In its second year, THE AMERICAN CONTENDER TOURNAMENT operates as rodeo athletes’ pathway to The American Rodeo – 
the richest one-day payday in rodeo providing an opportunity to earn $1 Million.

Any rodeo athlete that lands outside the top 5 PRCA/WPRA ranking at the end of 2023 has the opportunity to compete at The American Rodeo by entering and competing in one or more of the 90+ The American Contender Tournament events (qualifiers) and earning an automatic qualification or points toward the Regional Semi-Finals in January 2024.

THE AMERICAN CONTENDER TOURNAMENT is made up of multiple qualifying rounds in each of the eight disciplines of rodeo: 
Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding and Bull Riding and runs from April 2023 through February 2024.