Five-time world champion Tyler Waguespack topped the steer wrestling as Rodeo Jacksonville wrapped up Jan. 3–4
Rodeo Jacksonville brings professional rodeo action to the Sunshine State early in the season every year. Jacksonville, Florida is home to a fun PRCA/WPRA rodeo that brings in some of the best rodeo athletes right after New Years.
The 2026 version of Rodeo Jacksonville showed the same as big names filled the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.
In the bareback riding, Southeastern Oklahoma State University graduate Owen Brouillette opened the rodeo with a win, scoring 81 points aboard Hi Lo ProRodeo's Aunt Bee. Five- time Southeast circuit finals cowboy Jacob Raine followed closely with 79 points.
1. Owen Brouillette, 81, $1,567; 2. Jacob Raine, 79, $1,187; 3. Clay Hibler Moss, 77.5, $854; 4. Mason Ortego, 77, $570; 5. Jamie Howlett, 76.5, $332; 6. Matthew McLanahan, 74.5, $237.
Steer Wrestling
The steer wrestling belonged to none other than five-time World Champion Tyler Waguespack, who stopped the clock in 3.5 seconds to take the win. The Louisiana cowboy and eleven-time NFR qualifier was the fastest man in the field. Florida's own Juan Alcazar Jr. and seven-time NFR qualifier Kyle Irwin tied for second at 4.0 seconds.
1. Tyler Waguespack, 3.5 seconds, $1,581; 2. (tie) Juan Alcazar Jr and Kyle Irwin, 4.0, $1,172 each; 4. Marc Joiner, 4.5, $763; 5. Chase Pope, 4.9, $491; 6. (tie) Mason Couch and Ryan Lewis, 5.2, $136 each.
Team Roping
Father-son duo Braxton and Brad Culpepper topped the team roping with a 5.3-second run. Braxton grew up in the industry, following in the footsteps of his dad, Brad. Brad is a former NFL player and a seven-time NFR qualifier with 2 average titles to his name in 1998 and 1999. Now, mostly retired, him and his son are enjoying team roping together and have had much success too. Last year, they won five Florida rodeos alone.
1. Braxton Culpepper/Brad Culpepper, 5.3 seconds, $1,266 each; 2. Travis Dorman/Craig Stevens, 5.5, $1,048; 3. Justin Yost/Reno Gonzales, 5.7, $829; 4. Ryan Carter/Brian Gleason, 5.8, $611; 5. Josh Jumper/Jake Goddard, 6.3, $393; 6. Jesse Mayhew/Riley Quinn, 7.1, $218.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Florida native kid Keene Justesen claimed the saddle bronc riding title after posting 82 points on Hi Lo ProRodeo’s Joker. He was the only ride scoring over the 80 point mark. 2025 rookie Dylan Young finished second with 78 points.
1. Keene Justesen, 82 points on Hi Lo ProRodeo's Joker, $1,719; 2. Dylan Young, 78, $1,302; 3. (tie) Wyatt Lavergne and Ross Price, 77, $781 each; 5. Gage Schweer, 76, $365; 6. Rudy Troyer, 74.5, $260.
Tie-Down Roping
NFR qualifier Macon Murphy secured the tie-down roping win with an 8.5-second run. Back in November, he won both the average and year-end titles at the Southeastern Circuit Finals. Shortly after he faced the loss of his wonderful mother. Now, Macon and his sister Josey are both back in the arena doing what they love for a bigger reason.
1. Macon Murphy, 8.5 seconds, $1,908; 2. Zac Townsend, 9.2, $1,579; 3. Brad Hartt, 9.8, $1,250; 4. Colt Papy, 10.0, $921; 5. Manny Blanco, 10.9, $592; 6. Gus Maraman, 11.6, $329.
Barrel Racing
Florida cowgirl standout Cindy Patrick led the barrel racing with a 15.56-second run. Georgia lady, Kelly Carrington, was close behind in second with a 15.61. These ladies are gaining an early lead in the Southeastern Circuit in 2026.
1. Cindy Patrick, 15.56 seconds, $1,323; 2. Kelley Carrington, 15.61, $1,134; 3. (tie) Ryleigh Adams, Lexus Hommer and Ashley Parks, 15.90, $798 each; 6. Josey Owens, 15.92, $504; 7. Caitlin Okolovitch, 15.96, $378; 8. Presley Smith, 15.99, $252; 9. McLayne Roebuck, 16.02, $189; 10. Sadie Miller, 16.03, $126.
Bull Riding
Another Florida cowboy, Ernie Courson Jr. capped off the rodeo with a big ride in the bull riding, covering Hi Lo ProRodeo’s Midas for 89 points. Ernie was the Southeastern Circuit Finals Champion in 2025 and has a great start on this next year too.