CODY STAMPEDE RODEO CROWNS 2026 CHAMPIONS AS LEIGHTON BERRY AND SHORTY GARRETT SHINE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

CODY, Wyo. (July 4, 2026) — The fireworks didn’t wait until sunset at the 107th Cody Stampede Rodeo. They erupted inside Stampede Park as some of the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls delivered championship performances during one of the most celebrated stops of Cowboy Christmas.

With more than $500,800 paid out between the Cody Stampede Rodeo and Cody/Yellowstone Xtreme Bulls, the Fourth of July finale showcased why Cody, Wyoming, remains one of the premier destinations on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) schedules.

Leighton Berry Saves the Best for Last

The final bareback rider of the afternoon delivered one of the biggest moments of the rodeo.

Four-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier Leighton Berry of Weatherford, Texas, matched up with Frontier Rodeo’s outstanding bucking horse Breaking News and scored an impressive 88.5 points to capture the Cody Stampede championship and a $11,703 payday.

For Berry, the victory represented far more than a paycheck. After battling injuries and schedule conflicts that had kept him away from Cody in recent years, everything finally came together at the perfect time.

Competing in just four rodeos during this year’s Cowboy Christmas run—including stops in Killdeer and Mandan, North Dakota, and Oakley City, Utah—Berry’s strategic schedule proved successful as he positioned himself to climb the PRCA World Standings in pursuit of a fifth trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Berry praised his equine partner, calling Breaking News one of the finest bucking horses on the rodeo trail and credited faith for bringing him back to Cody at the right moment.

Shorty Garrett’s Championship Comes Full Circle

One of the most heartfelt victories of the week belonged to Shorty Garrett of Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

Garrett posted 91 points aboard Double J Rodeo Company’s Talkin Smack to win the saddle bronc riding championship and earn $11,477.

What made the victory especially meaningful was the family connection.

Garrett’s grandfather, Johnny Holloway, had raised the horse’s mother, Table Talk, before selling her to legendary stock contractor Harry Vold. Table Talk later produced Talkin Smack, making Garrett’s championship ride a full-circle family moment decades in the making.

Already fighting to remain inside the top 15 of the PRCA World Standings, Garrett’s victory provides valuable momentum as he pursues another appearance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Cowboy Christmas Delivers Big Winners

Across every event, competitors capitalized on one of rodeo’s richest Independence Day traditions.

Cash Robb of Altamont, Utah, claimed the steer wrestling title with a lightning-fast 3.6-second run.

World champions Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira captured the team roping championship in 4.1 seconds, continuing their dominance on the professional circuit.

Canadian cowboy Stran Dunham won tie-down roping with a blazing 7.5-second run, while veteran barrel racer Lanita Peirce topped the WPRA leaderboard with a winning time of 17.06 seconds.

Historic Tie in Breakaway Roping

One of the most unique stories of the week came in breakaway roping.

Cadee Williams of Montana, Joey Williams of Montana, Hali Williams of Texas, and Summer Williams of Texas all finished tied for the championship with identical 2.1-second runs.

Although they share the same last name, the four champions are not all related, creating one of the most memorable storylines of the 2026 Cody Stampede.

Bull Riding Ends in a Dead Heat

Bull riding concluded with a tie at the top as Tristen Hutchings of Idaho and rookie sensation Noah Lee of Texas each posted 91-point rides.

Lee continues to cement himself as one of rodeo’s brightest young stars during his first professional season, while Hutchings added another impressive victory to an already successful year.

A Tradition That Continues to Grow

Held annually in the hometown of Buffalo Bill Cody, the Cody Stampede remains one of America’s most prestigious Independence Day rodeos and a cornerstone of Cowboy Christmas.

The combination of elite competition, rich Western history, and community celebration continues to attract the sport’s top athletes and thousands of fans from around the world.

Organizers announced that the 108th Cody Stampede will begin with the Cody/Yellowstone Xtreme Bulls on June 30, 2027, before concluding with the traditional Fourth of July championship performance on July 4, 2027.

2026 Cody Stampede Rodeo Champions

Bareback Riding: Leighton Berry (Weatherford, Texas) – 88.5 points
Steer Wrestling: Cash Robb (Altamont, Utah) – 3.6 seconds
Team Roping: Kaleb Driggers (Georgia) & Junior Nogueira (Brazil) – 4.1 seconds
Saddle Bronc Riding: Shorty Garrett (Eagle Butte, South Dakota) – 91 points
Breakaway Roping: Cadee Williams, Joey Williams, Hali Williams & Summer Williams – 2.1 seconds (tie)
Tie-Down Roping: Stran Dunham (Manitoba, Canada) – 7.5 seconds
Barrel Racing: Lanita Peirce (Wynnewood, Oklahoma) – 17.06 seconds
Bull Riding: Tristen Hutchings (Idaho) & Noah Lee (Texas) – 91 points (tie)

The 2026 Cody Stampede once again delivered unforgettable moments, proving why this iconic Fourth of July celebration remains one of the crown jewels of professional rodeo and an enduring symbol of the American West.

Story details Provided by 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗱𝗲 to Tenn Texas Radio & Media

Photos provided by Click Thompson / Hailey Rae Photo