A sold-out crowd of 19,000 roared with excitement at the largest outdoor rodeo in the world. Anticipation filled the air, making the otherwise dry Cheyenne climate heavy with the unanswered question: Who would etch their name into the 2025 history books?
What started in 1897 as a community celebration of cowboy skills quickly evolved into the largest outdoor rodeo on Earth—better known as the “Daddy of ’em All.” Now paying out more than $1.16 million in prize money, Cheyenne Frontier Days lives up to its legendary nickname in every way.
History runs deep in the high-desert foothills. Marked by generational stories, historical highs and lows, and record-shattering performances, the “Daddy of ’em All” remains as timeless as the sport itself.
One of those generational stories belongs to the Berry family.
Kade Berry, a 22-year-old bareback rider from Weatherford, Texas, comes from rodeo royalty at Frontier Park. A second-generation bareback rider, Kade and his older brother, four-time NFR qualifier Leighton Berry, are proudly carrying on the legacy of their father, Kirby Berry.
Success in Cheyenne may be synonymous with the Berry name—but now, it’s in the record books.
Kade shattered Joe Alexander’s 51-year-old arena record of 93 points—originally set on Beutler Brothers & Cervi’s “Marlboro”—with a 93.5-point ride on Brookman Rodeo’s “Lunatic Heaven.”
“It was a pretty gratifying moment when I first got off. I knew it was going to be good, but so many emotions started to wash over me when Garrett [Yerigan, Cheyenne Frontier Days announcer] started talking about the arena record and then announced my score. The crowd just lit up,” Berry reflected.
Heading into the Championship Round, Berry knew the stakes were high. “My brother told me it was 95 or nothing on Lunatic Heaven. I knew that horse was going to fire right away, and I just had to let it all hang out.”
The historic ride is now one of the highest bareback scores ever recorded—just behind the 95-point record set by Rocker Steiner on C5 Rodeo’s “Virgil” in 2022.
“I feel super blessed and grateful to have answered the call and made the highest-marked ride in 129 years of Cheyenne Frontier Days competition,” Berry said.
But for the Lone Star cowboy, the record-breaking ride and payday paled in comparison to having his full support system in the stands.
“My brother, my 3-month-old nephew, his wife Kodi, my parents, and my girlfriend were all there to see it. The arena record or the Cheyenne buckle is incredible, but having all my support there was so special,” said Berry, whose father was the first to meet him after the ride—with glistening tears of pride and a big bear hug.
“My family’s support is everything to me. From the time I started at 5-and-under rodeos, to high school, college, and now the pros—they’ve always been there. Having my brother pull my riggin’ and my uncle, Pete Hawkins—who’s a two-time Cheyenne Frontier Days champion—on the chutes with me was pretty cool. My dad, uncle, and brother are great bareback riders, and to have their support means everything.”
This monumental moment was the result of years of preparation, discipline, and sacrifice—culminating in one perfect opportunity.
“My dad told me I did it. That all my preparation met opportunity at the right time. It’s been years in the making,” said Berry, whose $9,373 payday pushed him into the top 35 of the PRCA world standings.
“It was the coolest day of my life so far,” added Berry, who humbly credited the Cheyenne Frontier Days committee, stock contractors, fans, and his family for making the moment possible.
Recapping the 2025 Cheyenne Frontier Days
From lightning-fast times to record-setting rides, the event once again delivered top-tier performances and celebrated Western heritage at its finest.
Jake Clay earned the prestigious All-Around Cowboy title with $6,847 in winnings from team roping and steer roping.
Tyke Kipp topped the steer wrestling event with a 5.5-second run, good for $9,200. Talon Roseland followed with 5.8 seconds ($8,000), while Trisyn Kalawaia and Rowdy Parrott tied for third at 6.1 seconds, earning $6,200 each.
In team roping, Aaron Tsinigine and Jeremy Buhler claimed the championship with a 9.3-second run, each pocketing $11,500. Luke Brown and Trey Yates, along with Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp, tied for second at 9.5 seconds, earning $9,250 per cowboy.
Saddle bronc riding saw a hometown victory for Wyoming’s Brody Cress, who scored 91 points aboard Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ The Black Tie, earning $11,331. Zeke Thurston finished second with 90 points and $8,584.
Veteran Tyson Durfey took home the tie-down roping title with a 10.9-second run, good for $11,500. Jake Pratt finished second at 11.8 seconds, earning $10,000.
Barrel racing featured fierce competition, with Lisa Lockhart winning the event in 17.03 seconds to earn $10,819. She was followed by Tayla Moeykens (17.19, $8,954), Hailey Kinsel (17.23, $7,088), Emily Beisel (17.31, $5,223), Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi (17.39, $3,358), and Carlee Otero (17.40, $1,865).
Danielle Lowman took home the prestigious top honors of the Breakway Roping, defying the stacked competition in a competitive set up.
In bull riding, Qynn Andersen delivered a standout 90-point ride aboard Smith Pro Rodeos’ Hunter, earning the top check of $12,242. Colten Fritzlan followed with an 87.5-point ride worth $9,521.
With fierce competition, packed crowds, and deep tradition, the 2025 Cheyenne Frontier Days once again lived up to its namesake as the “Daddy of Em’ All”.
