For many athletes, qualifying for Championship Sunday is a make-or-break opportunity that could set the tone for the final two weeks of the regular season. With each event paying out a total of $77,000, the stakes are high as athletes look to earn valuable money, qualify for the CINCH Playoffs Series Finale — the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota — and, ultimately, secure a position inside the top 15 by Oct. 1.
With 24 of the sport’s top athletes competing across two pools, Sunday’s finals will feature the top eight competitors, the top four from each pool. Those eight will compete for a spot in the top four, who will then advance to a shootout-style competition. The top athletes will have the opportunity to take home $13,900 in the shootout alone.
Many athletes on the bubble have embraced the pressure and are looking to make the most of their opportunity this Championship Sunday.
In bareback riding, Bradlee Miller and Jacob Lees will look to add to their impressive season earnings, with every dollar carrying weight in the race for the gold buckle. Meanwhile, bubble-watch cowboy Garrett Shadbolt is looking to secure his fifth trip to the National Finals Rodeo.
Steer wrestling will also feature a mix of athletes looking to continue winning streaks and those counting on a big payday in Puyallup.
Six-time NFR qualifier Jesse Brown is one of those athletes with his eyes on a gold buckle and a potential regular-season earnings record. Brown, no stranger to success in Puyallup, reflected on the importance of the CINCH Playoffs Series.
“It’s huge. Everybody’s going to all the big rodeos to try and come here. Even a guy out of the top 30 has a chance to make the NFR if he’s here.”
The team roping race is also heating up. Resistol Rookie of the Year contender Ketch Kelton, who currently ranks 14th in the world standings, will look to secure his first NFR qualification with a successful finish in Puyallup. He will face stiff competition, including current world standings leaders and world champions Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira.
In saddle bronc riding, Gus Gaillard, Zac Dallas and Statler Wright are all on the brink of securing a trip to the 2026 NFR, making Sunday’s performance one to watch closely.
Perhaps one of the most thrilling storylines of the late season has come from Shad Mayfield’s comeback from injury. After missing the first half of the season, Mayfield has put himself back into top-15 contention, winning both performances in his Saturday set. He will be joined by brothers Cole and Brodey Clemons, who are both narrowly outside the top 15.
Barrel racer Lisa Lockhart will fight through Sunday’s Championship performance as she looks to qualify for the Governor’s Cup in her home state of South Dakota and continue her pursuit of a 20th consecutive NFR qualification.
Breakaway roper Kinlie Brinnise, who currently sits within the top 30 of the world standings, will join the top eight returning and will look to keep her NFBR hopes alive with a clutch performance in Puyallup and potentially Sioux Falls.
In bull riding, the hot streaks continue, with top athletes including Luke Mackey, John Crimber and Tristan Hutchings all in the mix for the finale.
All eyes will be on Puyallup as the action gets underway at 1 p.m. PT Sunday in Washington. Fans and athletes alike can follow the action through Cowboy Plus’ digital and social platforms.
