One of the richest rodeos of the summer, “The Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West” concludes this weekend, marking the unofficial start of Cowboy Christmas and setting the tone for the Fourth of July run.
Reno Rodeo holds a monumental place in the hearts of rodeo athletes and Western sports fans alike. Serving as a launching point for the famed summer run and influencing NFR campaigns, the northern Nevada staple returns for its 107th year, offering more than $600,000 in added money and the chance to earn the famed silver spurs.
Nestled beneath the sagebrush-covered Sierra Nevada Mountains and just miles from picturesque Lake Tahoe, Reno — “The Biggest Little City in the World” — has long been associated with casinos, silver rush history, divorce ranches and deep ranching roots. But for more than a century, the city has also been synonymous with one of rodeo’s most iconic venues.
With the finals taking place Saturday evening and the storylines set, all eyes will be on who takes home the coveted silver spurs as the top athletes return for their third rides and runs, each hoping to claim one of the summer’s largest titles.
Currently, Kade Sonnier’s standout rides at the start of Reno Rodeo week have set him apart from the pack, leading the bareback riding aggregate with 173.5 points on two rides. The Cajun cowboy has positioned himself within the top 20 of the world standings and will look to strike silver success in Reno, propelling him into the top 15.
In a tie atop the steer wrestling leaderboards, Trace Harris and Bridger Anderson lead the aggregate with 8.9 seconds on two head. Harris is looking to take home one of the largest wins of his season thus far, while Anderson aims to extend his dominance in the top 15.
In a recent pairing, 2025 Resistol Rookie of the Year header James Arviso and veteran NFR qualifier Levi Lord have found quick success as a team, leading the team roping aggregate in Reno by nearly a full second.
In a closely contested saddle bronc riding race, Canadian standout Zeke Thurston leads with 173.5 points on two head, just a half-point ahead of Ryder Wright in the average.
Bryce Derrer, who has had a standout 2026 season and looks to qualify for his first NFR this year, leads the tie-down roping race in Reno with an aggregate time of 17.2 seconds on two head.
Barrel racer Sydney Graham takes a narrow lead in the aggregate, clocking two runs in a combined 33.85 seconds.
Resistol Rookie bull rider and PBR champion John Crimber stunned Reno crowds with a score of 90.5, elevating him to seventh in the world standings and setting an impressive tone for his rookie NFR campaign.
With all eyes on Reno Rodeo’s finale, fans and athletes alike can follow the conclusion of the Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West across all Cowboy Plus digital, broadcast and social platforms.
