2026 PBR World Finals: Unleash the Beast to bring nearly two weeks of Western-themed entertainment to Fort Worth from May 7–17

The PBR World Finals, returning to Texas for the sixth time and featuring a $3.3 million purse — the richest event in bull riding — highlighted by a $1 million World Champion bonus and a $500,000 event winner payout, will once again position Fort Worth as the epicenter of Western sports, beginning May 7–10 at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards and culminating May 14–17 at Dickies Arena, where the top riders will compete in the final rounds for the coveted gold buckle and 2026 PBR World Championship.  

Complementing the World Finals, the 2026 PWR (Premier Women’s Rodeo) Championship will be held May 12–15 at Cowtown Coliseum. Newly launched by PBR, PWR is a wholly owned platform built to become the preeminent stage for women’s rodeo athletes worldwide, elevating the sport through increased competition, visibility and financial opportunity, while building on the legacy of the Women’s Rodeo World Championship, which has awarded more than $4.5 million to competitors.

Athletes compete in three divisions – Pro, Challenger, and Limited – to ensure equitable opportunities for all competitors. PWR’s innovative tiered system awards equal payouts across all disciplines and classifications, ensuring parity across Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing and Team Roping. PWR will feature special showcase events including Goat Tying, Women’s Bull Riding and Women’s Bronc Riding – marking the first time since the early 2000’s that a women’s rodeo organization has included bull riding or bucking horse riding in its event. 

Alongside these marquee events, PBR will showcase the world’s top Western sports athletes – both human and animal – through a robust lineup including the ABBI’s (American Bucking Bull Inc.) American Heritage Futurity, Chris Shivers Miniature Bull Riders, Bill Pickett Rodeo, Spirit of Mexico Rodeo and UBF (Ultimate Bullfighters) Midnight Bullfights.

In addition to serving as the official PBR merchandise and partner activations, the Stockyards Stampede will feature daily musical and DJ performances on the Cowtown Coliseum lawn.

Other programming of note includes:

Live Music + Entertainment

Five artists will deliver live music throughout the final weekend of the 2026 PBR World Finals. The lineup includes Cody Webb (May 14); Taylor Austin Dye at the PBR Ultimate Tailgate Party (May 15); Ashley Cooke, presented by Busch Light, following competition on May 15; Emerald City (May 16); and McCoy Moore closing out the festivities on May 17. For more information on how to win tickets to Ashley Cooke’s performance, presented by Busch Light, stay tuned to PBR.com for more details.

South Carolina native Cody Webb brings a modern country sound and high-energy stage presence, having toured with artists like Morgan Wallen and Cole Swindell. Rising country rocker Taylor Austin Dye will take the stage at the PBR Ultimate Tailgate Party, known for her gritty, high-energy performances and rapidly growing fanbase. Later that evening, Ashley Cooke—one of country music’s fastest-rising stars—will headline an invitation only post-event concert at Dickies Arena, blending polished vocals with a contemporary country-pop sound. Fan-favorite Emerald City will keep the energy high on May 16 with their signature blend of pop, funk, R&B and dance hits, delivering a nonstop, crowd-engaging performance. Closing out the weekend, McCoy Moore will bring an authentic country sound rooted in storytelling, rounding out the entertainment lineup with a nod to classic influences.

Drone Shows

Following PBR World Finals Unleash The Beast Rounds at Cowtown Coliseum, the Stockyards Stampede will light up the Fort Worth sky with specially curated drone shows May 7–9.  

Stockyards Stampede Fan Fest + Fort Worth Herd Walks

The ultimate World Finals party in the Fort Worth Stockyards with an outdoor bar, live music from local artists and DJs, and the iconic Fort Worth Herd cattle drive.

PBR Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K

On Saturday, May 9, PBR will host the fourth annual PBR Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Participants will weave through one of the most historic Western districts in the world and, upon completion, receive a commemorative medal to celebrate their run. Overall male, female, and junior finishers in both the 5K and 3K will also receive a pair of Ariat boots, along with additional prizes. In addition to the traditional 5K, participants can also sign up for a 3K that must be completed in cowboy boots or military boots to win – a challenge that embodies the grit and spirit of the Western lifestyle. To register, click here.

