Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo crowns 2026 national champions in Maryland

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo crowned its 2026 national champions after two days of finals at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. More than 200 athletes competed for titles and a share of more than $200,000 in cash and prizes after a season that stretched across five major markets.

Why it matters: - The BPIR National Finals spotlighted Black rodeo athletes on one of the sport’s biggest stages. - The 2026 finals also capped a season built around rodeo competition, family programming and Black Western culture. - More than $200,000 in cash and prizes was at stake for athletes who qualified through the season.

What happened: - The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo crowned its 2026 national champions after three sold-out performances at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, on Sept. 18 and 19. - The event was the 42nd BPIR National Championship Finals. - Competitors advanced after a qualifying season that included 18 rodeo performances across five major markets. - The season included eight performances in Fort Worth, Texas; two in Memphis, Tennessee; four in Atlanta, Georgia; two in Oakland, California; and two in Los Angeles, California.

The details: - Athletes earned points during the season and had to finish among the Top 10 in their events to reach the National Finals. - The highest-ranked competitors in Upper Marlboro competed for national titles and a share of more than $200,000 in cash and prizes. - Lamarr Hankins of Oklahoma won Ranch Bronc Riding. - Azja Bryant of Texas won Ladies Breakaway Roping and Ladies Steer Undecorating, then added the All Around Cowgirl title. - Harrel Williams Jr. of Texas won both Junior Tie Down Roping and 55 Plus Tie Down Roping. - Tony Aska, representing Oklahoma and Texas, won Steer Wrestling. - Devon Johnson and Camish Jennings, both of Texas, won Team Roping as header and heeler. - Jeffery Hayes III of Texas won Calf Roping. - Trevor Whayne of Oklahoma won Junior Breakaway Roping. - Krishaun Adair of Texas won Ladies Barrel Racing. - Kinley Adair of Texas won Junior Barrel Racing. - Rylen Wilburd of Arkansas won Pee Wee Barrel Racing. - Travoris Zeno of Texas won Bull Riding. - Davenger Griffin of Mississippi was named Rookie Cowboy. - Keighlyn Techeira of Texas was named Rookie Cowgirl. - Justin Moffett of Texas won All Around Cowboy.

Between the lines: - The finals mixed elite competition with a broader effort to keep Black rodeo traditions visible and family-friendly. - Valeria Howard Cunningham, BPIR president and CEO, said the season’s stops also included the Texas Connection and Legacy Series, Soul Country Rodeo Experience weekends, Rodeo for Kidz Sake programs, and health and community activations. - The sponsor base shows the event’s commercial backing, with Ariat and Crown Royal as official presenting sponsors. - Additional support came from YETI, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Upscale Media, Four Four Boot Company, True Vet Solutions, the BPIR Foundation, Black Beauty and Wellness Foundation and Anti-Violence Ventures.

What's next: - Fans can follow event updates and view the remaining 2026 schedule at more information. - BPIR is still accepting sponsorship, partnership and vendor inquiries through its National Development Team. - Media inquiries go to press@billpickettrodeo.com.

The bottom line: - BPIR used its 42nd finals to crown champions, showcase Black Western heritage and keep a national touring circuit moving into the rest of 2026.