Cory Solomon won the American West Regional Finals, securing his spot in the Championship weekend with a chance to compete for a $2 million prize. As a 10-time NFR qualifier, he continues to excel in the rodeo circuit at 36 years old.
Key points
Cory Solomon won the American West Regional Finals
Championship weekend features a $2 million prize
Five contestants from each regional finals advance
Solomon is a 10-time NFR qualifier
He is 36 years old and still competitive
Mentioned in this story
Cory SolomonLas VegasArlington
American rodeoPRCAWPRA
(Hillary Maybery Photography)
There is 2 million dollars up for grabs at the American rodeo this year. All three regional finals are complete, and the rosters are set for Championship weekend. 5 contestants from each regionals (15) are the contenders going against the top 5 in the world from last years PRCA/WPRA Standings. If the contenders can beat the best in the world, then they will walk away with at least their piece of 2 million dollars.
The West Regional Finals was the last of the three to advance some of those contenders. In the tie-down roping it got fast. Only 5 would come out of Las Vegas and head to Arlington to the Championship weekend. Cory Solomon, 10 time NFR Qualifier, was the best. He ended up as the event winner.
Cory has had an amazing career spanning over a couple of decades. The Texas cowboy is now 36 years old, but still in the top of the world.
In a recent social media post after winning a round at the San Angelo Stock Show and rodeo, Cory said, " I haven’t felt this good in years."
Currently in 2026, he sits in the top 35 of the standings. 2023 was the last year that Solomon made the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. However, Vegas has been considerably well to him, including now the American Rodeo held there too.
He started off his week with second place in the first round with an 8.18. Consistency was important. He made another second place run in the second run getting slightly faster with an 8.13. Solomon was sitting number 1 in the aggregate to secure that finals spot.
Cory was a 7.73 in the final round of the West Regionals to claim the event title. Now he will head to Arlington to Globe Life Field once again where he will be competing as a contender, with a 2 million dollar opportunity. He has made it this far, but there are still 14 other contenders, and 5 of the best PRCA cowboys today standing in his way.
The other 4 tie down ropers advancing from the West Regional Finals are California talent K.C Miller, 3x World Champion Tuf Cooper, 2x NFR Qualifer Dylan Hancock, and college standout Lane Webb. These 5 will join with a talent packed group of guys to compete for the 2026 American Rodeo title May 22nd and 23rd.
Q&A
What is the prize amount for the American rodeo Championship weekend?
The prize amount for the American rodeo Championship weekend is $2 million.
Who is Cory Solomon and what are his achievements in rodeo?
Cory Solomon is a 36-year-old Texas cowboy and a 10-time NFR qualifier, recognized for his significant contributions to the rodeo circuit.
How many contestants advance from the American West Regional Finals to the Championship weekend?
Five contestants advance from the American West Regional Finals to the Championship weekend.
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