Rodeo Austin proves that the rodeo calendar never truly slows down. We barely caught our breath after Houston, where over $2 million was paid out, and now, just 165 miles north in Austin, another Texas Swing Final is set for Saturday.

Before diving into the action in the Lone Star State’s capital, let’s review how Rodeo Austin works.

In the timed events, all competitors get two runs. The Top 8 based on their combined times advance to the Finals, where the champion is determined by the best aggregate time over three runs.

In the roughstock events, the field is first narrowed to the Top 22 after one ride. From there, the best eight advance to the Finals, which follow a winner-take-all format.

Champions in each event can expect to take home between $12,000 and $18,000.

Now that we’ve got that squared away, let’s catch you up on how things have played out through 10 performances.

🔥 Rocker Steiner Stays Hot
Fresh off a 91-point ride to win RodeoHouston, Rocker Steiner came into Rodeo Austin with momentum, scoring 88 points on Guitar Town to take the Round 1 lead. With Austin and San Angelo as the only remaining Texas Swing wins missing from his career, Steiner is closing in on a full sweep.

🏆 Tyler Waguespack’s Championship Pedigree Shows
Five-time World Champion Tyler Waguespack is proving why he’s one of the best, leading the Steer Wrestling Average by half a second after 4.2 and 3.9-second runs. He’s in position to make his third straight Texas Swing Finals appearance.

🐴 Saddle Bronc Race Too Close to Call
The Top 15 in Round 1 are separated by just 3.5 points. Chase Brooks and Stetson Wright share the lead at 87 points, while Kolby Wanchuk, Wyatt Casper, Logan Hay, Lefty Holman, Weston Patterson, Kade Bruno, and Statler Wright are right in the mix.

🐂 Bull Riding: Wacey Schalla Takes Control
Current World No. 1 Wacey Schalla turned in a 90.5-point ride on Beutler & Son’s Dump Truck, solidifying his lead. March has been good to Schalla, who is 8-for-11 this month with his highest-marked ride coming in Austin.

📊 More Bull Riders Making the Whistle
So far, 15 bull riders have made the whistle in Round 1, surpassing last year’s total of 10. With more Long Round performances left, names like Trevor Reiste, Lukasey Morris, Wade Tuni, Scott Wells, and Stetson Wright are in a strong position to advance.

🎯 Tie-Down Roping Getting Faster
The winning time in Round 2 was 1.3 seconds faster than Round 1, with Haven Meged’s 7.5-second run leading the way. The most consistent roper? Joel Harris, who leads the Average by a full second after posting 8.9 and 8.8-second runs.

🚀 Barrel Racing Speeds Are Unmatched
Last year, only four runs were under 15.3 seconds for the entire rodeo. This year, there have already been six in the First Round alone. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi’s 15.08-second run would have topped every run at Rodeo Austin last year except for Kassie Mowry’s 15.01.

⚡ Breakaway Roping: Addie Weil Sets the Pace
Addie Weil’s 1.6-second run leads a breakaway roping field that has already seen seven times in the 1s.

🤝 Team Roping is a Tight Race
The Top 4 team roping pairs are separated by just 0.2 seconds. Marcus Theriot and Wyatt Cox lead the way at 8.8 seconds on two, with Shay Carroll/Logan Moore (8.9) and Garrett Tonozzi/Josh Patton & Brenten Hall/Kaden Profili (both 9.0) close behind.

👀 Who’s Competing Next?
Tuesday night’s lineup includes Tanner Aus, Tucker Allen, Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord, Zeke Thurston, Tuf Cooper, Riley Webb, Shane Hanchey, and Trey Kimzey.