2025 Year-End Edition

Bareback rider Rocker Steiner was nearly overcome with emotion after he had won his first PRCA World Championship. (PRCA photo by Lara St Jacques)

For years, Statler Wright lived in the shadow of his older brothers. But the 22-year-old cemented himself in PRORODEO history, and joined the Wright family legacy as a world champion. Statler entered the NFR No. 9 in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. Round by round he moved his way up the leaderboard. He won rounds 3 and 6 then rode Flying U Rodeo’s Talk Derby 2 Me to an 89.75-point trip for a win in Round 7. He placed second in Round 9 with an 88-point ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Cash Deal. The rides allowed Statler to take control of the average at the NFR. An 87.5-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s R. Watsons Ed Bishop in Round 10 secured the average title. He also jumped his brother and three-time PRCA World Champion Ryder Wright by $346 for the PRCA World Championship. Team ropers Andrew Ward/Jake Long joined Statler in winning their first-ever PRCA World Championships. The veteran duo competed in a combined 21 NFRs before winning it all. A 3.9-second run in Round 10 secured the average title and gold buckles. They also set new single-season earn ings records in the process. Steer wrestler Tucker Allen also secured his first gold buckle in Las Vegas this year. He was the most consistent of the bunch, catching fire in the late rounds to pull away in the average.

“I’ve stayed locked in mentally and tried not to feel emo tion,” Allen said. “It didn’t really hit me until I saw (Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer) Luke Branquinho in the hallway. We shed a few tears. It’s been a long time coming.” One never knows what could happen at the NFR. Leads can dwindle away completely or be held onto by a thread. Rocker Steiner was almost the victim of that for the sec ond straight year despite entering No. 1 in the world. In 2024, Steiner went cold at the NFR. In 2025, he missed the pay window on two occasions in the late rounds, opening the door for others like Jess Pope to come within striking distance of the world title. Steiner said after Round 9 he would draw Calgary Stam pede’s Disco Party and win the gold buckle. A 90.5-point ride on the horse in Round 10 and Steiner made good on his promise. He joins his father, Sid (steer wrestling, 2002), and grandfather, Bobby (bull riding, 1973), as a world champion. They’re the first three-generation PRCA World Champion family. “There are so many people that I looked up to that were in my corner and stood behind me and helped me get to where I am now,” Steiner said. “I just want this moment to be a reflection on my family and the help I’ve had.” As the 2025 season closed and cowboys and cowgirls who missed their mark at the NFR regroup, it sets up a new season in PRORODEO that is sure to be filled with more ups and downs. But that’s what makes it special. It’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life.

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JANUARY 2026