Jess Pope is proving once again why he’s one of the best bareback riders in the world. After starting the summer ranked seventh, the 2022 World Champion has surged to third, banking more than $106,000 since June 19 and pushing his season total past $179,000. Along the way, he’s picked up major wins at the Kitsap Stampede, Missoula Stampede, Black Hills Roundup, and split the average at the Ellensburg Rodeo over Labor Day weekend.

What separates Pope is his consistency. He’s posted 23 straight rides of 83 points or higher, averaging over 85 points per ride, and has cashed checks at 27 of his last 29 rodeos. At only 26 years old, Pope already owns five NFR qualifications, three NFR average titles, and nearly $1.8 million in career earnings.

But where Pope shines brightest is the National Finals Rodeo. He’s made more money in Vegas than in the entire regular season combined, nearly $1 million in five years. Like Tom Brady in the playoffs, Pope elevates when the lights are brightest. As the 2025 season closes in on the NFR, Jess Pope is in striking distance of another gold buckle and ready to remind everyone why he’s rodeo’s ultimate big-game performer.