Deadwood Days of '76 Rodeo Crowns 2026 Champions

The 2026 edition of the historic Deadwood Days of '76 Rodeo wrapped up over the weekend, as competitors battled for a share of over $300,000 at one of rodeo's longest-running and most celebrated events.

In bareback riding, Donny Proffit delivered an 87.5-point ride on Burch Rodeo's Hell's Fire, taking home the championship and $6,310. Cooper Cooke placed second with an 86-point ride, while Cole Reiner finished third with 85.5 points.

Logan Kenline delivered a consistent performance in steer wrestling, stopping the clock at 4.4 and 4.3 seconds to earn the average title. No. 2-ranked Jesse Brown finished closely in second with an 8.8-second aggregate, and Bridger Anderson rounded out the top three with an 8.9.

Resistol Rookier Team Roping leader Ketch Kelton and his partner Denton Dunning secured the team roping championship with an aggregate time of 9.9 seconds on two head. Jace Bland and Truman Magnus finished second with a 10.1-second aggregate. Andrew Ward and Jake Long, along with Tee McLeod and Jake Edwards, tied for third after a pair of 10.6-second averages.

Following a major payday at Ogden Pioneer Days, Jake Finlay scored 85 points on Bailey Pro Rodeo's Candy Coated, tying with Dawson Hay on Bailey Pro Rodeo's Bordertown, to finish atop the saddle bronc riding leaderboard. Damian Brennan finished third with 84 points.

In tie-down roping, Shane Hanchey bested the field with a two-head average of 15.6 seconds. Hanchey currently sits fifth in the world standings and is looking to secure his 17th consecutive NFR qualification. Shad Mayfield finished second in 16.0 seconds, while Lucas Potter and Myles Kenzy tied for third with matching 16.9-second aggregates.

No. 2-ranked barrel racer Emily Beisel took the win for the weekend by nearly three-tenths of a second with a 17.18-second run. Emma Parr finished second with a 17.42, and Ivy Hurst third with a 17.47. Kami Jo Crouse led the field in breakaway roping with a 4.7-second aggregate on two head, followed by Madalyn Richards’ 5.1 and Brandy Schaack and Sage Dunlap’s 5.5.

Dustin Boquet’s 89.5-point ride on Burch Rodeo's Cookies And Cream earned him the bull riding championship. Jeff Bertus and Shane Scott tied for second after each scoring 86.5 points.

Rounding out an incredible weekend was the steer roping, which came down to just one-tenth of a second. Cole Patterson finished first after a three-head average of 31.8 seconds, nearly edging J. Tom Fisher’s 31.9. Mike Chase rounded out the top three with a 37.9.