World's Toughest Rodeo lives up to the name with top athletes making the stop in Iowa. 2026 is looking promising in the roughstock events!
The CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo delivered exactly what its name promises when it rolled into Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 9–10. This is a sought after, high-energy, roughstock-only show featuring some of the toughest cowboys and rankest animals in professional rodeo.
Unlike traditional rodeos that span all seven events, the World’s Toughest Rodeo focuses only on bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. The format puts a premium on precision and grit in the rough stock events, often culminating in a dramatic showdown round where everything is left on the line.
For the guys competing, this is a great chance to ride elite stock, win big money early in the year and make a statement before the long season truly settles in.
Bareback Riding: Schalla Stays Hot
In the bareback riding, Wacey Schalla continued the momentum he built during a breakout 2025 season. Fresh off a strong showing at his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in the bareback riding, Schalla proved that his form has carried into the new year.
The Oklahoma cowboy put together an 87.5-point ride aboard Three Hills Rodeo’s Bobby’s Peaches to claim the win in Des Moines. Known for his aggressive style and consistency, Schalla has now established himself as a threat in both roughstock disciplines, having qualified for the NFR in bareback riding in 2025 and bull riding in 2024 and 2025.
Bareback Results: 1. Wacey Schalla, 87.5 points on Three Hills Rodeo's Bobby's Peaches, $6,430; 2. (tie) Donny Proffit and Luke Thrash, 86, $4,286 each; 4. Clay Jorgenson, 85, $2,358; 5. Carson Hildre, 84.5, $1,500; 6. (tie) Ben Kramer, Drew Lind, Bradlee Miller and Jess Pope, 84, $643 each.
Saddle Bronc Riding: The Wright Name Continues
Saddle bronc riding belonged to another familiar name in rodeo history. Rusty Wright, the oldest of the Wright brothers, captured the win with an 89.5-point ride on Three Hills Rodeo’s Devil’s Advocate.
While much of the spotlight in 2025 fell on his younger brothers, who finished first, second and third in the world standings, Rusty reminded fans that he is far from finished. A five-time NFR qualifier from Utah, Wright is working to claw his way back into the Top 15 for 2026, and performances like this one really show that he remains firmly in the conversation per usual.
Saddle Bronc Results: 1. Rusty Wright, 89.5 points on Three Hills Rodeo's Devils Advocate, $6,345; 2. Sage Newman, 87, $4,865; 3. (tie) Wyatt Casper and Cash Wilson, 85.5, $2,961 each; 5. Chase Brooks, 85, $1,481; 6. (tie) Ben Andersen, Shea Fournier and Coleman Shallbetter, 84.5, $846 each.
Bull Riding: Dougherty’s Statement Ride
In the bull riding, Chase Dougherty delivered one of the most notable rides of the weekend. Dougherty covered Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo’s Knight Kap for 86 points, marking the first qualified ride ever made on the bull.
The win carried extra weight for the Decatur, Texas, cowboy, who has recently returned to competition following hip surgery. A two-time NFR qualifier and accomplished PBR competitor, Dougherty’s ride in Des Moines was a clear sign that he is healthy and ready to contend again at the highest level.
Bull Riding Results: 1. Chase Dougherty, 86 points on Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo's Knight Kap, $6,592; 2. Kolt Achenbach, 82.5, $5,111; 3. (tie) Ethan Skogquist and Jace Trosclair, 82, $3,208 each; 5. Dakota Warnken, 81, $1,727; 6. Cooper James, 80.5, $1,304; no other qualified rides.
A Proving Ground Early in the Season
Stops like Des Moines are a reminder of what makes the CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo a key proving ground.
As the calendar turns and the road stretches ahead, Des Moines served as an early-season snapshot of where the best of the bestroughstock guys stands; intense, competitive and already pointing toward a hard-fought 2026.