PBR World Finals Parade

The PBR World Finals Parade will take over the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, led by a ceremonial honor guard. The procession will showcase PBR teams, local businesses, and community partners, celebrating the grit and spirit of the Western lifestyle. Fans can expect standout moments throughout the route along Exchange Avenue, including appearances from Monster Energy and a crowd favorite monster truck, adding an extra layer of excitement and spectacle. The parade will be emceed by PBR talent, bringing energy and personality to this signature kickoff celebration. To participate in the parade, please submit your application by Thursday, May 1 here.

UBF Midnight Bullfights

The Ultimate Bullfighters (UBF) Midnight Bullfights return to historic Cowtown Coliseum for two late-night performances on May 8–9 at 11:30 p.m. The high-energy, team-based competition features 12 of the world’s top freestyle bullfighters competing in fast-paced, unscripted “bull games,” as the 2026 season culminates with a record $1 million in prize money awarded.

The ABBI American Heritage Futurity

The PBR World Finals will welcome the ABBI’s American Heritage Futurity. The American Heritage is one of the longest-running ABBI Futurities showcasing our Breeders programs.  It is free to attend, the event will be held May 15–16 at 9 a.m. at the Will Rogers Watt Arena and feature the top two-year-old bovine athletes competing for one of the biggest payouts in ABBI, with an estimated purse of $200,000.

Chris Shivers Miniature Bull Riders

Fans will be able to watch the sport’s next generation — riders ages 8-14 — compete during the Chris Shivers Miniature Bull Riders event, Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, at 9:30 a.m. inside Cowtown Coliseum.

NextGen Bull Riding Tour World Finals Approximately 40 of the nation’s top youth bull riders will compete in the NextGen Bull Riding Tour World Finals on May 7 at Cowtown Coliseum, earning their spots through 12 PBR Velocity Tour events nationwide. The action begins at 8:30 a.m., and the event is free to attend.

Western Heritage + Community Celebrations

Cowboy Church with LeAnn Hart

PBR will offer eventgoers two Cowboy Church services, led by LeAnn Hart on Sunday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Fort Worth Stockyards Exchange Lawn, and Sunday, May 17 at 11:15 a.m. at Dickies Arena. In addition to her ministry, Hart is a bucking bull stock contractor at Hart Cattle Company alongside her husband, former bull rider and Kansas City Outlaws Head Coach J.W. Hart.  

Bill Pickett Rodeo + Spirit of Mexico Rodeo                                                                                    

PBR will celebrate accomplished Black Western sports athletes through the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on May 16 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., and a celebration of Hispanic rodeo traditions with the Spirit of Mexico Rodeo on May 17 at 2 p.m., all ticketed events at Cowtown Coliseum.Special Events + Signature Experiences

PWR Gala & Back Number Ceremony

The richest all-women’s rodeo will launch with the official Kimes Ranch Welcome Gala and Back Number Ceremony, presented by Cowgirl Magazine, on May 11 at 6 p.m. at Billy Bob’s Texas.

PBR World Finals Charity Golf Tournament

PBR is once again teaming up with Outlaw Partners to host the second annual PBR World Finals Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 14 at Hawks Creek Golf Course, benefiting the Western Sports Foundation, which supports Western athletes through programs focused on mental and physical health, life skills, and education and career development. To register, click here.

PBR World Finals Payout

·       $3.3 million total purse — the richest event in bull riding

·       $1 million World Champion bonus

·       $500,000 to event winner; $225,000 to runner-up

·       $50,000 for each round win

·       Top four finishers earn six-figure payouts 

2026 PBR WORLD FINALS EVENT SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, MAY 7 – SUNDAY, MAY 17 

*Included with ticketed event

Tickets for both events at Cowtown Coliseum and Dickies Arena are on sale now and can be purchased online at PBRWorldFinals.com.

Stay tuned to PBR.com for the latest news and results and be sure to follow the sport on all social media platforms @PBR.

Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media