Rodeo Daily

PRCA Circuit System Explained

Tight competition and large payouts aren't far from home, providing contestants the PRCA experience at a slight jog, instead of the summer run.

Alex Cawthon

PRCA Circuit System Explained
PRCA Circuit System Explained /

The Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association offers different avenues for members to take throughout the year. With several tours added in recent years and increasing the payout for contestants, the reason regular season earnings record has been broken multiple times in the 2023 season. 

Every member belongs to a home circuit, which is set at the beginning of the season starting on Oct. 1. Typically contestants belong to the circuit they reside in, however there are exceptions when some athletes choose to compete in a different circuit.

The system was designed to allow contestants part-time competition with less travel. 

This not only brought more competitors to the association, but gave contestants a chance to compete in a finals less difficult to qualify for than the National Finals Rodeo. 

There are 12 circuits in the U.S., with an additional Canadian circuit. Contestants are allowed to compete in rodeos in and out of their circuit throughout the year, however the earnings counting towards circuit standings are only from rodeos within their own circuit. Each circuit has their own finals, qualifying the top-two in each event to compete at the NFR Open in July. 

Previously held in Kissimmee, Fla. and formerly titled the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, the PRCA decided to rebrand. In 2022 the finals were then named the NFR Open, and are now held in Colorado Springs, Colo.  

In just two years the NFR Open has become one of the highest paying pro rodeos of the season, with a $1 million payouts to contestants. Earnings won in Colorado Springs count toward PRCA regular season earnings, giving the event winners a chance to move up in the world standings. 

The NFR Open is also a way for event winners to qualify for the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Wash. The top four from each event in Puyallup receive an automatic entry to the Governor's Cup, held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

Competing in circuit rodeos throughout the year gives contestants an opportunity to compete at a high level for large payouts, without having to travel all year and be away from home. The circuit system makes up the majority of PRCA memberships. 

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Alex Cawthon
ALEX CAWTHON

Alex Cawthon is a writer for Sports Illustrated's Rodeo Daily. She is also an accomplished rodeo athlete and business leader driven by the desire to achieve greatness. Born and raised in Rockwall, TX where she learned the importance of family and enjoying the simple things in life. Growing up Alex focused on her academics as well as fine-tuning her abilities as an athlete, which led her to a rodeo scholarship at Tarleton State University. She competed in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) in the Southwest Region during her time in college rodeo. In addition to a long list of rodeo accomplishments, Alex’s reputation for excellence as well as her grit and determination garnered awards and high-profile brand deals. When not competing full-time as a rodeo athlete, Alex applies her intense work ethic to thrive in the classroom. She graduated from Tarleton State University with a bachelor's degree in Agribusiness in 2022 and will graduate in December 2023 with a Master's in Business Administration. Now based in Stephenville, Tx, Alex continues to make her mark as she establishes a career in the oil and gas industry. In addition, Alex utilizes her expertise and connections to support the sport she loves, as she joins forces with Sports Illustrated as a writer for their acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily. Beyond Alex’s accomplishments in and out of the arena, to her core, she is tenacious, focused, and driven. Her deep roots in the Western industry have not only shaped her professional journey, but also instilled an unwavering commitment to tradition, excellence, and innovation. 

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