Season launching titles were decided in Denver as the National Western Stock Show celebrated its 120th year.
One of rodeo’s most historic stops delivered once again as champions were crowned at the 120th National Western Stock Show. This is one of the first major titles of the 2026 season.
From standout young guns making their mark on the big stages to established world champions, Denver’s finals rewarded consistency through brackets, semifinals and a big pressure packed championship round.
Bareback Riding
The bareback riding title went to the reigning College National Finals Rodeo bareback riding champion, Cooper Filipek. Cooper capped off his big week with an 85.5 point ride aboard The Cervi Brothers’ R. Watson. The 23 year old from Rapid City, South Dakota, turned heads all week, both for his trademark yellow gear and his performance on some of the rankest horses in Denver.
Steer Wrestling
Oregon cowboy Mike McGinn is starting the year strong with a Denver title that could prove to be very pivotal in 2026. After finishing No. 16 in the world standings last year and narrowly missing the National Finals Rodeo, McGinn advanced third out of his bracket before winning Semifinal Two with a 4.0-second run.
In the finals, McGinn claimed the title with a strong 3.6 to secure the championship. This was quite the statement from a cowboy determined not to be on the outside looking in ever again.
Team Roping
A new partnership has delivered immediate winning results as Tanner Tomlinson and Coleby Payne tied the arena record with a 3.5 second run to win the team roping title. They were the last team out and knew they had to go fast to have a chance at first.
Both Texans and proven NFR qualifiers, Tomlinson and Payne are signaling that this pairing could become a major factor as the new season unfolds.
Saddle Bronc Riding
In one of the tightest finishes of the rodeo, Parker Fleet came out on top in a stacked field. He did so by just half a point. Fleet’s 89.5 point ride aboard Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Prairie Fire earned him a big win to start his year, finishing just ahead of Stetson Wright.
Tie-Down Roping
Texas calf roper Dylan Hancock dominated the tie-down roping, turning in the fastest run of the entire rodeo. Hancock’s 7.1 in the finals sealed the deal after he had already controlled Semifinal One with an 8.0. The two-time NFR qualifier looked sharp from start to finish and is off to a great start in the new year.
Barrel Racing
Consistency paid off for Minnesota cowgirl Heidi Gunderson, who was the only finalist to break the 15 second barrier. Gunderson clocked a 14.91 in the finals after winning Semifinal One with a 15.01, capping a steady climb that began back in Bracket Five.
Bull Riding
The rodeo closed with a statement ride from Stetson Wright, who electrified the crowd with a 90-point winning ride aboard Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Vitalix Ringling Road. Those 90 points came after a very impressive bull ride that secured Superman the title.
Fresh off the 2025 season as a 10-time world champion, Wright’s Denver win sent his message very clear that he remains the force in 2026.