As the 2026 ProRodeo season steadily progresses towards its culmination, the fierce competition across North America’s 13 circuits is yielding its first set of champions in team roping. From the rugged Badlands to the sun-drenched arenas of Texas and California, titles are being claimed, and coveted tickets to the prestigious 2024 NFR Open in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are being punched. This intensive period of regional finals, traditionally spanning from October to January, serves as a crucial proving ground for cowboys and cowgirls aspiring to national recognition and the ultimate professional rodeo accolades.

The ProRodeo Circuit System: A Pathway to National Recognition

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) established its circuit system to foster regional competition and provide a structured pathway for athletes to advance to national-level events. Comprising 13 distinct geographic regions—Badlands, Texas, California, Mountain States, Columbia River, Turquoise, Wilderness, Great Lakes, Southeastern, Prairie, Maple Leaf, Montana, and First Frontier—each circuit hosts a series of rodeos throughout the year. Competitors accumulate points based on their performance, leading to year-end standings that determine qualifiers for the highly anticipated Circuit Finals.

The Circuit Finals are the crown jewels of the regional season. These multi-round events not only celebrate the year-long efforts of the circuit’s top performers but also offer a final, high-stakes opportunity for competitors to claim titles and significant prize money. In team roping, a discipline that demands seamless synergy between a header and a heeler, these finals test consistency, precision, and nerve under pressure. The year-end champion (based on cumulative earnings throughout the season) and the Circuit Finals average champion (based on the best aggregate time across all rounds of the finals) each earn a direct qualification to the NFR Open, a major PRCA event that brings together the best from every circuit. This dual qualification pathway ensures that both sustained excellence and peak performance under pressure are rewarded, adding layers of strategy and excitement to the circuit season.

The Road to the 2024 NFR Open: Circuit Finals Schedule

The 2026 circuit finals are strategically staggered across several months, allowing for intense focus on each regional showdown. The schedule, a testament to the PRCA’s extensive reach, ensures that rodeo fans nationwide can follow the progression of their local heroes and future stars.

With several circuits having already concluded their finals, the initial wave of qualifiers for the 2024 NFR Open has been determined, setting the stage for an exciting national championship.

Badlands Circuit: Olson and Hetzel Dominate

The Badlands Circuit Finals, held from October 9-11 in Minot, North Dakota, ignited the circuit finals season with a display of gritty team roping. This region, known for its tough competition and passionate rodeo community, saw veteran and emerging talent vie for supremacy.

Year-end Champions: Logan Olson (Header) and Cash Hetzel (Heeler) proved their consistency throughout the 2026 season, securing the prestigious year-end titles. Their sustained performance across numerous rodeos in the circuit underscored their dominance, earning them an early berth to the NFR Open. "Winning the year-end title is a testament to the hard work we put in all season," remarked Logan Olson. "Cash and I had a great run, and it feels good to know that consistency paid off." Cash Hetzel echoed this sentiment, adding, "It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and we stayed focused. We’re already looking forward to Colorado Springs."

Circuit Finals Champions: The Minot arena witnessed a thrilling contest, ultimately crowning Logan Olson and Matt Zancanella as the Circuit Finals champions. Their aggregate time of 21.1 seconds on three head showcased exceptional teamwork and clutch performance under pressure. Olson, already a year-end champion, doubled down on his success, demonstrating his versatility with different partners.

• First Round: Olson and Zancanella set an early pace with a blistering 4.2 seconds, securing the initial lead and a significant $2,612 each. Payton Pirrung and Logan Schliinz followed with a 5.5, while Trevor Olson and Jade Nelson posted a 5.7.
• Second Round: Tucker McDaniel and Cash Hetzel, the year-end heeling champion, responded with a quick 5.3 seconds, taking the round win. Olson and Zancanella maintained their consistency with a 5.4, keeping them in strong contention for the average.
• Third Round: Pirrung and Schliinz bounced back with an impressive 4.3 seconds, winning the final round. Marty McPherson and Jet Jensen were close behind at 4.5.
• Average: The ultimate prize went to Olson and Zancanella, whose collective consistency throughout the three rounds culminated in their 21.1-second total. Payton Pirrung and Logan Schliinz finished second with 26.9 seconds, followed by J.B. Lord and Ed Shearer (30.0) and Marty McPherson and Jet Jensen (31.7). "It’s incredible to win both titles," Olson stated, reflecting on his dual achievement. "Matt and I clicked, and it just shows what can happen when you stay focused and make smart runs." Zancanella added, "Logan roped great all weekend. We just tried to make clean, fast runs, and it paid off big time."

