Cheyenne Frontier Days Moves to Qualifying Format Eliminating Slack in 2026

On Feb. 13, Cheyenne Frontier Days made a big announcement that has sparked some major controversy. Beginning this year, in 2026, the “Daddy of ’em All” will move to a qualifying based, limited entry format. Traditional slack rounds, that have been long considered a defining piece of Cheyenne’s competitive identity, will be eliminated.

The organization also announced an increase in total rodeo money from $770,000 to $960,000 and the addition of a new Friday performance, creating 10 consecutive days of professional rodeo action from July 17–26.

According to the release, the updated format is designed to strengthen the contestant experience and create a manageable schedule for volunteers while continuing to deliver a premier rodeo.

To understand why this announcement has stirred strong reaction, it helps to first understand how Cheyenne has traditionally worked.

For decades, Cheyenne Frontier Days stood apart from other major rodeos because it was open entry. This means that any card holding PRCA or WPRA member could enter. In timed events, that meant slack rounds featured hundreds of contestants from all over. 

You entered, you competed in Cheyenne, and if you won, you advanced. This was a huge stage for anyone in pro rodeo, and it really was anyones games. 

There were no pre qualifying hoops, no invitation only restrictions, and no standings based cutoffs before you arrived. 

Everyone who entered, even the world champions, competed in the slack. Then a certain number would advance to the performances where the tournament style continued. 

That structure has reflected rodeo’s broader identity. Unlike traditional professional sports, rodeo is individual and pay to play. Contestants purchase permits, earn cards and create their own schedules. There are no guaranteed salaries, no draft systems and no team contracts. Accessibility has long been one of its defining characteristics.

Beginning in 2026, that accessibility shifts at The Daddy. 

Under this new format, contestants in tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing must first qualify through designated rodeos, world standings or circuit positions before gaining entry to Frontier Park. PRCA (mens) and WPRA (women's) qualifying rodeos differ. 

The nine PRCA qualifying rodeos are:

• Angelina Benefit Rodeo — Lufkin, Texas • Lakeside Rodeo — Lakeside, California • American Royal — Kansas City, Missouri • Franklin Rodeo — Franklin, Tennessee • Central Point Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo — Central Point, Oregon • Colorado Stampede — Grand Junction, Colorado • Navajo PRCA Rodeo — Window Rock, Arizona • Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Association — Elizabeth, Colorado • Coleman Rodeo — Coleman, Texas

The nine WPRA qualifying rodeos for breakaway roping and barrel racing are:

• Lakeside Rodeo — Lakeside, California • American Royal — Kansas City, Missouri • Kiwanis Rodeo — Clarksville, Tennessee • Rodeo Killeen — Killeen, Texas • Colorado Stampede — Grand Junction, Colorado • Navajo PRCA Rodeo — Window Rock, Arizona • Eastern Oregon Livestock Show — Union, Oregon • McKenzie County Ag Expo Pro Rodeo — Watford City, North Dakota • Buffalo Bill Rodeo — North Platte, Nebraska

While CFD describes the format as “expanded,” many contestants have questioned whether the change actually narrows opportunity.

Social media reaction following the announcement has been largely critical, with many pointing to Cheyenne’s historic role in creating underdog stories. Contestants outside the Top 50 in the world standings who arrived, won big and changed the trajectory of their season and their careers. 

For circuit competitors, part-time athletes and rookies, Cheyenne has long represented a chance. A local Wyoming contestant could enter their hometown rodeo. A young athlete could test themselves in that renown wide-open outdoor arena they grew up dreaming about.

Now, some contestants are facing long travel distances simply for the chance to qualify. 

At the same time, CFD leadership cited operational realities in its release. Slack requires significant manpower, livestock, parking coordination and volunteer support. As one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the country, those logistics are substantial.

The total purse increase to $960,000 signals continued investment in the event. What remains to be seen is how reduced entry numbers will impact overall payout distribution and participation. 

Cheyenne Frontier Days has been culturally woven into professional rodeo since its first rodeo in 1897. It has been referenced in country music, memorialized in film and etched into the careers of legends. It is also the city recently named in discussions surrounding a potential relocation of PRCA headquarters.

The 2026 format change marks a clear turning point. 

Whether it truly strengthens the long-term sustainability of the rodeo or reshapes its competitive identity in a way that alters its legacy will likely be debated long after the 130th anniversary this July. 

For now, one thing is certain that the Daddy of ’em All will look different in 2026.