New Season Cut-Off for The American Rodeo Extends to March 15, 2026

Fort Worth, Texas — December 22, 2025 — The road to The American continues, and the window to qualify is closing. Rodeo athletes have 90 days remaining to secure qualification for the 2026 American Rodeo Regional Semi-Finals, as the regular qualifying season concludes on March 15, 2026, ahead of an April slate of Regional events.

With more than $1.11 million in total payouts, the American Rodeo Regionals represent one of the richest purses in rodeo and serve as the exclusive pathway to The American Rodeo Championship Weekend, set for May 22–23, 2026, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

What’s at Stake

• Jackpot-style payouts in all preliminary go-rounds
• $180,000 in prize money awarded at each of the three FOX-televised Regional Final rounds

The top five athletes in each discipline from each Regional Final will advance to The American Rodeo Semi-Finals on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Arlington, where $360,000 in prize money will be awarded.

From there, the top five qualifiers from Friday night will advance to face the top five athletes in the 2025 PRCA/WPRA world standings in the Showdown Round of 10 on Saturday, May 23, competing for a spot in the championship round and prize money.

2026 American Rodeo Regional Schedule

East Regionals: April 9–11, 2026
Lexington, KY — Alltech Arena

Central Regionals: April 16–18, 2026
Oklahoma City, OK — OG&E Arena

West Regionals: April 30–May 2, 2026
Las Vegas, NV — South Point Arena

Athletes looking to secure qualification can view the full American Rodeo Qualifier schedule at
AmericanRodeo.com/qualifier-events. New qualifiers are added weekly, with limited buy-in opportunities posted as they become available.

For full rules, FAQs, and advancement details, visit the Athlete Hub on AmericanRodeo.com, or contact [email protected].