The 2026 ProRodeo regular season has concluded, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated periods in professional rodeo: the Circuit Finals season. This crucial phase in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) calendar determines the champions of each of the 13 circuits and identifies contenders for the prestigious NFR Open in 2027. Kicking off with the Badlands and Texas Circuit Finals in early October, the series of events will span several months, culminating in January 2027 with the Montana and First Frontier circuits. This multi-stage competition not only crowns regional heroes but also serves as a vital proving ground for athletes aiming for national recognition.

Understanding the PRCA Circuit System

The PRCA’s circuit system is a foundational element of professional rodeo, designed to foster regional competition and provide a structured pathway for cowboys and cowgirls to compete at a high level without having to travel nationwide year-round. Established decades ago, the system divides North America into 13 distinct geographic circuits: Badlands, California, Columbia River, First Frontier, Great Lakes, Maple Leaf (Canada), Montana, Mountain States, Prairie, Southeastern, Texas, Turquoise, and Wilderness. Each circuit hosts its own series of rodeos throughout the regular season, allowing competitors to earn prize money and accumulate points within their designated region.

The primary goal for athletes during the regular season is to finish among the top 12 in their respective events within their circuit standings. For team ropers, this means the top 12 headers and top 12 heelers earn their coveted spots at their circuit finals. These finals are more than just another rodeo; they are high-stakes tournaments where year-end titles, average titles, and, critically, qualifications for the NFR Open are on the line. The circuit system acts as a feeder program for larger national events, ensuring that talent from all regions has a chance to shine on bigger stages.

The Road to the NFR Open

The NFR Open, presented by Resistol, is a relatively new but highly significant addition to the PRCA schedule, offering an unparalleled opportunity for circuit champions. Held annually, typically in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the NFR Open brings together the best from each of the 13 circuits, along with qualifiers from Mexico and Canada, to compete for substantial prize money and a national title. For many circuit athletes, winning their circuit finals and subsequently competing at the NFR Open represents the pinnacle of their career outside of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

The structure is straightforward: the year-end champion and the average champion from each event at the circuit finals qualify for the NFR Open. If an athlete wins both, the qualification spot rolls down to the next highest-ranked competitor. This creates a double incentive at the circuit finals, as competitors battle not only for immediate glory and prize money but also for the chance to advance to a national championship event, which can significantly boost their career earnings and visibility within the sport. The NFR Open also serves as a valuable platform for showcasing regional talent, often featuring rising stars who might not yet have the full-time national tour experience but possess immense skill.

Opening the Gates: Badlands and Texas Circuits Lead the Charge

The 2026 Circuit Finals season ignites with two formidable circuits: the Badlands and Texas. The Badlands Circuit Finals will take place from October 9-11 in Minot, North Dakota. Known for its rugged terrain and equally tough competitors, the Badlands circuit encompasses North Dakota and South Dakota. The Minot event promises intense competition as local favorites vie for supremacy. Following closely, the Texas Circuit Finals, often considered one of the most competitive due to the sheer depth of talent in the Lone Star State, will run from October 13-16 in Waco, Texas. Texas is a hotbed of rodeo activity, and its circuit finals consistently feature athletes who are also top contenders on the national PRCA tour.

Badlands Circuit Finals – Minot, North Dakota (Oct. 9-11)

The Badlands Circuit, representing the heartland of rodeo, is set for a thrilling three days. The top 12 headers and heelers are a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers.

