Tristen Hutchings has continually been a name at the top of the list for many years. He is taking 2026 by storm, proving he wants that gold buckle this year.
For many years now, the bull riding has been a tight race at the top. One of the names that has consistently been in the mix is Tristen Hutchings.
As of this last week, we reported that Stetson Wright was now in the driver seat of the PRCA Standings in the bull riding, as well as the saddle bronc and the all around. However, now Hutchings has taken over the top in the bull riding.
The Montview, Idaho cowboy has had an incredible winter remaining at the top throughout the season so far. Del Rio, Texas has become an important stop for Hutchings. This year was the 48th George Paul Memorial Xtreme Bull Riding event. For the second year in a row, Hutchings came out the champion.
An 87 point ride in the first round was good enough to tie for third and get Tristen started off right. Then in the finals, he put together the highest mark ride of the event going 91 points on Stockyards ProRodeo's Jag Metals Soul Glo. This secured the round win, and the average win.
The Del Rio event added over $15,000 to Hutchings season earnings and pushed him over Wright and into the number 1 spot.
Just a couple day before this big win, Tristen cashed in big at the Clovis rodeo as well as the Xtreme bulls event there. Overall, 2026 has just been phenomenal for him. He got the win in Cave Creek, Arizonia. He also was the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Champion after adding good money from Fort Worth and Houston too.
All of this success is no surprise looking at Hutchings growing résumé. He is a 4x National Finals Rodeo Qualifier with over a million dollars in career earnings. In 2022, as an NFR rookie, Hutchings finished third in the world standings. He has been a contender every year since. In 2026, the goal is the gold.
Hillary Maybery PhotographyRight now, Hutchings has $118,909 and some change won. Stetson still sits in second with over $101,000. RODEOHOUSTON Champ, Jake Gardner is comfortably in third being the only other guy with over $100,000 so far. Colorado kid Luke Mackey and Mason Moody sit 4th and 5th respectively after both making their first NFR appearance in 2025. 2026 Rookie, Hayden Welsh is close behind in 6th.
There is still a lot of year left to go, but it is safe to say Tristen Hutchings has his eyes on a gold buckle in 2026.