Edmonton went western, and the city showed up.
From world-class rodeo competition at Rogers Place to six days of western sport, culture and community at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, the 2026 Canadian Finals Rodeo powered by ATB (CFR) brought people together to celebrate the sport and the people who make it special.
The 52nd annual CFR, powered by ATB, welcomed 43,903 guests to the arena, bringing top rodeo athletes, fans, families and visitors together for a week of competition and western culture. Beyond the arena, CFR Week brought energy to local businesses, created opportunities for visitors to explore the city and showed what happens when Edmonton’s business community, partners, volunteers and event teams come together.
CFR is one of Edmonton’s signature sporting events, supporting tourism, local businesses and the visitor economy while celebrating the western roots that make the event unique.
Highlights from CFR 2026
43,903 guests attended the Canadian Finals Rodeo at Rogers Place, with fans coming together to watch the best in professional rodeo compete for championship titles.
Twelve elite rodeo athletes walked away with National Championship titles.
120 volunteers filled more than 400 shifts across the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the Cinch Canadian Country EXPO, helping bring the events to life. Volunteers ranged in age from 15 to 85, including one volunteer who has supported Explore Edmonton events for 35 years.
1,300 people were served pancakes at the CFR Premier’s Pancake Breakfast presented by Direct Energy, bringing together business and community leaders to celebrate the event and Edmonton’s western spirit.
15 families were supported through the Golden Circle of Champions, giving children facing pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses a special rodeo experience, including time with cowboys and cowgirls in a dedicated event space.
40 local businesses took part in the CFR Week Feature Partner Program, offering 122 western-inspired experiences, menu items and specials that encouraged visitors and Edmontonians to explore more of the city.
Strong community and corporate support helped make CFR possible, with local businesses, sponsors, event partners and all levels of government coming together to support the event and its impact on Edmonton.
"There was a real energy across Edmonton during CFR Week. The city showed up, the arena was buzzing, and we welcomed visitors who came to see the best rodeo athletes in the country compete while experiencing everything Edmonton has to offer. From the action at Rogers Place to the Cinch Canadian Country EXPO and local businesses getting in on the western spirit, CFR gave people more reasons to explore our city. That’s what major events can do for Edmonton" - Arlindo Gomes, VP and Executive Producer of CFR, Explore Edmonton
Champions Crowned in Edmonton
The Canadian Finals Rodeo brought elite rodeo competitors to Rogers Place for a showcase of skill, speed, and athleticism. Across eleven rodeo events, athletes competed for Canadian championship titles, capping off the professional rodeo season in Edmonton.
2026 Canadian Champions:
Bareback presented by Class: Orin Larsen, Inglis, MB
Steer Wrestling presented by CVS Controls: Scott Guenthner, Provost, AB
Ladies Breakaway Roping presented by Cook County: Bradi Whiteside, Longview, AB
Ladies Barrel Racing presented by RAM: Karli Cowie, Mankota, SK
Saddle Bronc presented by Calgary Stampede: Ben Andersen, Rocky Mountain House, AB
Team Roping Heading presented by Century Mile: Kavis Drake, Moose Jaw, SK
Team Roping Heeling presented by Century Mile: Denim Ross, Botha, AB
Tie Down Roping presented by CVS Controls: Austin Hines, Marwayne, AB
Bull Riding presented by Explore Edmonton: Grady Young, Leader, SK
Novice Bareback presented by UFA: Quaide Skjonsberg, Bluffton, AB
Novice Saddlebronc presented by UFA: Sawyer Hutchinson, Grasmere, BC
Junior Steer Riding presented by UFA: Ryder Topolinski, Grande Prairie, AB
"As we wrap CFR 2026, I want to congratulate all of the Canadian Champions but also all of our two and four legged athletes; it takes a lot of dedication to be one of the top in Canada. Rodeo has amazing fans and I am very proud to see the excitement on the faces in the crowd as we continue to grow year after year both inside Roger's Place and throughout the city. I am looking forward to CFR 2027!" - Denny Phipps, CEO, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association
Champions photo can be found here.
A Western Gathering at the Cinch Canadian Country EXPO
The Cinch Canadian Country EXPO at the Edmonton EXPO Centre once again served as a daytime destination during CFR Week, bringing together competitors, fans, families, western brands and vendors for six days of sport and entertainment.
With more than 900 competitors, three full-sized competition arenas, over 100 western lifestyle vendors and more than 20 events, the event offered something for rodeo fans and newcomers alike.
Three events in particular added something special to this year’s program:
Youth Rodeo Championships presented by Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals: The next generation of rodeo athletes took to the arena, showcasing the skill and determination that will carry the sport forward.
BYOB presented by PBR Canada (Buck Your Own Bull): Six professional bull riders led teams in a competition combining team bull riding with freestyle bullfighting, bringing a unique format to the EXPO.
Kimes Million Dollar Breakaway: Some of the sport’s top breakaway ropers competed in a fast-paced showcase where speed, precision and the partnership between horse and rider make all the difference. Winners will go on to compete for a million dollar prize.
Edmonton Went Western
CFR Week brought the rodeo spirit beyond Rogers Place and into businesses across Edmonton. Through the Feature Partner Program, 40 local businesses offered rodeo-inspired food, drinks, specials and experiences, giving visitors more ways to take part in the week and discover what makes Edmonton unique.
Major events create opportunities for visitors to experience more of a city than the event itself. By connecting CFR fans with local restaurants, shops and experiences, the program helped extend the event into the wider community and supported the businesses that give Edmonton its character. The result was a city-wide celebration, with local businesses joining in and visitors finding more reasons to explore Edmonton before and after the rodeo.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo powered by ATB will return to Edmonton in 2027. Dates and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
Video assets for media usage can be found here.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo is Canada’s national championship rodeo, bringing elite rodeo athletes together for four days of world-class competition. First held in Edmonton in 1974, CFR generated $32.4 million in total economic impact and more than 18,000 hotel room nights in 2025 alone. CFR is a cornerstone of Alberta’s western heritage and a major event for Edmonton.
Explore Edmonton is the Destination Marketing and Management Organization for Edmonton, connecting experiences, events, venues, and stories to attract visitors and elevate the city’s profile. We drive economic, cultural, and community impact through the visitor economy, while stewarding key venues and producing iconic events.
For more information or to coordinate interviews, please contact:
Tya Waterman
Director, Communications & Connections
Explore Edmonton
780-616-2858