Tilden Hooper Makes His Comeback Ahead of the American Rodeo

Rodeo fans are days away from finding out which athletes will be the first to punch their tickets to a shot at one million dollars in The American Rodeo.

The Contender Tournament Finals begin this weekend with the Western Region Qualifier at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. After taking a year off due to injury, Professional Bareback Rider Tilden Hooper returns to the arena as a contestant.

"I've been really looking forward to this day," Tilden announced in a video heading into the event, showing some of his training at the Smith Pro Rodeos Ranch in Malakoff, Texas. "Rodeo is such a cool sport. It's very humbling for everybody to show up and help me…I felt strong, everything feels good, and I'm ready to roll."

Hooper is a two-time American Rodeo Champion. He qualified for the NFR in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2018-22. He finished ninth in the 2022 PRCA world standings with $188,477. He finished a career-best fourth in the 2021 world standings with $205,916.

Following the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the nine-time NFR Qualifier told the PRCA on Mar. 1, 2023, that he would not be competing due to neck issues (not new ones) he had been dealing with for most of his career.

"Once I started getting ready for this season, I realized everything wasn't firing the way it was supposed to," Hooper told ProRodeo Sports News. "The plan is to take time off and come back stronger and better, just like I have in the past."

A 'comeback' is exactly what Hooper fans have been waiting for, with dozens of comments wishing the bareback champ good luck on social media.

The qualifier offers $180,000 in winnings, plus a shot at competing for the million-dollar prize come Mar. 9, 2024. Contenders will compete Jan. 11-13 in the world-famous South Point Area.

This year, The American has partnered with the South Point Hotel to offer a fan experience for those headed to the Western Region Qualifier. Rodeo fans can book their room under their favorite athlete with a special discount. The last day to get in on the discounted rate is Tuesday, Jan. 9.