Chip Gatlin, of Harleton, Texas, and Wade Beckham, of Gilmer, Texas, added another chapter to their story, winning the NRS #9.5 Legends Over 50 Shootout at the 2026 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping.
It wasn’t their first time.
Two years ago, the pair won the #8.5 Legends, and this year they found that same rhythm again.
“I’ve roped behind Chip for a long time, and I know how he handles the cattle, and he knows how I like them,” Beckham said. “So he just drags them in my loop.”
Even with the history, the nerves were still there.
“I was more nervous today than I was two years ago,” Beckham said.
“Me too!” Gatlin added.
Looking for a little extra edge, the team went back to something that worked before.
“Two years ago I won a buckle at a World Series, and I had a new belt made for it, so I’ve been breaking that belt in,” Beckham said. “But this last week I told Chip, I am going to bring my old belt buckle out and start wearing it this week. I told him, ‘we are going to win one of those legends again.’”
Gatlin and Beckham have been friends for more than 30 years, first as calf ropers before shifting their focus to team roping.
Now, they’re part of a tight-knit group that ropes together regularly.
“We all only live about 10 miles apart from one another,” Gatlin said. “Wade owns his own ranching business and I am retired, so it is really easy for all of us to set up a time to rope and go to each other’s arenas depending on the day. It’s a whole lot of fun.”
The win paid $27,800 and came with Gist Silversmiths trophy buckles, Resistol hats and Horse Power Boots — replacing the old buckles that helped bring them a little luck.
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