Note: This story reflects action and results from the first performance Sunday evening.
SHAWNEE, Okla. – On the evening of July 6, 2025, the tight-knit community of Shawnee welcomed families from 35 states and provinces under the bright Oklahoma skies as the 33rd edition of the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) kicked off.
The Cowboy State of Wyoming was well represented by its cowgirls in Shawnee. Barrel racer Karly Davis (Buffalo, Wyoming) set the pace for the week with a blazing 16.234-second run. In the goat tying, Hadley Thompson (Yoder, Wyoming) took the early lead with a fast time of 8.2 seconds.
Claire Gordon (Terry, Mississippi) narrowly led the pole bending with a quick 20.329-second run.
Cajun cowgirl Brenlee Martin (Sulphur, Louisiana) stopped the breakaway roping competition in its tracks with a sharp 2.4-second run, edging out her sister, Saige Martin (Sulphur, Louisiana), who currently sits in second with a 2.5-second time.
All eyes were on Cutter Pareo (Portales, New Mexico), who dominated tie-down roping with an 8.6-second run, leading the field by a wide margin.
In steer wrestling, Colton Gilliard (Milton, Florida) emerged victorious, stopping the clock at 4.6 seconds.
Dylan Ouzts (LaRue, Texas) was the only cowboy in saddle bronc riding to make the eight-second whistle, leading the pack with a 61-point ride.
In bareback riding, Jaxson Thurman (El Dorado, Arkansas) set the early pace with a solid 72-point ride to take the performance lead.
Wyatt Nuce (Gustine, Texas) emerged victorious over reigning IFYR champion bull rider Jack Mitchell (Weatherford, Texas) with an impressive 85.5-point ride, besting Mitchell’s 82.0.
In team roping, Golden State cowboys Wayce McGill (Sanger, California) and Royce Brown (San Ardo, California) showcased their skills under the Shawnee lights, earning the fastest time of the performance with a 4.8-second run.
Rodeo action continued Monday with Performance 2 at 9 a.m. Monday, and Performance 3 Monday evening at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. The rodeo continues with two performances daily through the evening of July 11.
For more information and latest results, go to ifyr.com.
About IFYR
For over three decades, Shawnee, Okla., has welcomed thousands of the brightest youth rodeo stars to compete for one of the most prosperous and prestigious youth titles. Events include cowgirls barrel racing, cowgirls pole bending, cowgirls breakaway roping, cowgirls goat tying, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and bareback riding. The IFYR features 11 performances, with competition beginning on Sunday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. and concluding Friday, July 11 with the finals performance at 7:30 p.m. There will be two performances a day with all disciplines, Monday through Friday, at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
