Who's Who of the American Contender Finals Weekend

The final stop on the American Contender Tournament Finals is Abilene, Texas at the Taylor County Expo Center on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7 pm CST. Having already competed in an original qualifier and then making their way through their respective regional tournaments, there are 15 individuals in each discipline ready to lay it all out to earn a ticket to Globe Life Field and a chance at $1 million.

With multiple National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifiers in this list, it is hard to pick out the favorites. JJ Hampton is known for her gunning style and she is never one to overlook. If she connects, she is a sure bet. Jackie Crawford is a 23-time World Champion who always brings her best to the arena and has performed on this very stage before with incredible results, look for her to want to get back and have another chance at the $1 million. Kelsie Domer is a nine-time World Champion who is the definition of consistent and fast. We look for her to be in the top five for sure.  

The barrel race will surely be incredibly tough with the list of veterans and young guns here. Picking out any standouts is nearly impossible but Brandon Cullins has to be close to the top. He has qualified for the American before and has a taste for what it takes to make it. This year could be the one when he finally cracks the ice and wins. London Gorham has also been in plenty of pressure situations and knows how to produce results when needed. Latricia Duke and her palomino stallion, DM High Roller, are consistently winning and solid around all three barrels, she is not to be overlooked. Kelly Yates is the veteran of the field and has performed and won on every big stage in barrel racing. Her great grey horse could easily be amongst the top five.

What a talented list of saddle bronc riders! This should be a battle to the end and may come down to the stock that they draw. It is hard to bet against Lefty Holman from Visalia, Calif. The three-time NFR qualifier is a solid bet in any competition and when there is a million dollars on the line, you can bet he will be going for the gold every step. Then you have the Hay brothers who will no doubt push each other to be the best. Wade Sundell is the veteran here and for those who know him well, he is a man that performs when the chips are down. Wyatt Casper is the current leader of the PRCA World Standings and should be considered a solid bet to be in the top five.

This is another contest where it could strictly come down to who draws the better stock to determine who will move on, as the talent runs deep here. Richmond Champion was the first millionaire made by the American Rodeo and there is no doubt he longs for that feeling again. Tilden Hooper always proves to be solid and steady. The Aussie Darien Johnson is just coming off a big win at The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo with a ton of confidence. Bradlee Miller is currently sitting second in the PRCA World Standings with more than $31,000 won and is lethal in his event.

Expect to be on the edge of your seat for this competition. Multiple NFR qualifiers and one World Champion along with some incredible young talent will provide a good show. The start, the draw,and capitalizing on opportunities will be key to getting out of this round. Westyn Hughes can be lethal on the ground and is super fast. Kincade Henry can put one on their side in a hurry and get the job done. Shane Hanchey brings experience to the table and a cool, calm head. John Douch is as strong and athletic as they come and very little stands in his way.  

The steer wrestling is a loaded field of talent looking for the win and having the ability to do so. Tanner Brunner and Will Lummus were the men in charge at Fort Worth and tied for the win. Dakota Eldridge is a never-ending talent and a cool head to boot. Kyle Irwin can always be found in the winner's circle along with Jacob Talley. This might be the hardest to predict as there will be no doubt some better steers on the group but with the talent and size seen here, it might not matter.

Given that this is a one-head competition, this will be a fast set of ropers right here. Every one of these teams is talented to make the cut, it will be if the chips fall where they need them. The talent is just oozing out of this list. Coleman Proctor and Levi Lord have the ability to set world records and being in the top five should be a given. Coy Rahlmann and Billie Jack Saebens are solid on both ends where a fast clean run might just be key to moving on. Who can bet against Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueria? Silly if you do. Tanner Tomlinson and Patrick Smith will be fast and smooth. The team roping will come down to who can get a steer down clean.

There's not much of a different story in the bull riding — talent abounds. Cody Teel won Fort Worth and is on top of the world in the PRCA. Several of these names are in the top 15 of the world standings and have made the NFR. The bottom line in the bull riding will be who has the most luck and is the healthiest when they nod their head for eight.

The competition will play out on Saturday night, Feb. 10 at 7 pm CST from Abilene, Texas.