PRORODEO Sports News - August 5, 2026

GAVIN KNUTSON OVERCOMES INJURIES, EARNS NFR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

A fter his final ride in Pool A, Gavin Knutson’s status for the champi onship round of the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo presented by John Deere hung in the balance. The 22-year-old bull rider, still on his PRCA Permit, won his pool, but when he got off at the end of his second trip, he got stepped on and needed assistance getting out of the arena. Knutson returned for the short round and won the event with an 87-point ride on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Duel Citizen to finish as one of three qualified riders in the short round and earn the biggest win of his young career. “This is unbelievable. This is some thing that I’ve worked toward for a long time,” Knutson said. “To be able

to win my circuit finals and come here and compete with all of the big dogs was a lot of fun. I’m truly blessed to come out on top, and I’m extremely thankful.” Knutson opened his trip to Colo rado Springs, Colo., with a 79-point ride on Hi Lo Pro Rodeo’s Matthew to place third in Round 1 and pick up $1,750. In Round 2, he matched Brookman Rodeo’s Splitting tens to win the round, earn $3,000 and advance as the leader in his pool – over Resistol Rookie phenom Hayden Welsh – at 166.5 points on two head. Despite the difficult week on his body, Knutson said he was glad he stuck it out and stayed in town for the championship round. “Absolutely, it’s a big relief,” Knut son said.

Bull rider Gavin Knutson sticks on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Duel Citizen for an 87-point ride to win the NFR Open July 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. PRCA photo by Nicole Stevens

August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 13