  • Heading: Tucker McDaniel of Midland, S.D., leads a strong field, followed by Logan Olson (Flandreau, S.D.) and Blair Lammers (Hartford, S.D.). The roster includes several South Dakota natives, demonstrating the regional strength in this circuit. Notably, Ryne Hutton hails from Boerne, Texas, showing a broader reach for some competitors.
    • Qualifiers: Tucker McDaniel, Logan Olson, Blair Lammers, Rance Bowden, Trevor Olson, Sage Burress, Braden Pirrung, Layne Carson, Payton Pirrung, Marty McPherson, Ryne Hutton, J.B. Lord.
  • Heeling: Tyan Johnson of Sisseton, S.D., holds the top spot, with Cash Hetzel (Lemmon, S.D.) and Tel Sorenson (Watford City, N.D.) close behind. This list also features competitors from neighboring states, like Riley Curuchet (Kaycee, Wyo.) and Tucker White (Hershey, Neb.), alongside Texas’s Whit Kitchens, highlighting the regional draw.
    • Qualifiers: Tyan Johnson, Cash Hetzel, Tel Sorenson, Sern Weishaar, Matt Zancanella, Jet Jensen, Riley Curuchet, Tucker White, Whit Kitchens, Ed Shearer, Jade Nelson, Logan Schliinz.

Texas Circuit Finals – Waco, Texas (Oct. 13-16)

The Texas Circuit is arguably the most fiercely contested, given the state’s deep rodeo roots and numerous professional athletes. Waco will host a star-studded lineup.

  • Heading: Tanner Tomlinson of Mineral Wells, Texas, is at the helm, closely pursued by Brenten Hall (Jay, Okla.) and Dustin Egusquiza (Marianna, Fla.). This list includes multiple NFR qualifiers and champions, such as Clay Tryan (Billings, Mont.) and Clint Summers (Lake City, Fla.), underscoring the high caliber of competition. The geographical diversity of hometowns, despite being a "Texas" circuit, reflects the national draw for top talent to compete in its rich rodeo environment.
    • Qualifiers: Tanner Tomlinson, Brenten Hall, Dustin Egusquiza, Joshua Torres, Korbin Rice, Manny Egusquiza, Forrest Fisher, Clay Tryan, Clint Summers, Colton Clayton, Conley Kleinhans, Bridger Ketcham.
  • Heeling: Ross Ashford of Lott, Texas, leads the heelers, with JC Flake (Mesa, Ariz.) and Jake South (Albuquerque, N.M.) in hot pursuit. The heeling field is equally impressive, featuring NFR mainstays like Wesley Thorp (Stephenville, Texas) and Jade Corkill (Fallon, Nev.), signaling that the battle for the Texas title will be a truly elite showdown.
    • Qualifiers: Ross Ashford, JC Flake, Jake South, Cooper Freeman, Cody Egusquiza, Daniel Braman, Wesley Thorp, Kaden Profili, Jade Corkill, Kyler Kanady, Coleby Payne, Belden Cox.

October’s Momentum: California and Mountain States

As October progresses, the action shifts westward with the California and Mountain States Circuit Finals. The Golden State’s Clements, California, will host its finals from October 23-25, showcasing the unique blend of coastal and inland rodeo talent. Simultaneously, Loveland, Colorado, will be the battleground for the Mountain States Circuit Finals on October 23-24, where cowboys from Colorado and Wyoming will contend for regional supremacy.

  • California Circuit Finals – Clements, California (Oct. 23-25)
    • Heading: Spencer Mitchell (Orange Cove, Calif.) leads a predominantly California-based group, with Preston Burgess (Waterford, Calif.) and Chase Helton (Merced, Calif.) close behind.
    • Qualifiers: Spencer Mitchell, Preston Burgess, Chase Helton, Blake Van Stavern, Tanner Kent, Daniel Green, Pat Grohl, Zack Engelhart, Cody Mora, Shain Sproul, Lane Lowry, Marcus Battaglia.
    • Heeling: Cody Cowden (Atwater, Calif.) tops the heelers, followed by Jason Johe (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and Joseph Shawnego (Oakdale, Calif.).
    • Qualifiers: Cody Cowden, Jason Johe, Joseph Shawnego, Stoney Boy Joseph, Wyatt Hansen, Colby Scott, Monty Joe Petska, Elijah Green, Dusty Bravos, Brushton Minton, Wade Hooker, Lane Karney.
  • Mountain States Circuit Finals – Loveland, Colorado (Oct. 23-24)
    • Heading: Clayton Van Aken (Yoder, Wyo.) spearheads the heading field, with Garrett Tonozzi (Lampasas, Texas) and Kellan Johnson (Casper, Wyo.) also prominent. The presence of Luke Brown (Rock Hill, S.C.) again demonstrates the movement of top talent across circuits.
    • Qualifiers: Clayton Van Aken, Garrett Tonozzi, Kellan Johnson, Bodie Mattson, Jay Tittel, Cameron Irwin, Luke Brown, Jake Pancost, Austin Crist, Bodie Herring, Brayden Fillmore, Cameron Capshaw.
    • Heeling: Trey Yates (Pueblo, Colo.) leads the heeling charge, trailed by Cullen Teller (Ault, Colo.) and Trae Smith (Georgetown, Idaho).
    • Qualifiers: Trey Yates, Cullen Teller, Trae Smith, Arye Espenscheid, Coley Nicholls, Kyon Kreutzer, Cole Cooper, T.J. Watts, Ryon Tittel, Clancey Kreutzer, Dave Tripp, Cody Lansing.

