SHAWNEE, Okla. – On the evening of July 6, 2025, the tight-knit community of Shawnee welcomed families from 35 states and provinces under the bright Oklahoma skies as the 33rd edition of the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) kicked off.

Wewoka duo, Case and Jesse Phillips placed seventh with a time of 8.7 seconds in Team Roping during the first round of the rodeo.

The Cowboy State of Wyoming was well represented by its cowgirls in Shawnee. Barrel racer Karly Davis (Buffalo, Wyoming) set the pace for the week with a blazing 16.234second run.

In the goat tying, Hadley Thompson (Yoder, Wyoming) took the early lead with a fast time of 8.2 seconds.

Claire Gordon (Terry, Mississippi) narrowly led the pole bending with a quick 20.329-second run.

Cajun cowgirl Brenlee Martin (Sulphur, Louisiana) stopped the breakaway roping competition in its tracks with a sharp 2.4second run, edging out her sister, Saige Martin (Sulphur, Louisiana), who currently sits in second with a 2.5-second time.

All eyes were on Cutter Pareo (Portales, New Mexico), who dominated tie-down roping with an 8.6-second run, leading the field by a wide margin.

In steer wrestling, Colton Gilliard (Milton, Florida) emerged victorious, stopping the clock at 4.6 seconds.

Dylan Ouzts (LaRue, Texas) was the only cowboy in saddle bronc riding to make the eight-second whistle, leading the pack with a 61-point ride.

In bareback riding, Jaxson Thurman (El Dorado, Arkansas) set the early pace with a solid 72-point ride to take the performance lead.

Wyatt Nuce (Gustine, Texas) emerged victorious over reigning IFYR champion bull rider Jack Mitchell (Weatherford, Texas) with an impressive 85.5-point ride, besting Mitchell’s 82.0.

In team roping, Golden State cowboys Wayce McGill (Sanger, California) and Royce Brown (San Ardo, California) showcased their skills under the Shawnee lights, earning the fastest time of the performance with a 4.8second run.

Rodeo action will continue with Performance 2 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center and continuing through the evening of July 11.

International Finals Youth Rodeo 2025

Top 7 in GO 1 Team Roping 1 Wayce McGill 4.8 Sanger, CA Royce Brown San Ardo, CA 2 J-Luke Wickett Sallisaw, OK Bobby Vaughan Lexington, OK.

3-4 Treyton Carlson Decorah, IA Brady Breitsprecher Tomah, WI 3-4 Foreman Casebolt Ryan, OK Hazen Suit Ames, OK 5 Walker Smith Bedias, TX Will Smith Bedias, TX 6 Ashton Hughes 7.5 Oxford, FL Reagan Overstreet Kenansville, FL 7 Case Phillips Wewoka, OK Jesse Phillips Wewoka, OK

WCJR and IFY Unite

The Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo, presented by Montana Silver- smiths (WCJR), and the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR)—two of the premier youth rodeo events in the world—have announced their event dates for 2026 through 2028, ahead of their highly anticipated 2025 competitions. In a landmark move, the two events have coordinated their schedules to maximize opportunities for young athletes, creating a blockbuster two-week youth rodeo showcase in Oklahoma.

Together, the events are projected to award nearly $750,000 in combined pay-outs.

Future WCJR & IFYR Event Dates: Yr WCJR IFYR 25 July 22–26 July 6-11 26 July 6–11 July 12-17 27 July 7–12 July 11-16 28 July 5–10 July 9-14 “This partnership is a game-changer for youth rodeo,” said Dan Wall, General Manager of the Lazy E Arena. “By aligning our schedules, we’re removing logistical barriers for athletes and their families while creating a true two-week youth rodeo destination. Our goal is to give families the time and clarity they need to plan ahead and make the most of their summer rodeo season over the next few years.”

Now in its 33rd year, the IFYR is one of the world’s richest and most prestigious youth rodeos, awarding more than $250,000 in prize money across 11 performances. The event annually attracts nearly 1,000 athletes from more than 35 states and three countries.

“Aligning with WCJR allows us to elevate the entire youth rodeo experience,” said Dale Yerigan, IPRA General Manager. “This partnership is about more than just scheduling — it’s about giving young athletes the best platform possible to compete, grow, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Open entry for the IFYR will open on April 1, 2026.

2025 WCJR entries are open now and will close on July 9 at Noon CT. Late entries will open on July 9-17 and will incur an additional late fee of $50 per discipline. Full entry details are available at WCJRodeo. com. All Open Entry athletes will begin in the Qualifying Rounds.

In 2024, the WCJR paid out nearly $400,000. The 2025 event will include over $215,000 in guaranteed added money and bonuses. Open Entry is available to [CD1] athletes ages 10–19 (must be 15 for roughstock and steer wrestling).

Both the IFYR and WCJR is open to youth athletes competing in 11 disciplines, which include Bareback Riding, Ladies Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping Heading, Team Roping Heeling, Tie-Down Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, Ladies Pole Bending, Ladies Goat Tying, and Bull Riding.