Wild Card Round Finalizes the Championship Saturday Lineup in San Antonio

Wildcard rounds always get extra tough because it is the final shot for cowboys and cowgirls to advance in these tournament style rodeos. The fastest times and highest scores are commonly seen in these wildcard rounds where everything is on the line.

In San Antonio, the story was no different. Only one contestant from each event advances to the finals. It is a first or nothing situation. You either win, or you go home early in these situations.

Kade Sonnier made the most of that last chance in the bareback riding. The two-time NFR qualifier from Louisiana marked 86 points on Pickett Pro Rodeo Co.’s Network Gazer to claim that lone advancing spot. Sonnier came out of Bracket 1 sitting third and couldn’t gain ground in the Semifinals, but when the door cracked open in the Wild Card, he kicked it down.

In the steer wrestling, 2019 World Champion Ty Erickson looked like himself again. After winning two of three rounds in his bracket and hitting tough luck in the semis, Erickson stopped the clock in 3.8 seconds when it mattered most to secure his place in the Finals.

Team ropers Lightning Aguilera and Wyatt Cox were dominant, winning the Wild Card by half a second with a 3.6. This tied the fastest time they posted back in Bracket 5. The duo advanced first in their bracket but didn't have any luck in the semifinals. Their pair of 3.6 second runs still stand as the fastest we’ve seen in San Antonio so far with only the finals left to go.

Consistency paid off in the saddle bronc riding for four-time NFR qualifier Ben Andersen. The Canadian cowboy matched up with Calgary Stampede’s Frontier Acres for 85.5 points. This was the ride that finally cashed in the way he needed to punch his ticket to Saturday night. Ben had been consistent all throughout the rodeo, but just outside. It was about time Anderson saw his name on top.

Breakaway roping was wicked fast. A three way tie at 2.0 seconds between Montana’s Joey Williams, Colorado’s Erin Johnson, and WPRA rookie Kirby Rawlinson forced a tiebreaker based on 2025 world standings. When the dust settled, Williams earned the finals spot.

Texas tie-down roper Kincade Henry added to his strong week with a 7.5 second run to secure the Wild Card spot. Henry won Bracket 4 earlier in the rodeo and found just enough to extend his stay in San Antonio.

Another WPRA rookie rose to the moment in the barrel racing, as Morgan Bagnell clocked a 14.21 to claim the final position in the Championship round.

In the bull riding, it was tight until the very end. Fulton Rutland emerged on top with 87.5 points aboard Pickett Pro Rodeo Co.’s No. 233, sealing the deal on his Championship Saturday spot too.

Now the finals field is set. These Wild Card winners join the five advancing from each Semifinal performance for one final show. The top money earner over the entire finals will come out with the 2026 title.

By the end of the night, San Antonio will have its champions.