Canadian Finals Rodeo 2023: The Ultimate Showdown in Red Deer, Alberta

The Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) is back for its 2023 edition, set to take place from November 1st to November 5th at Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta. This prestigious event marks the fifth consecutive year that Westerner Park hosts the top Canadian rodeo athletes, who will be competing for the coveted Canadian Finals Rodeo Average Title and the Canadian National Championship.

The CFR Format

The CFR follows a thrilling format where the top 12 contestants in each event will battle it out in the Finals. This fierce competition unfolds over six performances, with over $1 million in prize money distributed across eight different events. Each night, the winner of a Go-Round walks away with just over $8,400, while athletes who secure the CFR Average title will earn $12,600.

Event Highlights to Watch For

Bareback Riding

Kody Lamb, a seasoned rodeo star, has clinched the top spot with over $46,000 earned in CPRA events this year. This marks Lamb's sixth appearance at the CFR, and he enters as the top-ranked cowboy.

Orin Larsen, who made waves by winning two rounds on a single day last year on his way to the championship, enters the Finals as No. 2 in the standings. He boasts a remarkable six-time CFR qualification and nine-time NFR qualification.

Ty Fast Taypotat, holding the No. 4 position, leads the bareback riders with an impressive 11 CFR qualifications.

Steer Wrestling

In the steer wrestling event, Dalton Massey, the No. 1 man in the PRCA, is entering the Canadian Finals in the top spot. Massey maintains a lead of less than $300 over Scott Guenthner, the victor of The Calgary Stampede. The competition between these two promises to be intense.

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

Team Roping

Brothers Dawson and Dillon Graham hold a slight lead in the team roping category on the head and heel side, with combined earnings of $33,716.

Tee McLeod is in close pursuit, within $4,000 on the head side, while the duo of Brady Tryan (header) and Calgary Smith (heeler) are both within striking distance with earnings of $28,655.

Saddle Bronc Riding

Saddle bronc riding features a formidable field, with Canadian cowboys making their mark in both the U.S. and Canada. Leading the charge are Ben Andersen and Zeke Thurston, with Lucas Macza, Kolby Wanchuk, Logan Hay, and Layton Green also competing.

Zeke Thurston, a notable name, 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 earnings of $37,350 this season.

The No. 3 tie-down roper in the PRCA, Meged holds a small lead over Logan Bird, who earned $34,621 during the year.

RodeoHouston Champion Beau Cooper and eight-time CFR qualifier Kyle Lucas add to the excitement in this event.

Barrel Racing

Barrel Racing showcases a significant gap between the top two contenders in the Canadian Rodeo Standings. Lynette Brodoway leads with over $47,800 in earnings, holding a nearly $20,000 lead over Brooke Wills in the second position. Notably, Dona Kay Rule was set to compete but has withdrawn from the rodeo, where she would have entered in the No. 3 spot.

Bull Riding

In bull riding, Coy Robbins boasts a commanding $10,000 lead in the standings heading into the Finals. Robbins secured his top ranking by winning seven rodeos this season.

He faces competition from Jordan Hansen and Jared Parsonage, who have collectively notched 17 CFRs and five NFRs.

Breakaway Roping

Aubrey Ross holds the top spot in breakaway roping, but she faces fierce competition. 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 behind in the No. 2 spot.

How to Catch the Action

To witness the electrifying performances and intense competition of CFR 2023, tune in to The Cowboy Channel and The Cowboy Channel+ App. Each performance will be broadcast live, and The Cowboy Channel's coverage begins 30 minutes prior to the start of each rodeo, ensuring you're prepared for all the exhilarating action.

Broadcast Schedule:

Performance 1 - Wednesday, November 1, 7 PM CT/6 PM MT

Performance 2 - Thursday, November 2, 7 PM CT/6 PM MT

Performance 3 - Friday, November 3, 7 PM CT/6 PM MT

Performance 4 - Saturday, November 4, 1 PM CT/12 PM MT

Performance 5 - Saturday, November 4, 7:00 PM CT/6 PM MT

Performance 6 - Sunday, November 5, 1 PM CT/12 PM MT

The Canadian Finals Rodeo 2023 promises to be a thrilling showcase of top-tier rodeo talent, where athletes will vie for glory and prestigious titles. Don't miss the adrenaline-pumping action!