The Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR), presented by Montana Silversmiths, runs July 8–11, 2026 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, with more than $145,000 in added money and prizes across 11 events and two age divisions. Below is the who, what, when, where and why for breakaway roping and goat tying, plus full run times and the entry deadline that still gives latecomers a shot.
Table of contents
Who Competes
The WCJR fields the top junior rodeo athletes in the world. Breakaway roping and goat tying each run in two age divisions:
- Youth Division: 15 and under
- Junior Division: 19 and under
Youth athletes are also eligible to enter up into the Junior Division. Draw positions and run orders are posted through NextGen Rodeo once the field is set.
What is it
The WCJR is the youth arm of the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA), a world-championship-level event that treats junior athletes like professionals. In 2025 it paid more than $409,600 across all disciplines, the largest youth-rodeo purse in the country. For 2026, at least $145,000 in added money is guaranteed, with the total payout again expected to clear $400,000. Champions earn world titles, saddles and prizes on top of the cash.
When: Breakaway Roping Schedule
Check-in begins Tuesday, July 7 (8 a.m.–6 p.m.), with the entry office open noon–6 p.m. All breakaway roping runs in Arena Two:
| Date | Round | Youth 15&U | Junior 19&U |
| Wed, July 8 | Last Chance Qualifier, Round 1 | 1:30 p.m. | 3 p.m. |
| Thu, July 9 | Last Chance Qualifier, Round 2 | 1:30 p.m. | 3 p.m. |
| Fri, July 10 | Buy Back Round & Semi-Finals | 4 p.m. | 5 p.m. |
| Sat, July 11 | Finals (all events) | noon | noon |
When: Goat Tying Schedule
Goat tying also runs in Arena Two, earlier in the day:
| Date | Round | Youth 15&U | Junior 19&U |
| Wed, July 8 | Last Chance Qualifier, Round 1 | 11 a.m. | noon |
| Thu, July 9 | Last Chance Qualifier, Round 2 | 11 a.m. | noon |
| Fri, July 10 | Semi-Finals | 2 p.m. | 3 p.m. |
| Sat, July 11 | Finals (all events) | noon | noon |
Times are per the official 2026 WCJR schedule and subject to change; a 9 a.m. Buy Back Round opens Friday in Arena Two. Confirm against wcjrodeo.com the day of.
Where
Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, Oklahoma. One of the largest indoor rodeo venues in the world, the Lazy E is a competitor favorite for its climate control and consistently good ground.
Why It Matters
Breakaway roping has surged from a girls’-rodeo staple into one of the fastest-growing events in the sport, now drawing pro-level exposure and purses of its own — and the WCJR gives its youngest ropers a shot at that same stage. Goat tying, meanwhile, remains one of the purest tests of a young athlete’s hustle and horsemanship, rewarding a clean dismount and fast hands as much as a fast horse. Both events let a junior athlete chase a world title, five-figure money and a saddle on professional-grade ground in a single week. The WCJR’s flexible points format lets athletes nominate runs all season and still drop in for the semi-finals or finals, so a busy summer schedule doesn’t cost a shot at a championship. For families, fans and sponsors alike, it is the biggest stage youth rodeo has to offer.
How to Enter (ENTRIES REMAIN OPEN)
Entries opened April 15 and the pre-entry deadline was June 29, but athletes who missed it still have a route in. The Last Chance Qualifier is exactly what it sounds like.
DIRECT ENTRIES REMAIN OPEN UNTIL ONE HOUR BEFORE EACH EVENT.
Enter through NextGen Rodeo or in person at the Lazy E entry office (noon–6 p.m., July 7).
Athletes run the Last Chance Qualifier rounds July 8–9 to earn their way into the semi-finals.
WCJR Breakaway Roping & Goat Tying FAQ
Can athletes still enter 2026 WCJR breakaway roping or goat tying?
Yes. Even after the June 29 pre-entry deadline, direct entries through the Last Chance Qualifier remain open until one hour before each event, via app.nextgenrodeo.com or the Lazy E entry office.
When is WCJR breakaway roping?
Last Chance Qualifier rounds run Wednesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 9 (Youth 1:30 p.m., Junior 3 p.m.). Semi-finals are Friday, July 10 (Youth 4 p.m., Junior 5 p.m.). Finals are Saturday, July 11 at noon.
When is WCJR goat tying?
Last Chance Qualifier rounds run Wednesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 9 (Youth 11 a.m., Junior noon). Semi-finals are Friday, July 10 (Youth 2 p.m., Junior 3 p.m.). Finals are Saturday, July 11 at noon.
Where is the WCJR held?
The Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. It’s one of the largest indoor rodeo venues in the world, with climate control and consistent ground.
What are the divisions?
Youth (15 and under) and Junior (19 and under). Youth athletes may also enter up into the Junior Division.
How much money is on the line?
More than $145,000 in guaranteed added money for 2026, with the total payout expected to clear $400,000 across all events, plus world titles, saddles and prizes.
How do athletes qualify for the WCJR?
Three ways: the VRQ leaderboard, a Qualifier Series event, or the on-site Last Chance Qualifier at the Lazy E.
