Western Sports

THE COJO CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT MARKS ITS SECOND YEAR WITH STANDOUT ROPERS AND MAJOR PAYOUTS

$1.38 million paid out, plus prizes from Bill Fick Ford, Bloomer Trailers, and more as The COJO returned to Belton, TX for year two.

Published

5 hours ago

October 22, 2025

Christina

BELTON, Texas — Multi-platinum-selling recording artist Cody Johnson’s 2025 COJO Championship Event, presented by Tractor Supply Company, delivered unforgettable moments, jaw-dropping comebacks, and a stage for ropers to stake their legacy inside the Cadence Bank Center Arena. Kaleb Driggers and Jade Corkill sealed the win in the short round with a 5.23-second run, taking The COJO Championship title with 14.25 on three head. Over the course of the weekend, 1,253 contestants competed for more than $1.38 million in cash and prized gear, including Bill Fick Ford trucks, Bloomer Trailers, custom guitars, and more, all while chasing the coveted American Super Qualifier titles.

Although Johnson was unable to attend this year’s event due to an eardrum injury that required emergency surgery, his presence was felt throughout the week. The COJO team, sponsors, and roping community came together to carry on his vision, marking another milestone year of competition, camaraderie, and giving back to the community.

The momentum carried throughout the week, beginning with Tuesday’s Youth Night, which fostered fellowship among junior ropers, and building up to Friday night’s Champs for Charity Auction, presented by AgTrust, raising an impressive $145,000 in support of the Texas FFA. The evening honored COJO 2025 Honorary Champ, Joe Beaver, celebrating his lasting impact on the rodeo community. Adding to the night’s excitement, Wade Bowen stepped in for Cody Johnson with a special acoustic performance, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that perfectly capped off a night of generosity, music, and community spirit.

Throughout the week fans filled the Cadence Bank Center Arena with excitement as ropers from across the country competed for titles, big checks, and a lasting place in COJO history.

Here’s how the action unfolded across key divisions:

COJO All-Girl Breakaway Roping

In the Inaugural COJO All-Girl Breakaway Roping (Top 15), Corlee Massey claimed the fastest qualifying time at 4.98 seconds.

All-Girl Open Team Roping

In the Inaugural All-Girl Open Team Roping(with #9.5 incentive (presented by Tito’s Vodka), Bethany Rush / Whitney DeSalvo took the championship with a 38.10-second run on four head and a $10,000 payout (split). The Short Go Fast Time went to Haiden Thompson / Jackie Crawford in 13.32 seconds for $600, and in the 9.5 Incentive, Cassidy Boggs / Tamara Mann clocked 29.31 seconds to win $4,000.

Junior #10.5

In the Inaugural Junior #10.5 bracket (presented by Cedar Gap Wealth Management), Trevor Bentley / Stetson Garza posted the top aggregate time of 26.94 seconds, earning a $14,000 prize.

Junior Open

For the Junior Open division (presented by Cedar Gap Wealth Management), Gabe Williams / Will Smith walked away as champions with a 23.96-second run on four head and a $14,000 split prize.

COJO Open Qualifying Rounds

In the COJO Open Qualifying Rounds (Presented by Bill Fick Ford), standout times included Clay B. Tryan / Braylon Tryan at 11.41 seconds and Garrett Tonozzi / Blaine Vick at 11.53 seconds in Rotation 1.

During the COJO Short Go, Garrett Tonozzi / Porter Bryant led off with 17.38 seconds, followed by top times from Tyler Wade / Treston Brazile (16.99) and Cash Palmore / Cross Ringelstein (16.16).

COJO Short Round (Open)

In the COJO Short Round (Open), Kaleb Driggers / Jade Corkill captured first place in 14.25 seconds, splitting a $72,000 purse. In addition to the prize money, they each took home a F-350 from Bill Fick Ford and a trailer from Bloomer Trailers. Other top finishers included Ketch Kelton / Joseph Harrison (14.57, $52,000) and Tanner Tomlinson / Coleby Payne (14.91, $36,000).

#12.5 Division

In the #12.5 division, Jason Williams / Travis Ericsson were crowned champions with a 29.15-second run across four head, earning the $100,000 top prize (split). Runners-up were Marcus Linaweaver / Colby Fletcher (30.10, $67,000) and John English / Bobby Baize (30.29, $45,000). Chris Pomeroy / David Walker claimed the Short Round Fast Time at 10.73 seconds for an additional $3,000. Meanwhile, in the subsidiary #11.5 Incentive, Brad Grable / Tray Paul ran 24.15 seconds to win $8,000.

Pro-Am Celebrity Invitational

The Pro-Am Celebrity Invitational added star power to the COJO slate: Kene Bracewell / Jeremy Buhler won with a 20.04-second run on three head, splitting a $6,700 purse. On the heeling side, Korbin Rice / Mike Jones took the top spot with 22.49 seconds, also earning $6,700 in prize money.

#10.5 Businessman’s

Finally, in the #10.5 Businessman’s category, Mel Smith / Randy Lewis delivered the winning performance with 35.38 seconds and walked away with $100,000 (split).

The 2025 COJO Championship didn’t just crown winners — it shaped stories. It threaded together legacy, tenacity, and raw performance. For many ropers, it’s a launch into bigger platforms; for fans, an unforgettable weekend; for sponsors like Tractor Supply, a stage to honor community and tradition.

For more information on results and takeaways, please visit: https://cojoteamroping.com/pages/2025-results.

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The COJO Championship Event

The COJO Championship Event, presented by country music superstar and Texas native Cody Johnson, is an annual premier five-day celebration of Western sportsmanship, music and community. Launched in 2024, the event brings together elite team roping competitions, including newly sanctioned American Rodeo Super Contender Series Events, along with family-friendly programming, charity initiatives and live performances hosted in Belton, Texas.

Inspired by the legacy of George Strait’s team roping classic, the event was created to honor the heritage of rodeo while supporting the future of agriculture with the Texas FFA. Produced by Ullman Peterson Events, The COJO Championship Event embodies grit, generosity and a deep love for the cowboy way of life.

About The American:

Owned and produced by Teton Ridge, The American Rodeo is a defining force in Western sports. Entering its 13th year, it has grown into a year‑long series of open and regional qualifying events leading to The American Championship Weekend – the richest weekend in rodeo. Competitors from grassroots contenders to top professionals compete side by side on a national stage. Held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas and broadcast live on FOX, the weekend blends elite competition, world‑class entertainment, and national visibility, creating a one‑of‑a‑kind platform for the future of Western sports.

About Texas FFA Association:

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 182,000 individuals. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical agriculture-based classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state, and national competitions and programs. For more information, please visit www.mytexasffa.org.