PRORODEO Sports News - August 8, 2025

CALGARY STAMPEDE CHAMPIONSHIP

By Tracy Renck

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dream match-up resulted in an other grand celebration for saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston. Thurston registered an electric 92-point ride on C5 Rodeo’s star horse Virgil to win the Calgary Stam pede for the fourth time in his career July 13 before 20,000-plus fans at GMC Stadium. “This is unbelievable. This is as good as they come as far as rodeo and I feel pretty lucky,” Thurston said. “That ride ranks right up there with my other great rides. That’s an amazing horse, Virgil, and you can’t ask for anything better. It is pretty special to get on that horse; a huge blessing and I was lucky enough to be the guy to pick him.” Thurston, a three-time PRCA World Champion - 2016, 2022 and 2023 - is now a four-time Calgary Stampede champion in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2025. The latter is truly special for Thurston who resides in nearby Big Valley, Alberta, which two hours northeast of Calgary. “Winning (the Calgary Stampede) never gets old,” said Thurston, 31. “It is hard to win. I have won it four times, but I have also been in the fi nals another four times, so it is not an easy thing to get accomplished. It is not an easy task but if you are the guy, it is definitely pretty cool. “Being from Canada, I take so much pride in winning the (Calgary Stam pede).” The Calgary Stampede, known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, was a $2.1 million dollar rodeo in 2025. Thurston collected the $50,000 check for his ride aboard Virgil as he eyes another PRCA world title. Other winners at Calgary included breakaway roper Shelby Boisjo li-Meged and barrel racer Anita Ellis.

Zeke Thurston registered an electric 92-point ride on C5 Rodeo’s star horse Virgil to win the Calgary Stampede for the fourth time in his career. All PRCA photos of Calgary Stampede by Covy Moore

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