The American Rodeo Crowns New Million Dollar Man with Historic Performance

The finale of the American Rodeo was electrifying featuring a thrilling competition full of emotional victories. Brandon Cullins made history by becoming the first cowboy to win the Barrel Racing title, taking home a whopping $1.1 million.

It was a thrilling final round of the American Rodeo. After a full day of intense competition, the final four in each of the eight events battled it out Saturday night, March 9, to take home the title of American Rodeo Champion along with $100,000, maybe even $1 million, if they were contenders. 

After a beautiful Lakota song performed by ‘Yellowstone’ actor Mo Brings Plenty atop a flashy paint horse and a beautiful rendition of ‘America The Beautiful’ by Breland, the final round began.

The crowd was electric throughout the entire performance, on edge with every jump of a bronc or turn of the barrel. 

Previously pursuing a career in professional baseball, Kade Sonnier lived many players' dreams and won big inside Globe Life Field, except instead of hitting a home run, he scored 90.5 points on a bronc. 

"The good Lord has blessed me," Sonnier choked out through the tears of joy as he just added $100,000 to his earnings.

Sisterly competition was center stage in the breakaway roping between the Angelone sisters but it was Sarah Angelone who took the $100,000 win with a 2.16 second run. 

"This is a dream come true," said Angelone. "It doesn't even feel real."

In the team roping, the two contender teams had no times, but Luke Brown and Hunter Koch laid down a 4.94 right off the bat, which held for the $100,000 win. 

"I'd like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," Koch said as he held up the American Champion buckle to a screaming crowd.

With no contenders in the saddle bronc riding, it felt like a flashback to the 2023 National Finals Rodeo. With three of the four bronc matchups being repeats, it was sure to be exciting, and it was. It was a bronc and cowboy rematch for Sage Newman, and it paid off, with him spurring down an 89.5-point ride to claim the $100,000 check.

"That's a really good horse," said Newman. "She's not the easiest in the pen." 

The Midwest steer wrestler J.D. Struxness won and earned $100,000. With an incredible time of 4.6, Struxness meant business from the time he nodded his head. 

"Thankful for the good Lord, good friends, and good horses," said Struxness as he smiled with his $100,000 check and champion buckle.

There's a reason he's called Shad "Money" Mayfield, and in the final round, he put that on display with a 7.06-second run. The repeat American Rodeo Champion took home $100,000 and the title yet again. 

"All I can do is thank God and my horses," said Mayfield.

Brandon Cullins will now be called the "Million Dollar Man" in the barrels. Cullins has been trying for the American Rodeo title for years, but tonight, with the help of MJ Segers Fast Lane, the dynamic duo ran the fastest time of the day—15.173. The crowd was absolutely electric as the first-ever cowboy won the American Rodeo Barrel Racing title and $1.1 million. He was the only contender to win the finals round.

"I've been trying for a long time," said Cullins."She's the best horse I've ever rode in my life."

In the bull riding, it was a nail-biter as the three contenders put up a fight. After a no-score and two 88.25-point rides, Creek Young had to blow the roof off, and he did. Scoring an impressive 89.25-point ride, Young won the title and $100,000. 

2024 American Rodeo Full Results 

*Contenders that were eligible for the $1 million bonus

Bareback Riding

1. Kade Sonnier, 90.5 points
2. Keenan Hays, 89.75
3. Jess Pope, 89.5 
4. Tilden Hooper*, 87.5 

Breakaway Roping

1. Sarah Angelone, 2.16 seconds 
2. Jordan Hollabaugh*, 2.54 
3. Martha Angelone, 12.09 
4. Josie Conner*, No Time

Team Roping

1. Luke Brown and Hunter Koch, 4.94 seconds
2. Derrick Begay and Colter Todd, 9,36
3. Shay Dixon Carroll and Logan Moore*, NT 
4. Coy Rahlman and Billie Jack Saebens*, NT

Saddle Bronc Riding

1. Sage Newman, 89.5 points
2. Kade Bruno, 89
3. Brody Cress, 88.75 
4. Damian Brennan, 87.5 

Steer Wrestling

1. JD Struxness, 4.60 seconds
2. Stephen Mullins*, 4.74 
3. Dalton Massey, 4.80 
4. Stan Branco, 15.69 

Tie-Down Roping

1. Shad Mayfield, 7.06 seconds
2. Haven Meged, 7.38 
3. Riley Webb, 8.22 
4. J. Cody Jones*, NT

Barrel Racing

1. Brandon Cullins*, 15.173 seconds
2. Emily Beisel, 15.447 
3. Rylee Jo Maryman*, 20.253 
4. Lisa Lockhart, 20.721 

Bull Riding

1. Creek Young, 89.25 points
2. Cody Teel*, 88.25 
3. Jeff Askey*, 88.25 
4. Chase Doughtery*, No Score