November’s Busy Schedule: A Continent-Wide Rodeo Blitz

November witnesses a flurry of circuit finals across the continent, from the Pacific Northwest to the desert Southwest, the Great Lakes, the Southeast, the heart of the Prairie, and north into Canada. These events, often held in conjunction with agricultural expos or major equestrian events, draw large crowds and showcase diverse regional rodeo styles.

  • Columbia River Circuit Finals – Redmond, Oregon (Nov. 5-7)
    • Heading: Garrett Rogers (Baker City, Ore.) leads a strong group, including Clayton Hansen (Weiser, Idaho) and Denver Eng (Stanfield, Ore.).
    • Qualifiers: Garrett Rogers, Clayton Hansen, Denver Eng, Jake Raley, Riley Minor, Dale Benevides, Bryan Reay, Justin Reno, Jake Stanley, Jeff Flenniken, Houston Hull, Jett Stewart.
    • Heeling: Jake Minor (Ellensburg, Wash.) heads the heelers, with Chase Hansen (Adrian, Ore.) and Russell Cardoza (Terrebonne, Ore.) close behind.
    • Qualifiers: Jake Minor, Chase Hansen, Russell Cardoza, Brady Minor, Garrett Jepson, Sam Saunders, Garrett Jess, Andy Carlson, Bucky Campbell, Dayton Stafford, Jason Duby, Parker Deal.
  • Turquoise Circuit Finals – Cave Creek, Arizona (Nov. 5-7)
    • Heading: Ky Redstrom (Cave Creek, Ariz.) is the top header, followed by Pedro Egurrola (Florence, Ariz.) and Travis Whitlow (Wittmann, Ariz.). The list also features Derrick Begay (Seba Dalkai, Ariz.) and Aaron Tsinigine (Tuba City, Ariz.), two prominent Native American cowboys known for their exceptional skills.
    • Qualifiers: Ky Redstrom, Pedro Egurrola, Travis Whitlow, Derrick Begay, Wawa Ben Jr., Hiyo Yazzie, Seth Hall, Kesley Phillips, Chris Francis, Jared Gonzales, Aaron Tsinigine, Monty James.
    • Heeling: Reece Wadhams (Phoenix, Ariz.) leads the heelers, with Whip Peterson (San Simon, Ariz.) and Colter Todd (Willcox, Ariz.) rounding out the top three.
    • Qualifiers: Reece Wadhams, Whip Peterson, Colter Todd, Pace Blanchard, Trevor Nowlin, Cade Passig, J.W. Borrego, Bran Ben Ben, Zane Compton, Chris Young, Paul Brashears, Clay Elkington.
  • Wilderness Circuit Finals – Heber City, Utah (Nov. 6-7)
    • Heading: Jake Smith (Broken Bow, Okla.) holds the top spot, followed by Tyler Tryan (Lipan, Texas) and Brodi Jones (Wells, Nev.). The presence of NFR champions like Cody Snow (Los Olivos, Calif.) and Clay Smith (Broken Bow, Okla.) ensures fierce competition.
    • Qualifiers: Jake Smith, Tyler Tryan, Brodi Jones, Casey Thomas, Hagen Peterson, Dawson Graham, Nelson Wyatt, Cody Snow, Wyatt Murray, Jack Fischer, Kolton Schmidt, Clay Smith.
    • Heeling: Levi Lord (Sturgis, S.D.) is the leading heeler, with Douglas Rich (Herrick, Ill.) and Cory Petska (Marana, Ariz.) also in the top three.
    • Qualifiers: Levi Lord, Douglas Rich, Cory Petska, Caleb Hendrix, Nicky Northcott, Braylon Tryan, Dylin Ahlstrom, Dillon Graham, Denton Dunning, Jonathan Torres, Scott Lauaki, Chase Tryan.
  • Great Lakes Circuit Finals – Louisville, Kentucky (Nov. 12-14)
