From Rodeo On SI · · 3m
Championship Contenders Headline Saturday Night at 50th INFR in Las Vegas
INFR crowns 2026 world champions at Las Vegas event marking 50 years of competition.
In brief
INFR crowns 2026 world champions at Las Vegas event marking 50 years of competition. The Indian National Finals Rodeo will determine 2026 world champions at its 50th anniversary event in Las Vegas. Originally reported by Rodeo On SI.
INFR Championship Night
The Indian National Finals Rodeo crowns world champions at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., on Saturday night.
50th Anniversary Event
2026 marks 50 years of INFR World Champions, with fierce competition for gold buckles.
Qualification Process
After a season of rodeos on the INFR Tour, the top 32 timed event and 24 rough stock contestants qualified for the Championship Round.
Championship Rounds
In Las Vegas, athletes competed in three rounds, with the top 16 (timed event) and 12 (rough stock) advancing to the Championship Round.
Final Determination
The World Champions will be determined after one final run or ride in all events except Ladies Barrel Racing.
Bareback Riding
Just 10 points separate the top four cowboys returning in the bareback riding race, making it a tight battle.
Bareback Riders
Conner Heinert leads with 144 points, followed by Shain Begay at 145, Ty Ferguson at 157, and Wyatt Betony at 157.
Steer Wrestling
Chance Howard holds the lead with 15.70 seconds, but his competitors are not far behind.
Steer Wrestlers
Dane Creighton leads with 112.40 seconds, followed by Rilee Fisher at 112.40, Rooster Yazzie at 111.18, and Nolan Conway at 110.98.
Ladies Breakaway Roping
Audrey Fish leads with 8.56 seconds, but the race is tight with many competitors close behind.
Ladies Breakaway Ropers
Lillian Lupe leads with 117.52 seconds, followed by Camryn Fry at 116.56, Sammy Jo Bird at 116.51, and Cassie Camarillo at 115.85.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Jackson Ford is gunning for another gold buckle, but this is another close race.
Saddle Bronc Riders
Logan Vocu leads with 156 points, followed by Cruz Birkeland at 173, Jalen Joaquin at 204, and Stade Riggs at 205.
Tie Down Roping
Tylen Layton has a four second lead heading into the tie-down roping round with a small margin separating the top cowboys.
Tie Down Ropers
Collin Johnson leads with 127.14 seconds, followed by Ryan Cody Nez at 125.00, Dennison Boone at 122.21, and Dean Holyan at 122.15.
Team Roping
With just over a second between the top two teams, the team roping will have everyone on the edge of their seats.
Team Roping Teams
Dustin Bearspaw and David Bearspaw lead with 118.74 seconds, followed by Ty St. Goddard and Jim Cole at 118.23.
Ladies Barrel Racing
Abilene McGee leads with 47.146 seconds in the ladies barrel racing event.
Bull Riding
Jacauy Hale leads with 237 points after covering all three bulls so far.
The big picture
The Indian National Finals Rodeo will determine 2026 world champions at its 50th anniversary event in Las Vegas.
