Canadian Finals Rodeo: Preview, Format, and How to Watch

The rosters are set for the Canadian Finals Rodeo which begins Nov. 1 and runs through Nov. 5. For the fifth consecutive year, Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta will host the top Canadian rodeo athletes as they compete for both a Canadian Finals Rodeo Average Title and a Canadian National Championship.

FORMAT

The Top 12 contestants in each event will compete in the Finals, which take place over six performances with over $1 million paid out across eight different events. The winner of each Go-Round will take home more about $9,300 each night and athletes who win the CFR Average will win more than $14,000.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Bareback Riding

In bareback riding, Kody Lamb qualified in the top spot with over $46,000 earned on the year in CPRA events. It’s Lamb’s sixth trip to the CFR, but the first time he enters as the top-ranked cowboy.

Orin Larsen, who won two rounds on one day last year on his way to the title, highlights the field and enters the Finals No. 2 in the standings. Larsen is a six-time CFR qualifier and nine-time NFR qualifier.

No. 4 Ty Fast Taypotat leads the bareback riders with 11 CFR qualifications.

Steer Wrestling

The No. 1 man in the PRCA also happens to be entering the Canadian Finals in the No. 1 spot. Dalton Massey holds a lead of less than $300 over Scott Guenthner, who won The Calgary Stampede, as the two battle it out for the top spot.

The field also includes 2023 NFR qualifiers JD Struxness and Stepgen Culling as well.

Team Roping

Brothers Dawson and Dillon Graham hold a small lead on the head and heel side with the pair earning $33,716 on the year. Tee McLeod is within $4,000 on the head side while partners Brady Tryan (header) and Calgary Smith (Heeler) have earned $28,655 and are both within striking distance.

Saddle Bronc Riding

Saddle Bronc Riding may be the best field of any event as the Canadian cowboys have continued to make their mark in both the U.S. and Canada.

This year, Ben Andersen and Zeke Thurston lead the way with Lucas Macza, Kolby Wanchuk, Logan Hay and Layton Green all also competing.

Thurston looks to defend his Canadian crown before heading to Las Vegas to defend his World Title in the U.S.

Tie-Down Roping

Reigning Canadian Champion Haven Meged enters the Canadian Finals in the top spot with $37,350 earned on the season. The No. 3 tie-down roper in the PRCA holds a small lead over Logan Bird, who earned $34,621 during the year.

Also in the field are RodeoHouston Champion Beau Cooper and eight-time CFR qualifier Kyle Lucas.

Barrel Racing

Barrel Racing features the largest gap between No. 1 and No. 2 in the Canadian Rodeo Standings. Lynette Brodoway earned over $47,800 on the season and currently holds a nearly $20,000 lead over Brooke Wills who sits No. 2. Dona Kay Rule was set to compete, but has turned out of the rodeo. Rule would have entered the rodeo in the No. 3 spot.

Bull Riding

Coy Robbins has a $10,000 lead in the Bull Riding Standings heading into the Finals. Robbins won seven rodeos on the season to secure his top ranking. Robbins is being chased by Jordan Hansen and Jared Parsonage, who have combined for 17 CFRs and five NFRs.

Breakaway Roping

Aubrey Ross holds the top spot in the Breakaway roping but has some big talent looking to run her down. Shelby and Makayla Boisjoli are both within $5,000 of the top spot in the standings at No. 4 and No. 5 respectively. Jenna Dallyn is less than $1,000 back in the No. 2 spot.

HOW TO WATCH AND BROADCAST SCHEDULE

You can watch every performance LIVE on The Cowboy Channel and The Cowboy Channel+ App. For a full broadcast schedule click HERE. The Cowboy Channel’s Coverage will begin 30 minutes prior to the Rodeo start time with the pre-show to get you prepared for all of the action.