If you thought the first 10 performances at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo were exciting, just wait—Bracket 6 is ready to turn up the heat. With World Champions like Jess Pope and Zeke Thurston in the mix, along with elite steer wrestlers Dalton Massey and Will Lummus, the second half of Saturday’s doubleheader is sure to deliver.

BAREBACK RIDING

Jess Pope – The five-time NFR qualifier made his season debut on Jan. 26. Last season was his firth consecutive Top 5 finish in the PRCA World Standings.

Leighton Berry – Berry won RodeoHouston and finished in the Top 10 for the third straight season. He has finished with between $259,000 and $268,000 in each.

STEER WRESTLING

Dalton Massey – Massey broke his own regular season earnings record in 2024 but in 2025, he has two qualified times on five attempts.

Will Lummus – Lummus won this rodeo in 2023 and is coming off of a win a the Southern Miss Coca Cola Rodeo on Jan. 25.

TEAM ROPING

Patrick Smith/Lightning Aguilera – This is the season debut for a new pair.

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

Damian Brennan – Brennan has only competed once this season and it came in early October at the Brad Gjermundson Xtreme Broncs. His three rides were marked 87.5, 78 and 84.5 points.

Dawson Hay – Hay also last competed at the Brad Gjermundson Xtreme Broncs, where he won over $35,000 with rides of 87, 88 and 90 points. He is No. 3 in the World Standings.

Zeke Thurston – This will be Thurston’s season debut. The last four years, he has four Top 5 finishes including two Gold Buckles.

TIE-DOWN ROPING

Ty Harris – Harris is No. 20 in the World but has not competed in the PRCA since Nov. 2. He has been to six NFRs in a row.

BARREL RACING

Leslie Smalygo – Smalygo entered the NFR No. 2 in the WPRA World Standings in 2024.

Stevi Hillman – Hillman is looking to get back to the NFR after having her streak of seven in a row snapped last season.

BULL RIDING

Wacey Schalla – After his breakout rookie season, Schalla has ascended to No. 2 in the PRCA World Standings after a 90-point ride to win the National Western last week.