Money matters most in San Antonio. In Bracket 4, it took a lot of it to advance to the semi finals.
Bracket 4 wrapped up sending more contestants to the semi finals at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This was arguably the toughest progressive bracket yet. It took more money won to advance, the times were faster, and the scores were higher.
In the bareback riding, Sam Petersen continued his dominace. In December he made his first NFR appearance where he captured the average title in Las Vegas. Now he is dominating 2026.
Petersen won Round 2 in San Antonio with the highest marked ride of the bracket, an 89.5 point effort. He finished with $4,954 to lead the group, followed by Roedy Farrell and Cole Reiner, who tied behind him, and Nick Pelke rounding out the four advancing.
The steer wrestling was the toughest and tighest we have seen. 12 time NFR qualifier Dakota Eldridge placed second in all three rounds, and that consistency pushed him to the top with $6,055 earned. Ty Erickson won both Rounds 2 and 3 and finished just behind Eldridge. Rowdy Parrott and Don Payne also advanced, making it a bracket made up entirely of NFR veterans.
In the team roping, 2 time world champions Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira showed why they remain one of the best teams to play the game. They won the second round and placed in the first and third, earning $6,055 each to lead the bracket. Cyle Denison and Lane Mitchell advanced behind them, along with Dustin Egusquiza and J.C. Flake, and Bubba Buckaloo with Joseph Harrison.
The saddle bronc riding opened very strong with a 90 point win from reigning world champion Statler Wright in Round 1. That early statement set the tone and Wright finished atop the bracket with $4,954. Damian Brennan, Layton Green and Brody Wells will join him in the semifinals.
In the breakaway roping, Jordi Edens-Mitchell stayed the most consistent and won Round 2 with a 1.9 to lead the money to advance. Braylee Shepherd was right behind her. Bailey Bates turned in the fastest run of the rodeo so far with a 1.6, just a tenth off the arena record, to secure her spot. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh also moved on after her round 1 win.
Tie-down roping came down to just dollars. World standings leader Kincade Henry tied for first in Round 1 and placed consistently enough to finish with $4,404. He was just one dollar ahead of Trevor Hale. Shane Hanchey and Jake Pratt also advanced on.
In the barrel racing, Sharon Gow proved that placing every round adds up in this format. She did not win a round outright, but by placing in all three, she earned the most money in the bracket. Carlee Otero and Anita Ellis tied behind her. Tricia Aldridge secured the final advancing spot.
The bull riding started slow with no qualified rides in Round 1. Tristan Mize turned the tables in his favor by winning both Rounds 2 and 3. The Texas cowboy finished with $6,238 to lead the bracket. Ruger Piva followed, while Jackson Ward and Fulton Rutland claimed the final two spots.
One bracket remains to finalize the semi final roster in San Antonio. The 2026 standings are beginning to take shape. The money won in these Texas Swing winter rodeos are huge momentum for these cowboys and cowgirls who already have gold buckles on their mind.