World Champions came out on top in St. Paul, including the legendary Tim O'Connell
Tim O’Connell fans have wondered when we would see the Champ back in the arena. In 2026, it seems as he is not easing back into the conversation, he’s winning his way right back into the game.
The three-time World Champion bareback rider won the bareback riding at the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo stop in St. Paul, Minnesota, scoring 89 points on Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo’s Wanda’s Medicine.
O’Connell, a 10-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, spent much of 2024 sidelined. When he returned in 2025, he seemed to of competed selectively and did not travel heavily. This left some wondering what the next chapter of his career would look like.
St. Paul offered a glimpse to that answer. O'Connell is undoubtedly in winning shape.
O’Connell has already built one of the most respected careers in bareback riding. Three gold buckles, ten trips to the NFR, and years of unmatched consistency at the highest level.
Bareback riding is unforgiving, and injuries can change a career quickly. This 89 point win in Minnesota looked like the O’Connell we all know and love. He is aggressive, controlled and confident.
If this momentum continues, 2026 could shape up to be a serious push back toward Las Vegas once again. The bareback riding field is deep, and the younger generation is strong, but O’Connell has never relied on hype anyways, he relies on his own execution.
In St. Paul he did just that and executed. A comeback is underway!
What Is Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo?
Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo is a nationally touring winter rodeo series. The event spotlights the roughstock events — bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.
The tour brings top PRCA tim talent into major indoor arenas across the country during the winter months, creating big matchups and strong payouts outside the traditional rodeo run.
The St. Paul stop, held Feb. 13–14, drew all of the best competitors for its 25th anniversary.
2026 Results
In the saddle bronc the reining world champion, Statler Wright was 89 points on Three Hills Rodeo's Bobby Shows to take the win. He was followed closely behind by the 2025 Resitol Rookie of the Year Gus Galliard with 88.5 points.
In the bull riding, 4 time NFR Qualifier Creek Young was 88 points on Dakota Rodeo's Time Bomb.
Bareback Riding
1. Tim O'Connell, 89 points $6,345
2. (tie) Taylor Broussard and Carson Hildre, 85, $4,230 each
4. Kashton Ford, 84.5, $2,327
5. Andy Gingerich, 83, $1,481
6. Bryce Eck, 82.5, $1,058
7. (tie) Richmond Champion and Dean Thompson, 82, $740 each
Saddle Bronc
1. Statler Wright, 89 points $6,289
2. Gus Gaillard, 88.5, $4,821
3. Rusty Wright, 88, $3,564
4. Damian Brennan, 87, $2,306
5. Wyatt Casper, 86.5, $1,467
6. Lefty Holman, 86, $1,048
7. (tie) Waitley Sharon and Blake Steuck, 84, $734 each
Bull Riding
1. Creek Young, 88 points $8,422
2. Coy Thorson, 83.5, $6,948
3. Jace Hensley, 83, $5,685
no other qualified rides.