For the second time in her young career, Hali Williams stood beneath the bright lights of RODEOHOUSTON’s winner’s circle, adding a second title to her resume. For the three-time National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR) qualifier, the win also propelled her to the top of the 2026 breakaway roping world standings.
“It’s honestly so special,” Williams said. “I don’t think I could ever take off my 2023 RODEOHOUSTON buckle, but this one will certainly go on my second belt. My dad and I joke that when I win a big saddle, I put it on top of his trophy saddles and cover them up. Maybe I’ll put this one on top of one of his from his Houston wins.”
Williams, the daughter of eight-time world champion team roper Speed Williams, credited her father for his constant support and preparation for high-pressure moments like the four-man shootout round.
The $65,000 championship payday firmly places Williams in the driver’s seat of the world standings, though she said she avoids focusing on rankings.
“I try not to look at the standings or see where anyone else is,” she said. “I’m trying to act like I’m still 93rd in the world and win the most money possible and set records. That was my goal before Houston, and it still is.”
Paying out nearly $2.3 million, RODEOHOUSTON’s three-week tournament-style rodeo is the richest in the sport. With earnings counting toward world standings—and five 2025 world champions also winning in Houston—the event often shapes the season-long title race.
For Williams, a Texas native, the victory was hard-fought against the top breakaway ropers in the world. She credited both her execution and her strategy in rotating horses.
“I knew I had to put pressure on the field,” she said. “I couldn’t take an extra swing. I had to go as fast as I could.”
When the dust settled, Williams roped her final calf in 2.6 seconds, securing the championship and boosting her season earnings to $69,375.
She also pointed to her equine partners, “Blaze” and “Redlight,” and her strategy of using both throughout the tournament.
“Thankfully, it all worked out,” she said. “I rode Blaze through my Super Series, then went home and practiced on Redlight and knew I needed him for the rest of Houston. I’m learning how to use my horses and their abilities in different setups.”
Williams credited her veterinarian, Dr. Charlie Buchanan of Signature Equine, for helping keep her horses performing at their best throughout the long season.
“Making six or seven runs in Houston can be hard,” she said. “I’m grateful to work with Charlie to make sure my horses are rested, getting the best nutrition and feeling their best.”
With a strong support system behind her, Williams now looks ahead to the remainder of the 2026 season, aiming to break earnings records and secure her fourth National Finals Breakaway Roping qualification.
