UPRA Finals Round 1: Who Cashed In on the $320,000 Payout in Bryan

The 2026 Cinch UPRA Finals Rodeo officially kicked off Friday, October 23, bringing the United Professional Rodeo Association’s top competitors to Bryan, Texas, for a weekend of championship competition. Hosted in conjunction with the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, the opening performance delivered impressive rides, quick runs, and substantial payouts as contestants began their final push toward coveted year-end titles.

After a long season of competing across the rodeo circuit, qualifying contestants entered the arena knowing every second, point and dollar could make a difference in the championship standings. Round One provided an opportunity for competitors to establish momentum heading into the remaining performances.

In bareback riding, Zach Hibler of Wheeler, Texas, won the opening round with an 82-point ride aboard T-N-T Rodeo Company’s 939. Hibler earned $2,013.20 for his performance, while Ethan Crouch followed with 78.7 points to finish second.

The saddle bronc riding featured another standout performance as Ethan Cart of Hamshire, Texas, rode Cadillac Rodeo Company’s horse No. 80 for 83 points. Cart collected $2,329.04 for the round win, followed by Kyle Welch with an 80-point ride.

In ranch bronc riding, Taran Knox of Randlett, Oklahoma, claimed the top payout of $1,611.04 with a 75-point ride. Joshua Jaskinia, Jimmie Zesch and Tristan Griffith rounded out the four listed money winners.

Bull riding brought plenty of excitement as Kaleb Lewis of Kaufman, Texas, topped the leaderboard with an 82-point ride aboard SYJ Rodeo Company’s bull No. 30. His performance earned him $2,445.84. At the same time, Ty Lavergne finished second with 79.5 points.

The timed events were equally competitive, with contestants battling for every fraction of a second.

Jhett Akins of Whitesboro, Texas, took the tie-down roping victory with a 9.00-second run, earning $2,970.80. Tate Jordan followed closely behind with a 9.30-second run.

In steer wrestling, Zach Petterson of Lindale, Texas, stopped the clock in just 4.2 seconds to secure the opening-round victory and $2,310.56. Tony Aska finished second with a 4.4-second run.

Team roping saw Wyatt Howell of Millsap, Texas, and Seth Smithson of Bertram, Texas, deliver a winning 4.61-second run. The duo earned $3,026.16 apiece, edging out Laramie Allen and Dee Rampy, who finished second with a 4.87-second run.

The barrel racing competition featured an impressive performance from Ivy Hurst of Springer, Oklahoma. Hurst clocked a 15.111-second run to claim the round victory and $3,013.36. Holly Stormont followed in second with a 15.318, while Janet Staton secured third with a 15.419.

Breakaway roping produced one of the quickest performances of the evening as Kylee Reininger of Seguin, Texas, stopped the clock in 2.04 seconds. Her winning run earned $3,410.72, the largest individual first-place payout listed among the Round One event winners. Sarah Angelone finished second with a 2.20-second run.

With the opening round complete, competitors turned their attention toward the remaining performances, where the championship races would continue to unfold. For some contestants, Friday’s victories provided valuable momentum, while others looked to rebound and climb the standings.

The Cinch UPRA Finals Rodeo continued through Sunday, October 25, when the association’s year-end champions would be determined. With championship titles, prize money and bragging rights on the line, Round One was only the beginning of an exciting Finals weekend in Bryan, Texas.