Brown and McGinn Will Compete at National Finals Rodeo

Jesse Brown and Mike McGinn have secured their spots for the December championship in Las Vegas.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Rodeo

Brown and McGinn Will Compete at National Finals Rodeo

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Jesse Brown and Mike McGinn have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo ahead of the September 30, 2026, regular season conclusion. Brown enters the event as the record-holder for steer wrestling earnings earned prior to the final series.

Why it matters

The National Finals Rodeo represents the culmination of the professional season, where top-ranked bulldoggers compete for the world standings title. Qualification is limited to 15 spots, making the regular season performance critical for athletes.

Jesse Brown holds the all-time steer wrestling earnings record for the regular season with $215,047.98. Mike McGinn enters the championship ranked 11th in the standings with $124,257.

The players

Jesse Brown

He is a professional steer wrestler who holds the record for most season earnings before the National Finals.

Mike McGinn

He is a professional steer wrestler who qualified for the National Finals Rodeo by ranking 11th in the season standings.

Dalton Massey

He is a professional steer wrestler who will be training with Brown and McGinn this fall.

The details

Jesse Brown secured his seventh consecutive qualification after finishing second at the Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup, despite recovering from a broken left hand sustained in April 2026. Mike McGinn also earned his place in the 15-man field by building on the momentum from his 2025 performance.

Jesse Brown suffered a broken left hand in April 2026.
The Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup concluded on September 27, 2026.
The regular rodeo season officially ends on September 30, 2026.
The National Finals Rodeo is scheduled for December 3-12, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This qualification shifts the competitive landscape by setting up a showdown between established record-holders and rising contenders. The results will determine if Brown can improve upon his third-place finish in the 2025 world standings.

The qualification of Brown and McGinn solidifies the 15-man field for the upcoming championship series. These standings dictate the final roster that fans will track throughout the ten days of competition in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

The performance of these athletes throughout the season illustrates the high stakes required to qualify for the premier event in the sport. Riders must balance rigorous physical training with consistent performance to maintain their ranking among the top 15 competitors.