Texas Circuit: Tomlinson/Ashford Year-End, Yeahquo/Frizzell Finals Victors

The Texas Circuit Finals, held from October 13-16 in Waco, Texas, is renowned as one of the most competitive circuits in ProRodeo, often featuring athletes who are also dominant on the national stage. The 2026 edition lived up to its reputation, delivering high-speed action and dramatic finishes.

Year-end Champions: Tanner Tomlinson (Header) and Ross Ashford (Heeler) cemented their status as the dominant force in the Texas Circuit throughout the 2026 regular season. Their year-long performance in a circuit teeming with world champions and rising stars is a significant accomplishment, earning them the year-end title and an NFR Open qualification. "Winning Texas is huge; it’s arguably the toughest circuit out there," Tomlinson commented. "Ross and I have worked hard all year, and this is a great reward." Ashford concurred, "The competition here pushes you every single run. To come out on top for the year-end feels fantastic."

Circuit Finals Champions: Despite the year-end champions’ prowess, the Circuit Finals average title went to J.C. Yeahquo and Kelby Frizzell, who displayed remarkable consistency across four demanding rounds. Their aggregate time of 25.4 seconds on four head was a testament to their resilience and precise execution.

• First Round: The tone was set early with Dustin Egusquiza and JC Flake clocking an astonishing 3.4 seconds, an indication of the speed expected in Texas. Clay Tryan and Kaden Profili followed with a 4.1.
• Second Round: Egusquiza and Flake continued their strong showing, tying for first with Tanner Tomlinson and Wesley Thorp at 3.5 seconds, illustrating the depth of talent.
• Third Round: Colton Clayton and Justin Delagarza emerged victorious in this round with a 3.9-second run. Jake Orman and Logan Moore, along with Tryan and Profili, tied for second at 4.4.
• Fourth Round: Tomlinson and Thorp concluded the rounds with another win, posting a 3.6-second run. Brenten Hall and Ross Ashford were close behind at 3.9.
• Average: J.C. Yeahquo and Kelby Frizzell’s consistent performance, avoiding costly penalties and making solid runs in every round, earned them the coveted average title with 25.4 seconds on four head. Clay Tryan and Kaden Profili finished second (29.7), followed by Jake Orman and Logan Moore (33.5), and Brenten Hall and Ross Ashford (36.6). "We just tried to make clean runs and let the chips fall where they may," said Yeahquo after their win. "To come out on top in this field is incredible." Frizzell added, "Consistency was key for us. Every run mattered, and we focused on executing our plan."

California Circuit: Mitchell/Cowden and Minton/Bravos Claim Titles

The California Circuit Finals, held from October 23-25 in Clements, California, brought the high-energy world of ProRodeo to the Golden State. This circuit, known for its blend of traditional horsemanship and modern rodeo techniques, crowned deserving champions in a competitive environment.

Year-end Champions: Spencer Mitchell (Header) and Cody Cowden (Heeler) demonstrated their season-long superiority, clinching the California Circuit year-end titles. Their consistent performance throughout the 2026 season distinguished them from a strong field of competitors, securing their place at the NFR Open. "It’s always tough in California, so to win the year-end is a huge honor," Mitchell commented. "Cody and I had a great year, and we’re excited about the NFR Open." Cowden added, "Our partnership really clicked this season, and that consistency was the difference-maker."

Circuit Finals Champions: The Circuit Finals average title was claimed by Bryor Minton and Dusty Bravos, who delivered a standout performance, finishing with an aggregate time of 17.0 seconds on three head. Their ability to execute under pressure in a multi-round format earned them the prestigious buckle and the NFR Open berth.

