Two weeks to make Vegas

The 2026 regular rodeo season has two weeks left, and only the top 15 go to the National Finals Rodeo in December. Tie-down roper Shad Mayfield is fighting to be one of them.

Years of hip pain

The two-time world champion missed the first half of the season for multiple major hip surgeries. He had spent years roping through torn labrums and femoroacetabular impingement.

A strong return in Reno

He came back at the Reno Rodeo in June and finished third, earning over $8,000 in his first weekend back.

Hanging on at No. 14

Mayfield has earned $118,226 this season but sits just $3,000 from dropping out of the top 15. At this stage, a single paycheck can move the standings.

“it only takes one check to shake up the world standings and change the course of a season”

Surgery after a near title

He finished last season as reserve world champion, then had his first surgery and a second one a few months later. After a slow start, he came back in summer with something to prove.

Big checks at big rodeos

He placed second at the NFR Open at Pikes Peak or Bust for $10,000. Days later he got his first win of the season at the California Rodeo Salinas, worth another $10,000.

Summer wins keep coming

He has won four more rodeos this summer. Most recently, Puyallup paid him over $10,000 after he won the first two rounds and placed fourth in the final.

Chasing the leaders

With momentum on his side, Mayfield could reach Las Vegas and challenge No. 1 Riley Webb and No. 2 Haven Meged at the Thomas & Mack in December.

“two weeks is plenty of time for this world champion cowboy to make his way back to the top”