The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever as The American Rodeo Championship Weekend Returns with More Than $3.6 Million Up for Grabs

Athletes Have Until March 15, 2026 to Qualify for a Final Shot at the $2 Million Qualifier Bonus

Fort Worth, Texas — January 20, 2026 — The countdown is on for one of the most electric showdowns in Western sports. The 13th annual The American Rodeo Championship Weekend returns to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on May 22–23, with more than $3.6 million in total prize money up for grabs.

Included in the purse is a massive $2 million Qualifier Bonus (formerly known as the Contender Bonus) — still unclaimed after the 2025 edition. This life-changing sum is reserved exclusively for athletes who qualify through sanctioned events — no prior professional experience required.

And here’s the kicker: 2026 marks the final year this bonus will roll over, no matter the outcome. Championship Weekend just became the ultimate high-stakes showdown — a true now-or-never chance to claim the sport’s single biggest payout.

Athletes who qualify and advance will get the opportunity to compete head-to-head against the top five finishers from the 2025 PRCA/WPRA World Standings in their respective disciplines, including eight-time World Champion Stetson Wright (all-around, saddle bronc, bull riding), 2025 Bareback World Champion Rocker Steiner, two-time Barrel Racing World Champion Kassie Mowry, three-time Tie-Down Roping World Champion Riley Webb, and 2024 Bull Riding World Champion Ky Hamilton. If the qualifiers beat them — they take home a piece of that bonus.

For qualifiers, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Every day I could find a reason why The American Rodeo changed my life,” said Richmond Champion, Bareback Rider (first athlete to win The American Rodeo million dollar bonus). “Winning $1 Million at this rodeo was one of the biggest highlights of my career and set me up for life. From just a 21-year-old kid with a dream of being one of the greats, to etching my name in history, it truly was a life-changing moment and life-changing money.”

For fans, it’s a must-see, high-energy event.

Qualifying events continue through March 15, 2026. A full list of qualifying events, including dates and locations, can be found here. For more information on The American Rodeo and how to qualify, click here.

Two-day packages for The American Rodeo Championship Weekend are available now, offering fans a 25% savings when purchasing the full weekend experience. Single-day tickets and the artist lineup will be released in early 2026. All tickets include access to both the rodeo and the live performances.

Fans looking to elevate their experience will soon have access to VIP ticket packages. For the latest updates, visit www.americanrodeo.com or follow @TheAmericanRodeo on TikTok and Facebook, and @TheAmerican.TR on Instagram.