• First Round: Minton and Bravos started strong with a 4.8-second run, immediately establishing themselves as contenders. Chase Helton and Wyatt Hansen were second with 5.9 seconds.
• Second Round: Year-end champions Spencer Mitchell and Cody Cowden showcased their skill, winning the round with a 6.0-second run. Minton and Bravos stayed in contention with a 6.4.
• Third Round: Helton and Hansen delivered the fastest run of the finals, a blazing 4.6 seconds, securing the final round win. Blake Van Stavern and Stoney Boy were close behind at 4.7.
• Average: Bryor Minton and Dusty Bravos’ consistent and clean runs across all three rounds culminated in their 17.0-second average, solidifying their victory. Shain Sproul and Wade Hooker placed second with 19.1 seconds, followed by Chase Helton and Wyatt Hansen (22.0) and Daniel Green and Elijah Green (23.0). "We knew we had to be fast but also clean," Minton stated after their win. "Dusty made some great catches, and our steers worked perfectly." Bravos expressed his excitement, saying, "This win means a lot, especially with the NFR Open qualification. It was a tough finals, but we stayed focused."

Mountain States Circuit: Van Aken and Yates Achieve Dual Dominance

The Mountain States Circuit Finals, held October 23-24 in Loveland, Colorado, provided a thrilling spectacle of team roping in the heart of the Rockies. This circuit, known for its strong traditional rodeo roots, saw one team achieve a rare feat of dual championship.

Year-end and Circuit Finals Champions: Clayton Van Aken (Header) and Trey Yates (Heeler) delivered an exceptional season, securing both the year-end championship and the Circuit Finals average title. This dual victory is a testament to their unparalleled dominance and synergy throughout the 2026 season. Their aggregate time of 17.6 seconds on three head in the finals underscored their consistency and skill. "To win both is really special," Van Aken remarked. "It speaks volumes about the partnership Trey and I have built. We had a plan for the season and the finals, and we stuck to it." Yates added, "Clayton roped incredibly all year, and we just kept our heads down and made our runs. It’s an honor to represent the Mountain States at the NFR Open."

• First Round: Bodie Herring and Ryon Tittel kicked off the finals with a 5.0-second run, taking the initial lead. Van Aken and Yates were close behind with a 5.2, signaling their intent.
• Second Round: Brendan Hermes and Pepper Kreutzer took the round win with a 4.7-second run, showcasing the depth of competition. Kellan Johnson and Trae Smith also posted a strong 4.8.
• Third Round: Jay Tittel and T.J. Watts delivered the fastest run of the finals with a 4.0-second performance, highlighting the high stakes of the final round. Van Aken and Yates maintained their composure with a 6.1, securing their average position.
• Average: Clayton Van Aken and Trey Yates’ strategic and consistent roping across the rounds earned them the average title with a total of 17.6 seconds on three head. Garrett Tonozzi and Cullen Teller finished second (27.2), followed by Kellan Johnson and Trae Smith (27.8), and Jay Tittel and T.J. Watts (29.0). Their ability to manage the steers and execute clean runs under pressure was exemplary, distinguishing them in a highly competitive field.

Broader Implications and The Road Ahead

The conclusion of these initial circuit finals marks a significant milestone in the 2026 ProRodeo season. The champions, both year-end and circuit finals average winners, have not only earned substantial prize money and prestigious titles but also secured their coveted spots at the 2024 NFR Open. This national event, held in Colorado Springs, will bring together the top two teams from each of the 13 circuits, creating a high-stakes showdown that promises to be one of the highlights of the rodeo calendar.

For the champions, these victories represent the culmination of countless hours of practice, travel, and competition. They signify not just individual talent but also the strength of their partnerships, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the strategic acumen required to excel in professional rodeo. Their success will undoubtedly inspire fellow competitors and aspiring young ropers across their respective circuits.

As the remaining circuits prepare for their own finals in the coming weeks and months, anticipation will build. The Columbia River, Turquoise, Wilderness, Great Lakes, Southeastern, Prairie, and Maple Leaf circuits will host their events in November, while Montana and First Frontier will conclude the circuit finals season in January 2027. Each of these events will add new names to the growing list of NFR Open qualifiers, further enriching the narrative of the 2026 ProRodeo season. The overall competitive landscape of professional team roping is invigorated by these regional contests, ensuring a constant influx of top talent into the national spotlight and maintaining the high standards of the sport. The PRCA circuit system continues to prove its value as a vital breeding ground for future champions and a thrilling arena for established stars.