The PRCA Playoff Series is almost as important as the PRCA World Standings and with only 20 rodeos left, the pressure is cranked all the way up. This video breaks down how the Playoff Series works, why it matters, and which athletes are climbing the ranks with hopes of making it to the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup and the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls.

Unlike the World Standings, the Playoff Series is based on performance at the top 60 highest-paying rodeos. These big-money stops offer five-figure checks and a fast track to the NFR. The Governor’s Cup alone pays out over $1 million and often determines who gets in—and who gets left out.

With limited chances left, every ride and run becomes make-or-break. We also dive into how late-season momentum, event-specific battles, and the playoff structure itself can define entire careers.