2024 Calgary Stampede Rodeo Crowns Its Champions

The highest-paying rodeo of the summer takes place annually in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The best rodeo athletes in the world take on the Canadian dirt for a $50,000 payday and a chance to catapult themselves forward in the world standings. After 10 days of rodeo action, 2024 brought new and past champions to the stage. Take a look at the Calgary Stampede Champions of 2024.

Bareback Riding - R.C. Landingham

Going into the finals, the bareback riding was packed with champions. The top four would be a Rocker Steiner, R.C. Landingham, Orin Larson, and Leighton Berry. All four of the top guys are NFR qualifiers. Rocker Steiners dynamic energy and talent put up a 90.5 point ride that looked nearly flawless, but Landingham surpassed all expectations when he spurred for an amazing 94 points claiming the title and the $50,000. 

Steer Wrestling - Ty Erickson 

In the big mans event of steer wrestling, four NFR qualifiers filled the finals again. Stetson Jorgenson, Tyler Pearson, Ty Erickson, and Don Payne showed up to fight for the title. As the second man out, the pressure had just started building when Erickson backed in the box. He put together a smoking 4.0 second run launching him to the top of the leaderboard where he would remain and secure the championship. 

Tie Down Roping - Haven Meged

The young talents showed up in the tie down roping where John Douch, Kincade Henry, Macon Murphy, and Haven Meged competed in the finals. Macon Murphy put together a very respectable 7.1 second run. Meged had plans to take over the lead however. In the semi finals he tied his calf in 6.9 seconds proving that he was capable of the victory. With a textbook run, Haven had the fastest run of the week with a 6.7 and went home the champion. 

Saddle Bronc Riding - Kade Bruno

The finals in the Saddle Bronc Riding brought some confusion and excitement to Calgary. Zeke Thurston, Kade Bruno, Layton Green and Ben Anderson filled the four man finals round. After Thurston and Bruno both put up a score of 92 points to win, they agreed to get on another bronc to settle the tie. After some judges confusion and miscommunication, Thurston was awarded the title, but then it was quickly taken away as Bruno was told he actually had the higher score. When it was all said and done, Bruno scored a 92 point ride and Thurston, 90.5. Bruno went home the champion with a $50,000 check, with Thurston coming in as a very close second place. 

Barrel Racing - Leslie Smalygo 

The ladies in the barrelrace always put on a show with incredible horsepower. Paige Jones, Leslie Smalygo, Katelynn Scott, and Hailey Kinsel were the top four ladies competing in the finals. Bets may have been on fan favorite, Hailey Kinsel and her great Palomino mare, Sister. They ran a 16.986, a time that only she had beat in the previous rounds. Leslie Smalygo had something to say about that though when her and her horse, Gus, ran an impressive 16.940. 

Bull Riding - Chase Dougherty and Jeff Askey 

Bull riding remains a crowd favorite, particularly when top bull riders compete. Chase Dougherty and Jeff Askey were the lone qualifiers for the finals based on their previous rounds. Despite both enduring rough falls after being bucked off, they mutually agreed to call it quits, resulting in a tie for the championship title, with both riders being honored as champions.