    • Heading: Tyler Hobert (Clearwater, Kan.) leads a field largely from the Midwest, including Rylee Mills (Marquand, Mo.) and Cole Smith (Savannah, Mo.).
    • Qualifiers: Tyler Hobert, Rylee Mills, Cole Smith, Treyden Larmon, Dalton Turner, Jaxson Tucker, Luke Fenton, Will George, Trey Frank, Jesse Boos, Mitch Barney, Branden Duff.
    • Heeling: Cooper Bruce (Franklin, Mo.) is the top heeler, with Thomas Smith (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.) and Clay Clayman (Highlandville, Mo.) also highly ranked.
    • Qualifiers: Cooper Bruce, Thomas Smith, Clay Clayman, Ryan Von Ahn, Gus Albertson, Jordan Reynolds, Reed Boos, J.W. Nelson, Butch Levell, Clay Ellis, Carson Stroup, Jason Stroup.
  • Southeastern Circuit Finals – Davie, Florida (Nov. 13-15)
    • Heading: Bradley Massey (Perry, Fla.) leads a strong southeastern contingent, followed by Keven Daniel (Franklin, Tenn.) and Marcus Theriot (Lumberton, Miss.).
    • Qualifiers: Bradley Massey, Keven Daniel, Marcus Theriot, Clint Keller, Justin Yost, Charles Graham, Clint Wallace, Josh Jumper, Wyatt Allen, Kaston Peavy, Braxton Culpepper, Justin Johnson.
    • Heeling: Zack Mabry (Piedmont, Ala.) is the leading heeler, with Parker Carbajal (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) and Chase Graves (Poplarville, Miss.) also in the top three.
    • Qualifiers: Zack Mabry, Parker Carbajal, Chase Graves, Trace Porter, Morgan Jones, Jacob Goddard, Cole Walker, Trevor Miller, Brad Culpepper, Jason Hill, Latham Dickson, Cord Spradley.
  • Prairie Circuit Finals – Mulvane, Kansas (Nov. 19-21)
    • Heading: Curry Kirchner (Ames, Okla.) leads a field heavily populated by Oklahoma and Kansas cowboys, including Peyton Holliday (Chouteau, Okla.) and Isaac Gholson (Waurika, Okla.).
    • Qualifiers: Curry Kirchner, Peyton Holliday, Isaac Gholson, Kolton Good, Wheston Jones, Brandon Farris, Jhett Trenary, Zack Woods, Cam Hoelting, Kyler Kreder, Paul David Tierney, Jake Clay.
    • Heeling: Derrick Jantzen (Ames, Okla.) is the top heeler, followed by Joseph Harrison (Marietta, Okla.) and Kash Yaussi (Udall, Kan.).
    • Qualifiers: Derrick Jantzen, Joseph Harrison, Kash Yaussi, Tanner Braden, Steve Orth, Braden Harmon, Cordell Collins, Jordan Lovins, L.J. Yeahquo, Daniel Reed, Gralyn Elkins, Dawson McMaster.
  • Maple Leaf Circuit Finals – Regina, Saskatchewan (Nov. 25-28)
    • Heading: Kash Bonnett (Ponoka, Alberta) leads the Canadian circuit, with Ty Vaile (Babb, Mont.) and Derek Hadland (Ponoka, Alberta) in pursuit. The Maple Leaf circuit showcases the robust rodeo scene north of the border.
    • Qualifiers: Kash Bonnett, Ty Vaile, Derek Hadland, Kavis Drake, Levi Simpson, Jon Peterson, Tuftin McLeod, Clint Weston, Trey Gallais, Brody Groves, Tee McLeod, Steele De Paoli.
    • Heeling: Logan Cullen (Courtenay, British Columbia) is the top heeler, followed by Denim Ross (Botha, Alberta) and Jeremy Buhler (Arrowwood, Alberta).
    • Qualifiers: Logan Cullen, Denim Ross, Jeremy Buhler, Tyce McLeod, Kasper Roy, Riley Wakefield, Tyrel Flewelling, Braden Brost, Grady Quam, Riley Wilson, Rylan Brost, Jackson Braithwaite.

