GARLAND, TEXAS —The Resistol Rookie of the Year award remains one of the most prestigious honors in professional rodeo. It’s a distinction that can only be earned once during a rodeo athlete’s first year as a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) or Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) cardholder.
Each year, Resistol recognizes the top first-year PRCA and WPRA competitors who achieve the highest season earnings in their respective events, including winnings from the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).
As the official hat of the PRCA and one of its original sponsors, Resistol proudly continues honoring these athletes with the annual Resistol Rookie of the Year Luncheon. Now in its 11th year, the celebration will take place at the South Point Hotel & Casino during the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas. Guests will enjoy live music, a meal and a program hosted by industry leaders, featuring past Rookies of the Year and World Champions who will share their advice and encouragement with the new class.
This year’s standout rookie class features athletes like Riley O’Rourke, aiming to be the first rookie to win the steer roping world champion title, and Haiden Thompson, who broke the rookie earnings record in breakaway roping.