The Governor’s Cup: The Final Game Changer Of The 2026 Rodeo Season

Since its inception, The Governor’s Cup has had a major impact on who ultimately makes the NFR each year. Set for September 25–27 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the event will bring together some of ProRodeo’s top athletes with more than $1.5 million on the line.

For competitors sitting just outside the Top 15, it could be the payday that changes everything. For those already inside the cutoff, it is a chance to strengthen their position before heading to Las Vegas. With the regular season ending September 30, the Governor’s Cup comes at perhaps the most pivotal point in the season.

How It Works

Not every ProRodeo competitor is given the opportunity to compete in Sioux Falls. The road to Sioux Falls begins in Puyallup, Washington, where the Top 24 contestants in the PRCA Playoffs Series points standings will compete at the Cinch Playoffs earlier in September. From there, the format gets even more competitive.

The top four finishers in each event at Puyallup, along with the top eight athletes in the PRCA Playoffs Series standings following the Puyallup competition, will advance to Sioux Falls. That creates a field of 12 contestants in each event.

All 12 competitors will compete in Rounds 1 and 2 in Sioux Falls. After those two rounds, the top eight athletes based on their aggregate scores or times will advance to Saturday's competition.

The Round of 8 on Saturday will be a clean slate round, meaning previous scores and times will no longer carry over. The top four competitors from that round will then advance to the final round, where they will once again start from scratch.

That format puts an enormous premium on performing when it matters most, and that is what makes the Governor's Cup such a potential game changer. Last year, breakaway roper Bailey Bates entered the event roughly $19,000 out of making her first NFBR. After winning the Governor’s Cup, she collected more than $32,000, turning a long-shot qualification into reality.

2025 Governor’s Cup Champions

Bareback Riding – Rocker Steiner

Steer Wrestling – Justin Shaffer

Team Roping – Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira

Saddle Bronc Riding – Dawson Hay

Tie-Down Roping – Kincade Henry

Barrel Racing – Halyn Lide

Breakaway Roping – Bailey Bates

Bull Riding – Ky Hamilton

With so much money available this late in the season, we’re sure to see a dramatic finish across the board for many competitors. The road to the 2026 NFR ends in Sioux Falls.