The 2027 Finale: Montana and First Frontier

The circuit finals season extends into the new year, concluding in mid-January 2027 with the Montana and First Frontier circuits. This allows for a continuous flow of high-stakes rodeo action, keeping fans engaged through the winter months.

  • Montana Circuit Finals – Great Falls, Montana (Jan. 14-16, 2027)
    • Heading: Brady Tryan (Huntley, Mont.) is the top header, with Gunner Plenty (Garryowen, Mont.) and Dustin Bird (Cut Bank, Mont.) also highly ranked.
    • Qualifiers: Brady Tryan, Gunner Plenty, Dustin Bird, Delon Parker, Cameron Handy, Trey Fleming, Dillon Johnson, Miles Kobold, Shawn Bird, Ben Folsom, Talan Cummins, Radley Day.
    • Heeling: Derick Fleming (Worden, Mont.) leads the heelers, followed by Mason Trollinger (Lodge Grass, Mont.) and Jimmy Cole (Harlem, Mont.).
    • Qualifiers: Derick Fleming, Mason Trollinger, Jimmy Cole, Ryan Zurcher, Lane Krutzfeldt, Brett Fleming, Colten Fisher, Ryle Whitford, Ike Folsom, Casey Cummins, Cody Tew, Kyler Day.
  • First Frontier Circuit Finals – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (Jan. 14-16, 2027)
    • Heading: Darren Morgan (Fort Ann, N.Y.) leads the eastern circuit, with T.J. Smith (San Mateo, Fla.) and Eric Fabian (Gansevoort, N.Y.) also in the top three.
    • Qualifiers: Darren Morgan, T.J. Smith, Eric Fabian, Jose Mota, Chase Quinn, Waylon Cameron, Junior Fornazin, Justin Thigpen, Chuck Smith, Jacob Rounds, Wyatt Long, Jimmy Healy.
    • Heeling: Shane Jenkins (Amoret, Mo.) is the top heeler, followed by Derek Carey (Valley Falls, N.Y.) and Scot Brown (Mount Joy, Pa.).
    • Qualifiers: Shane Jenkins, Derek Carey, Scot Brown, Angel Mota, Riley Quinn, Jimmy Kelly, Drew Carnes, Ryan Whetham, Kayden Sherwood, Kevin Brown, Tanner Naylor, Dawson Mitchell.

The Road Ahead: Audits and Anticipation

It’s important to note that the listed fields of qualifiers are based on the PRCA’s unofficial circuit standings as of September 30, 2026. These lists are subject to final audit and rodeo-count checks, meaning there could be minor adjustments before the events officially kick off. This meticulous verification process ensures fairness and accuracy, upholding the integrity of professional rodeo.

The upcoming circuit finals represent a critical juncture for hundreds of professional rodeo athletes. Beyond the immediate prize money and prestige of a circuit title, the opportunity to qualify for the NFR Open provides a tangible link to national recognition and potentially, a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The excitement among competitors, fans, and organizers is palpable, as each event promises thrilling performances and the crowning of new regional champions. These finals not only celebrate the best in team roping but also reinforce the vibrant and diverse regional rodeo cultures that are the backbone of the PRCA. The fall and winter of 2026-2027 are set to be an unforgettable period for professional rodeo.