The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver kicks off with invite-only tournament and a Team World victory.
The 2026 National Western Stock Show & Rodeo opened up with one of its most unique. The Colorado vs. the World rodeo returned with its invite-only and tournament style format that continues to set it apart from any other rodeo in the sport.
This rodeo features invited champions of specific rodeos from the previous season. Eight contestants in each event represent the World Team after winning designated major rodeos, while eight competitors who won Colorado based rodeos represent Team Colorado.
It is common and expected for Colorado cowboys and cowgirls to compete on either side, depending on where their qualifying wins occurred. It is not Colorado athletes against world athletes; it is Colorado rodeo champions against other rodeo champions through the year.
The rodeo happens across three performances on opening day of the National Western. The World Team competed in the morning performance, while Team Colorado took the arena in the afternoon. In both rodeos, the top four finishers in each event advanced to the finals held during the evening performance. From there, the top athlete from each team met head-to-head in a winner-take-all shootout round to decide the 2026 event champion.
By the night’s end, Team World claimed the overall victory, winning four of the five events. However, the story of the night centered on a family name deeply rooted in rodeo.
Welsh Family Headlines the Night
The Welsh family delivered, claiming wins for both teams.
Representing Team World, Amanda Welsh Wisehart captured the barrel racing title aboard her standout horse Firefly. The win marked a meaningful return for the pair. Firefly has been injured, and they were unsure if the amazing horse would ever return to the arena. Wisehart, a National Finals Rodeo qualifier, brought Firefly back to top form just in time for the opening night in Denver.
On the other side of the arena, Hayden Welsh provided Team Colorado with its only event win of the night, taking the bull riding title. The victory capped a special family moment, as the aunt-and-nephew duo both were on top of the leaderboard in their respective events.
Hayden Welsh, a rookie bull rider, is off to a strong start to the 2026 season and entered Denver with momentum already building. He is currently sitting second at the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo in Odessa, Texas, following an 87.5-point ride earlier this week.
Welsh is the son of Bobby Welsh, a multiple-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and respected figure in the bull riding world as well, making the family’s impact on opening night a generational one.
Winners Across the Arena
While the Welsh family drew significant attention, several other competitors made statements for Team World as well..
In the Bareback Riding, Tucker Carricato, representing Cheyenne, Wyoming rodeo, earned the win for the World Team. Steer Wrestling had a similar story as Tyke Kipp topped the field after qualifying through the “Daddy of ’Em All," as well.
Saddle Bronc Riding went to Thayne Elshere, also on the world team.
Opening the National Western
Colorado vs. the World officially launched the 2026 National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, setting the tone for two weeks of competition in Denver. The pro rodeo at Denver has now begun as well, featuring many of the same contestants.