For the first time since the event’s inception, Martha Angelone will not be competing at the National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR) this December. The 2022 world champion and five-time NFBR qualifier ended her 2025 season in 16th place, just $1,077 short of making her sixth consecutive Finals.

Angelone has been one of the best in the sport for years. Until now, she was one of the few ropers to qualify for every single NFBR held, a streak that speaks to her rare consistency. As the sport has grown, she has remained at the top of the leaderboards. In 2022,  Angelone became the first WPRA breakaway roping world champion to be officially recognized on the world champions stage following the 10th round of the NFR in the Thomas & Mack Center.  Just last year, she left Las Vegas as the reserve world champion breakaway roper. She has made history as a breakaway roper, and for good reason.

The 2025 season proved how tough the rodeo road can be. Angelone started strong and had several big wins, but ultimately came up just short of the goal. Life on the road offers no guarantees, and when the runs don’t go your way, the standings can tighten quickly. This year, it left Angelone on the outside looking in. She has been transparent about the ups and downs, and this year was no different. In reflecting on her season, she admitted it stung to miss the Finals for the first time, but she remained grounded in gratitude.

“This year God taught me how much strength I have through the struggles,” Angelone said taking to social media to reflect. “Between everything that’s happened this year, today I still woke up knowing I didn’t make it. I also woke up knowing I’m never going to let that happen again. We still had a blessed year and even though we were 16th and missed our first NFR, it is in God’s plan at the end of the day.” 

Angelone had strong showings throughout the year, including the final stop at the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls where she split a round win and placed third in the shootout round. Yet a broken barrier in the four-man round proved costly, ultimately being the difference.

When not on the rodeo trail, Angelone and her team of horsepower can be found at jackpots across the country. Her name is almost always at the top. She rises to every occasion and credits her support system and horses for carrying her through, even in a challenging season.

Angelone remains a role model for aspiring breakaway ropers. This year only strengthened that, proving that even the best of the best face the ups and downs of this grueling sport. Even in disappointment, she has shown the character that makes her one of the most respected competitors on the road. Beyond the arena, she continues to set an example by helping and cheering for her competitors and friends, a reflection of the true champion behind the gold buckle.

“Goodbye to the 2025 season, thank you for making me a stronger competitor,” Angelone finished.

If her past success and consistency are any indication, Martha's 2026 season may be less about what she lost this year and more about what she’s determined to take back.