Resistol Rookie Noah Lee Breaks Bull Riding Regular-Season Earnings Record

Noah Lee’s first season in professional rodeo has already become one for the record books. The rookie bull rider added another major accomplishment to his 2026 campaign last weekend, winning The Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and not only pushing his season earnings past the $400,000 mark, but breaking the bull riding regular-season earnings record in the process.

Lee now has $405,040.61 in season earnings, a remarkable total for any athlete, but especially a first-year ProRodeo competitor. The previous record for bull riding was Stetson Wright's $368,630 in 2023. Wright also holds the record for the single-season earnings record with $592,144 in 2022 – another feat well within Lee's reach.

His consistency throughout the 2026 season has kept him at the top of the Resistol Rookie race while also putting him in the top spot of the bull riding world standings. His success in Sioux Falls is the latest chapter in a storybook rookie season that has been filled with wins and major paydays from the very beginning.

Lee won the average at BULLNANZA in February, then continued stacking wins throughout the spring at events including Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo Xtreme Bulls, Wharton County Youth Fair & Exposition Xtreme Bulls, San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, and San Angelo Xtreme Bulls.

His summer run was even more impressive. Lee collected major paydays at St. Paul Rodeo, Cody Stampede Rodeo, The Calgary Stampede, and Caldwell Night Rodeo. The Calgary Stampede was a special highlight, as Lee won $71,533 in total earnings, including the $50,000 championship-round payday.

Now, with the regular season coming to a close, Lee has exceeded what most rookies could hope to accomplish in their first year – and has firmly positioned himself for a shot at his first Gold Buckle. The last rookie bull rider to win a world championship was Sage Kimzey back in 2014.

Lee will be competing against a talented field of bull riders, including reigning champion Stetson Wright, who will be chasing the Triple Crown of Rodeo this year, and three other rookies.

Bull Riding World Standings:

1. Noah Lee – $405,040.61*

2. Tristen Hutchings – $328,763.60

3. Luke Mackey – $280,145.48

4. Stetson Wright – $279,442.91

5. T.J. Gray – $258,647.79

6. John Crimber – $254,338.89*

7. Hayden Welsh – $242,065.18*

8. Qynn Andersen – $215,162.12

9. Hudson Bolton – $214,284.25

10. Lane Vaughan – $183,897.39

11. Cooper James – $169,121.71

12. Josh Frost – $166,408.40

13. Braxton Whitesell – $161,741.41*

14. Colten Fritzlan – $161,209.21

15. Jake Gardner – $156,068.75

*denotes Resistol Rookie

As we head into NFR prep months, we wish all of this year’s qualifiers the best of luck as they ready themselves to compete in Las Vegas!