roping belongs to Riley Webb for now. The two-time world champion has built more than a $40,000 lead over Kincade Henry. Shane Hanchey, Joel Harris and Brushton Minton round out the top five.
In barrel racing, Kassie Mowry continues her impressive season with $139,051 in earnings. LaTricia Duke, Emily Beisel, Hayle Gibson-Stillwell and Carlee Otero remain locked in a close battle behind the leader.
Bull riding features another tightly contested championship race. Tristen Hutchings leads the standings with $164,214, while Stetson Wright is making another run at a second world title in a different event, sitting second with more than $142,000. Noah Lee, Hayden Welsh and Luke Mackey complete the current top five.
Several marquee rodeos this weekend could significantly reshape the standings. Cowboys and cowgirls will compete at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo in Mesquite, Texas; the Cowtown Rodeo in Woodstown-Pilesgrove, New Jersey; the Augusta American Legion Rodeo in Augusta, Montana; the World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott, Arizona; the Airdrie Pro Rodeo in Alberta, Canada; the Cody/Yellowstone Xtreme Bulls in Cody, Wyoming; the St. Paul Rodeo in St. Paul, Oregon; and the Greeley Stampede in Greeley, Colorado.
With the Cowboy Christmas run just days away, every dollar earned over the next two weeks could prove critical in determining who enters the second half of the season wearing the yellow leader’s badge.