It's American Rodeo week, and we are giving you a preview of the competition. Here are your steer wrestlers and who has a chance at the $1 million prize.
It is called the "Big Man's Event" for a reason. Take a look at these guys, and you will know we are talking about the steer wrestlers. Breaking it down, the "Contenders" are stacked with very capable winners.
You can expect fast times and good runs when these 10 back in the box. The competition should be fierce, and every single contestant has a chance to be the champion here.
- Tyler Waguespack — The 2023 American Champion and the 2023 PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler. He has already amassed $116,500 from his trips to The American Rodeo. Without question, the Gonzales, La., man is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to steer wrestling. He's been to the WNFR nine times and has five world titles. In 2024, he has already won $20,325 and is ranked at No. 13.
- Dalton Massey — Hermiston, Ore., is sending the 2023 PRCA Reserve World Champion to Globe Life Field. The 30-year-old is coming off the best season of his career and is carrying the momentum forward in 2024. He has won $36,023 so far and is ranked No. 2. He also has previous American experience, where he won $12,911.
- Jesse Brown — Here is your 2022 American Rodeo Champion. He has won $103,421 in his American career so far and would like to earn the $100,000 paycheck he is eligible for this year. Brown comes from Hermiston, Ore., as the third-place finisher in the 2023 PRCA World Standings. Brown hasn't entered too many rodeos in the 2024 season yet, but you can bet he will be ready for competition at The American.
- Stan Branco — a two-time WNFR qualifier who finished fourth in the World Standings in 2023. Branco had a strong showing in Fort Worth, finishing fifth in the finals and taking home a total of $6,840. The 6'4", 245-pounder brings talent and strength to the arena floor. He also brings a history of champions, with his grandmother being the 1965 World Champion Barrel Racer.
- J.D. Struxness — a five-time WNFR qualifier coming from Milan, Minn. He has done well this year, picking up the win at the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Miss., along with cashing checks at San Antonio and Fort Worth.
- Ty Erickson — The Helena, Mont., man has had extremely good luck in his past experiences at The American Rodeo. He is a two-time champion of the event, where he has pocketed $223,153. He's back this year as a contender eligible to win the million-dollar prize. He is ranked No. 8 for the 2024 season with $23,118 in winnings. He has a resume that includes being the 2019 World Champion. Pay attention when this man backs in the box.
- Matt Reeves — bringing a full list of awards to the arena, Reeves is a two-time American Champion, earning $545,713 over his appearances. He is once again eligible for the $1 million purse and will use his veteran experience to his advantage.
- Stephen Mullins — The Mendenhall, Miss., man earned his way to the Globe Life Field through the contender tournament. His earnings at the American are $9,814 so far. Mullins is looking to capitalize on his opportunity to claim the big money and beat out the best in the world.
- Will Lummus — It seems nearly impossible that the six-time WNFR qualifier could be among the contenders, but after finishing ranked No. 10 in 2023, Lummus had to earn his way to the final performance of The American Rodeo. So far, Lummus has won more than $30,000 at The American Rodeo. He has come out strong in 2024 and is sitting No. 1 in the World Standings.
- Dakota Eldrige — a 10-time WNFR qualifier, who boasts $1.6 million in career earnings. He has already won $70,363 from The American and has a chance at the biggest prize of all when he nods his head. The drive back to Elko, Nev., would be a lot easier as a millionaire.