- 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 the WCJR?
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: barrel racing schedule
Check-in begins Tuesday, July 7 (8 a.m.–6 p.m.), with the entry office open noon–6 p.m. All barrel racing runs in Arena One:
When: pole bending schedule
Pole bending also runs in Arena One, earlier in the day:
Times are per the official 2026 WCJR schedule and subject to change; a 9 a.m. Buy Back Round opens Friday. 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
There are few places a youth barrel racer or pole bender can 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.
WCJR Barrels & Poles FAQ
Can athletes still enter 2026 WCJR barrel racing or pole bending?
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 barrel racing?
Last Chance Qualifier rounds run Wednesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 9 (Youth 2:30 p.m., Junior 4 p.m.). Semi-finals are Friday, July 10 (Youth 4:30 p.m., Junior 5:30 p.m.). Finals are Saturday, July 11 at noon.
When is WCJR pole bending?
Last Chance Qualifier rounds run Wednesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 9 (Youth 8 a.m., Junior 9 a.m.). Semi-finals are Friday, July 10 (Youth noon, Junior 1 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.
