Walker Takes Two as the Best in the Southwest Gather in Cave Creek

The best in the Southwest have arrived in Cave Creek, Arizona, where 105 contestants make up the field for the 2026 Turquoise Circuit Finals. With championship honors on the line, the stage is set for a weekend of competition—and the first champion has already been crowned.

Dalton Walker claimed both the steer roping year-end championship and the finals average title, delivering an emphatic finish to his circuit campaign. Before the remaining events settled their championship races, Walker had secured two reasons to celebrate.

The two titles recognize different accomplishments. The year-end championship reflects success across the circuit season, while the average championship rewards the best combined result over the final rounds. Walker finished with both, putting his name atop the season standings and the finals average results.

That combination gives his victory added significance. A season of competition creates the opportunity to contend for a year-end championship, but the finals bring another challenge. Every run counts toward the average, and the championship setting leaves little room for mistakes. Walker emerged with both honors when the steer roping results were complete.

Jarett Holliday finished second in the average, followed by Erich Rogers in third and John Clark in fourth. Together, those four competitors led the final average standings in the first championship event decided at this year’s finals.

For Walker, the result brought the season race and the finals competition to the same conclusion. The cowboy who earned the year-end championship also took home the average title, making his performance the opening championship headline of the 2026 event.

Across the rest of the lineup, the focus now turns to the opportunities still ahead. The 105 contestants gathered in Cave Creek represent a field with a shared destination and individual goals. For each qualifier, reaching the finals provides a chance to finish the circuit campaign with a performance worth remembering.

The bareback qualifiers are among those stepping into that spotlight as the championship action continues. With the lineup set, fans have their favorites to follow and competitors have their next ride or run to prepare for. Each event will add another chapter to the finals as the remaining titles are decided.

“Cave Creek is where legends are made” sets the tone for the occasion. Over the course of the finals, that promise becomes something competitors must pursue one opportunity at a time, with the results determining whose names rise to the top.

Walker has already made his mark. As the best in the Southwest, he chases his own championship finishes, and he leaves the steer roping competition with the year-end title, the average victory, and the distinction of being the first champion crowned at the 2026 Turquoise Circuit Finals.

Steer Roping Average Results