The North American Championship Rodeo is back in Louisville, with the Great Lakes Circuit Finals taking place at Freedom Hall from Thursday through Saturday. The event brings together the top 12 athletes from each rodeo discipline across the Great Lakes region, including Ohio, Iowa, Illinois and Kentucky.
Local athletes and families gather for the championship
“It’s something that gives you something to really go for at the end of the year to work towards,” said Ben Kilburg, a veteran steer wrestler who has qualified for the Louisville finals for nine consecutive years. “It can also be a really big stepping stone for younger people.”
For many competitors, making the circuit finals is the season’s primary goal. For others, it serves as a springboard to the National Finals Rodeo, where two circuit athletes will have the chance to earn prize money that counts toward the next season.
Ben Kilburg’s final rodeo season
Kilburg, who turned professional in 2016 after a lifelong involvement in rodeo through junior high, high school and college, announced that this will be his last year competing. He reflected on a serious accident in 2023, when a fall from his horse led to a fractured skull and a week-long coma, followed by months of outpatient therapy. “I got to make it back to the circuit finals again after that,” he said, noting his return to competition the following year.
Now, Kilburg is looking forward to spending more time with his family. “I’ve got two kids at home that need me home more than I need to be on the rodeo trail,” he explained. He added that the sport has given him lasting memories, friendships, and the opportunity to meet his wife. When asked whether his children might follow in his footsteps, Kilburg said he will support whatever they choose, even if it’s chess.
Event schedule and community impact
The championship runs each night at 7 p.m., offering local fans a chance to see elite rodeo athletes compete in events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. The tournament not only showcases high‑level competition but also supports the regional rodeo community, drawing visitors to downtown Louisville and providing a boost to local businesses.
Organizers highlighted the event’s role in preserving Western heritage and promoting family‑friendly entertainment. “We want families to enjoy a safe, exciting weekend together while celebrating the skill and dedication of our rodeo athletes,” said a spokesperson for the Great Lakes Circuit.
Looking ahead
After the Louisville finals, two top competitors will advance to the National Finals Rodeo, where they will compete for national titles and additional prize money. The championship at Freedom Hall serves as both a culmination of the regional season and a stepping stone toward that larger stage.
Fans are encouraged to attend the three‑night event and support the athletes who have worked all year for this moment. With Kilburg’s final rodeo appearance adding an emotional note, the 2026 North American Championship Rodeo promises to be a memorable celebration of sport, tradition, and community.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
