Championship dreams and life changing money collided once again at The American Rodeo.
With 2 million dollars up for grabs, the best of the best rodeo athletes came together in Globe Life Field to battle for titles and life changing money. Dreams came true in Arlington.
The American Rodeo is one of the most exciting events in all of rodeo. Every year, the American puts up a million dollar bonus that contenders are eligible for. The contenders go up against the top 5 in the PRCA / WPRA World Standings from the previous year.
This year was extra exciting with a 2 million dollar bonus up for grabs. In the end, 3 contenders split the 2 million dollars, and went home with their lives completely changed. That kind of money is not something that rodeo athletes get to compete for everyday.
Bareback Riding
The reining World Champion bareback rider, Rocker Steiner put on a show through the two day event. Steiner put together a textbook ride in the Final Showdown round matched up with Secrets Out. He was a big 90.5 points and took home $100,000.
Rocker has a winning history at the American. He is now the back to back American Rodeo champion after claiming the victory in 2025 too. For two years in a row he has won RODEOHOUSTON, then the American, and last year that led to his first World Title as well.
Team Roping
The team roping kept everyone on the edge of their seats in the final round. The first two teams went out with penalties, and left only two left to rope. Clint Summers and Jade Corkill went out there and did their job like they do. A 4.83 was enough for $100,000 payday.
Arguably one of the coolest moments was the interview with Jade Corkill after his win. He explained all of the moments that led up to this win, including a conversation with Kelsie Domer in the parking lot, and wearing pink in honor of her little girl Oaklynn Rae. Corkill gave all the glory to God, and there was not a dry eye in the place.
Breakaway Roping
The breakaway roping was one of the most exciting events to watch. Going into the final round, fans knew two of the ladies were 2 million dollar eligible. One of those girls was Madison Outhier, who won the very first American rodeo when they added breakaway at just 16 years old. She had won both of the rounds leading up to the finals with two sub two second runs. The other lady with a chance was South Dakota cowgirl Rickie Fanning.
Rickie was first out and put together a blazing 1.71. That was the fastest time of the whole weekend. Rylee George and Josie Conner were the two invites that had to rope. A broken barrier and a no time for those two meant that regardless of how Madison did, the 2 million dollars was going to a breakaway roper. Outhier made a great run with a 1.9, but Rickie Fanning would come out the champion.
When it was all said and done, Fanning would be one of three contestants to take home a share of that 2 million dollar bonus.
Saddle Bronc
Another 2 million dollar champion came out of saddle bronc. Sage Newman paired up with the talented bronc, Larry Culpepper. He was also a contender, and took home his share of that bonus as well as the $100,000 event winner check.
Sage has been on fire lately. He recently moved into the top ten in the PRCA Standings after a big win in Billings Montana too. This time, he took home nearly a million dollars to Montana himself. Newman is looking to make his 6th NFR in 2026.
Steer Wrestling
The third and final million dollar winner came out of the Steer Wrestling. It has been an amazing couple of years for the young Gavin Soileau. In 2025, he made his first National Finals Rodeo. Now in 2026, he just took home nearly a million dollars. He was a 3.79 in the final round and was enough to take the win.
Tie Down Roping
The tie down roping got wicked fast. Kincade Henry walked away as the champion taking home $100,000 to Mount Pleasent, Texas. He not only won the title, but also set an arena record in the final showdown round with a 6.57. Henry is well on his way to his first World Title. He has been on fire in 2026 as well and is sitting in the top 10 of the standings. The American Rodeo money might not count towards the standings, but the momentum is helpful nonetheless.
Barrel Race
Going into the finals, three of the four ladies were 2 million dollar eligible in the barrelrace. Hayle Gibson Stilwell was the only invitee to make it through, and she had to hold off three of the best qualifiers. Her and her amazing horse Piper took the win running a 15.428. Stilwell walked away $100,000 richer.
Bull Riding
There were only three bull riders to make the whistle and qualify for the final showdown round. One of the guys was 2 million dollar eligible, and the other two were from the NFR. The Brazilian talent, Luciano De Castro was first out and got bucked off. Next up was Wacey Schalla, the PRCA's youngest million dollar cowboy. Schalla also did not make the whistle. The last man to go was rodeo's Superman. Stetson Wright left no room for question making a flawless 89 point ride aboard the bull they call Ambush. This gave Wright antother American title to add to his history making résumé.
