$373,838 in 10 life-changing days.
That is the historic National Finals Rodeo (NFR) earnings total it took for team ropers Andrew Ward and Jake Long to etch their names in history as the 2025 World Champion header and heeler.
The duo also claimed the coveted NFR Aggregate title, steadily climbing their way to the top, with their world championship fate decided in the final round. Both athletes are veterans of the sport, with Ward owning six NFR qualifications and Long 15. Together, they accomplished a lifelong goal and now carry significant momentum into the Texas Swing and the 2026 PRCA season.
December proved especially sweet for the Oklahoma- and Kansas-based athletes.
“It was a lot of fun seeing family over the holidays and having them celebrate with us after watching us work toward a world title over the years,” Ward said, reflecting on spending the holiday season with loved ones following a thrilling championship race.
Ward also acknowledged that the magnitude of becoming a world champion has not fully settled in yet.
“I don’t know what the title fully sinking in will feel like,” he said. “It’ll be pretty special when we get the gold buckle in the mail with our names on it. I’m just so thankful for it.”
As the calendar turns, so does the PRCA season, and attention is already fixed on the 2026 race back to the Thomas & Mack Center.
For the veteran team ropers entering their second year together, the new season represents an opportunity to build on the success of 2025.
“The year has started over, and we have to earn our spot again,” Ward said. “Nothing’s different. The cool thing is we’ve already roped a year together and learned from our mistakes last year. We’re hoping to start the new year with the same momentum.”
Ward and Long began the new year with their families in San Diego, competing at the San Diego Rodeo.
“Roping in places like Petco Park was really neat,” Long said. “The weather was beautiful, and we flew out with our wives and treated it more like a vacation before the winter rodeos started. The opportunities in rodeo are growing, and it’s great to see. It’s good financially for our families and sponsors, and we hope it continues to trend upward.”
As they prepare for their sophomore season as partners, both athletes expressed gratitude for the experience and balance each brings to the team.
“Jake’s a great guy and the best heeler in the world,” Ward said. “It’s a privilege to rope for him.”
Long echoed the sentiment.
“Andrew is a really good partner for me,” he said. “He balances out the roller coaster of emotions I go through throughout the year. He stays steady for us, and we get along really well.”
With the 2026 PRCA season well underway, Ward and Long have already picked up a $3,986 payday apiece at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver — a promising start for the reigning world champions.
