Pendleton Round-Up: Preview, Format and How to Watch

It’s time for one of the most exciting rodeos of the regular season as all eyes focus on the Pendleton Round-Up. The first Pendleton Round-Up was held on September 29, 1910, and it has since grown into a week-long celebration of Western heritage that includes parades, concerts, and pageants.

This year athletes will compete for their share of over $670,000. Here is a preview of what you can expect from Pendleton.

FORMAT

In roughstock events and barrel racing, each athlete will ride one time with the 12 highest scores and fastest times head to the Finals. In the Finals, the highest aggregate of two is crowned Champion.

In timed events other than barrel racing, athletes compete twice in the opening round with the 12 fastest on two going to the Finals where they will have one more run. The fastest on three head is crowned Champion of the Pendleton Round-Up.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

A win in Pendleton can earn athletes up to $10,000 and as we near the end of the season, that can mean making or canceling plans for early December for these athletes.

2022 World Champion and 3x NFR Average Champion Jess Pope has Entered the Conversation

Jess Pope ($124,749) had been on the outside looking in for the majority of the 2024 season, but after a big win in Puyallup, he now sits at No. 10 in the Bareback World Standings with over $124,000 earned. Pope will compete on Thursday as he looks to continue his torrid stretch.

Top of Saddle Bronc Riding Standings Getting Crowded

Heading into Pendleton there are five athletes over $200,000 in the Saddle Bronc Riding World Standings and three more are within striking distance of the mark. Damian Brennan ($221,459), Kade Bruno ($217,744), Wyatt Casper ($210,776), Ryder Wright ($202,365), and Lefty Holman ($200,646) are all over the mark currently. No. 6 Zeke Thurston ($193,299), Brody Cress ($190,771), and Sage Newman ($187,939) are all likely to reach $200,000 by season’s end. Each of them will be competing in Pendleton throughout the week.

Will Dalton Massey Enter NFR No. 1 for the Second Straight Year?

A year ago Dalton Massey ($161,948), ended the regular season in the No. 1 spot with over $190,000. This year has been much of the same. With three weeks left in the season, Massey holds on to the No. 1 spot, but this year it is much closer. No. 2 Dakota Eldridge ($155,946) is one big weekend away from overtaking Massey. No. 3 Will Lummus ($148,837) is $13,000 back of the No. 1 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.