Canada’s Ben Andersen is making his return to Las Vegas. It’s his second trip and this time, he does so as the No. 6 ranked saddle bronc rider in the PRCA World Standings.
Andersen’s first National Finals Rodeo qualification came in 2021 and he finished the year ranked No. 14. In 2023, he has earned more money in the regular season than he did after the NFR in 2021, proving already that this year has been the best in his young career. Andersen is coming into the Thomas & Mack looking his best.
BIGGEST PAYDAYS
RodeoHouston, $15,750
Placing in Round 2 and winning Round 3 of his Super Series put Andersen in the No. 3 hole coming back to the Semifinals. An 85-point ride there moved him on to the Championship Round where he rode Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Toma Jo for 88 points. He would end up finish RodeoHouston third in the Championship Shootout with $10,000 added to his name.
Ogden Pioneer Days (Utah), $8,855
By just half a point, Andersen cinched the win in Utah when he matched up with Korkow Rodeo’s Joker Poker. The two put a score of 86.5 points on the board to beat the likes of veteran bronc riders Chase Brooks and Ryder Wright for the win.
HIGHEST MARKED RIDES
Dixie National Rodeo (Mississippi), 90 Points
In February, Andersen was on a roll. He made his highest marked ride of the season on Brookman Rodeo’s Ragin’ Lunatic when the dust settled on a 90-point ride. This cinched him the win by three points and added over $5,500 to his earnings.
MSU Northern PRCA Extreme Bares & Broncs Challenge (Montana), 88.5 points
Among tough competition in Montana, Andersen put himself at the top of the leaderboard yet again. He drew J Bar J’s Dirty Lizard and rode for 88.5 points to best the competition and make his second highest marked ride of the season.
NOTABLE WINS
Bucking Battle in Bismark (North Dakota), 84 Points
A win came early on in the season for Andersen as he rolled up to Bismark, North Dakota and took first place. On Dakota Rodeo’s Pulp Fiction, he was one of three cowboys to be 84 points and tie for the win and a hefty $5,352.
PRCA Extreme Bares & Broncs (North Dakota), 84.5 Points
North Dakota was a honey hole for Andersen this season. He picked up another win in Watford City when he covered Summit Pro Rodeo’s Corina for 84.5 points to add another $5,200 to his earnings.
Silks and Spurs Xtreme Broncs (Wyoming), 84 Points
In Gillette, Wyoming, Andersen continued his luck at Xtreme Bronc events when he picked up yet another win at 84 points. This one came on the back of Burch Rodeo’s Fire Bee’s to the tune of $5,100.
Omak Stampede (Washington), 85.5 Points
In August, Andersen picked up his final big paycheck of the regular season. An 85.5-point ride on Big Bend Rodeo’s Spring Tour landed him a win by half a point to beat out rookie and fellow Canadian, Q Taylor.
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