California Rodeo Salinas: The 2026 Champions Are Crowned

The 2026 California Rodeo Salinas showcased the best of professional rodeo as athletes battled through multiple rounds of competition for championship titles and significant payouts.

Leighton Berry finished atop the bareback riding leaderboard with 175 points on two head to claim $7,922. Keenan Hayes followed closely behind with 171.5 points, while Clayton Biglow, Jacob Lees, and Andy Gingerich split third place after matching 170.5-point aggregates.

In steer wrestling, Stan Branco captured the average title with a combined time of 23.2 seconds on three head, earning $6,760. Trisyn Kalawaia finished second at 23.6 seconds, while Levi Rudd rounded out the top three with a 26.9-second total. Team roping saw Dawson Graham and Dillion Graham rise to the top after posting a five-head aggregate time of 44.1 seconds. Andrew Ward and Jake Long, along with Marcus Battaglia and Justin Davis, tied for second with matching 45.3-second totals, while No.1-ranked team Korbin Rice and Cooper Freeman finished fourth.

Darcy Radel claimed the saddle bronc riding championship with 173 points on two head, earning $7,343. Kolby Wanchuk finished just behind with 172.5 points, while Jake Finlay and Ira Dickinson tied for third with 172 points.

Shad Mayfield secured the tie-down roping championship with a 30.3-second aggregate time on three head, earning $8,210. After missing six months of competition due to injury, Mayfield has quickly regained momentum and continues to make a strong push during the second half of the season. Zack Jongbloed and Joel Harris tied for second with 30.4 seconds, and Haven Meged finished fourth with a 30.6-second aggregate.

In barrel racing, Tricia Aldridge and Adios Pantalones claimed the title with a four-run aggregate time of 64.40 seconds. Sherry Cervi finished second in 64.98 seconds, while Kellie Jorgensen rounded out the top three with 65.11 seconds. Josie Conner topped the breakaway roping with an aggregate time of 12.7 seconds on three head. Kenlie Brennise finished second with a 12.8, and Ryland Pintar rounded out the top three with a 12.9.

Bull riding closed out the weekend with TJ Gray earning the championship after posting 177 points on two head. Tristen Hutchings finished second with 170.5 points, followed by Colten Fritzlan with 166 points.

The rodeo season is far from over, but thanks to premier rodeos like the California Rodeo Salinas, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of the athletes who could make their way to the Thomas & Mack Center come December.