Twenty-five elite cowboys battle across multiple disciplines for $100,000 and ultimate rodeo glory. Legacy and new talent collide in this ultimate test of skill.
Trucks and trailers are loaded, and the 25 top-hand cowboys are headed to the Lazy E in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to show their skills in heading, heeling, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and steer roping. These cowboys will compete for three days until the final round on Saturday, March 7, which crowns the official champion, who will be awarded $100,000.
The years contestant list includes: Dylan Hancock of Texas, Ketch Kelton of Arizona, Brushton Minton of California, Seth Hall of New Mexico, Kyle Lockett of California, Riley Wakefield of Nebraska, Paul D. Tierney of Oklahoma, Russell Cardoza of Oregon, Cody Doescher of Oklahoma, K.C. Jones of Wyoming, Blane Cox of Texas, Erich Rogers of Arizona, Stetson Jorgenson of Idaho, Clayton Hass of Texas, Taylor Santos of California, Coleman Proctor of Oklahoma, Will Lummus of Mississippi, Quade Hiatt of Texas, Wesley Thorp of Texas, Dalton Walker of Arizona, JC Flake of Texas, Justin Shaffer of Texas, Nelson Wyatt of Alabama, Slade Wade of Texas, Tyler Worley of Arkansas, and Tyler Wade of Texas.
Several of the names on this list are previous winners or part of legacy rodeo families. Paul D. Tierney is the son of the famous Oklahoma cowboy Paul David Tierney. His father competed in this event for over 29 years and won the Cinch Timed Event Championship four separate times, in 1987, 1991, 1997, and 2000. When he didn’t enter for the first time in 2014, that year’s champion was his son Paul David, proudly carrying on the family tradition.
Taylor Santos is the son of famed rodeo reporter Kendra Santos and is another staple of the event, formerly competing alongside his brother Lane Kearney and being named champion in 2020. Ketch Kelton was the 2025 winner and set another record by being the youngest ever winner as a 19-year-old. Both Taylor and Ketch also have the unique title of winning the championship on their first time ever entering.
Several competitors are out due to injury, such as Marcus Theriot, the 2021 winner, which has paved the way for several newcomers to the field to try and make their mark.
This event holds a special weight behind its title, that’s the combination of the legends who have competed and won before, and the glory behind being the best in not just one event but multiple. These cowboys have to be fast, but they also have to be well-mounted and execute perfectly alongside their horses. Some will be riding their own horses, whereas others have borrowed specific horses from friends whose ability in certain events will allow them to shine.
When the dust settles and the weekend comes to a close, a new name will be going up on the banners hung proudly from the ceiling of the Lazy E Arena. These banners start with the first-ever winner, Leo Camarillo, in 1985 and continue to last year’s winner, Ketch Kelton.
For those not able to attend in person, Roping.com will be livestreaming the event.