Bull rider Tristen Hutchings emerged victorious in Houston with a 5-for-6 performance and while winning in NRG Stadium is significant for all who do it, this win was perhaps even bigger for Hutchings because he got a late start in the season. His first rodeo was in San Antonio.

Following a torn PCL and MCL, Hutchings had to take time off to heal and rebuild strength following the NFR in December. Despite these setbacks, Hutchings remained steadfast. His dedication to rehabilitation and rigorous practice sessions allowed him to be 100 percent confident upon his February return. 

The win at RodeoHouston not only underscored Hutchings’ resilience but also propelled him from 70th to third in the world standings, invigorating his pursuit of a World Championship with an unheard of leap thanks to the $73,000 payday.

He finished No. 5 in the PRCA World Standings a year ago after his third National Finals, but arrived in Las Vegas covering just 33 percent of his bulls, the lowest among the 15 competitors.  

Hutchings tweaked his mechanics prior to the NFR in November, and the payoff was immediate. He is 15-for-21 (71.4 percent) in 2025 after riding 5-of-10 in the Thomas & Mack. The work he had put in was evident during the closing rounds in Houston, where he faced three straight bulls that turned to the right—previously a weakness for him. 

“I have bought a few good practice bulls and got better at it,” he said. “The last three bulls in Houston were around to the right, and I felt very confident, and was very pleased with my riding.”

Entering the Shootout, Hutchings experienced a mix of confidence and nerves, fully aware of the high stakes. 

“I was confident, but still nervous; the last bull is kinda like do or die. Second place doesn’t win a saddle,” he said. “It was electric, it was wild. I just let my body take over.”

The realization of his victory truly set in upon returning home. 

“I was happy to win, the real shock was when I got home and laid in bed, I thought to myself, ‘I just won Houston.’”