What the Riggin Masters Is
The Riggin Masters is a professional bareback bronc riding event held during the NILE in Billings. It is sanctioned by the PRCA as a Rank 45 Xtreme Broncs event and was billed as the largest standalone bareback bronc riding event in the world. The name comes from the "riggin," the leather handhold bareback riders grip. The first edition was held October 16-17, 2026, at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark.
Who Competes
The field was the top 24 PRCA bareback riders in the world standings, plus the top six rookie bareback riders by invitation, and was expected to include the top 15 qualifiers for the 2026 National Finals Rodeo. Riders drew bucking horses from leading PRCA stock contractors. Scoring rewards the rider's control, consistency and spurring technique along with the horse's power and intensity.
How It Works: The Format
- October 15A back number and calcutta party kicked off the week to benefit the NILE Scholarship Fund.
- Two roundsEvening performances at 7 p.m. on October 16 and 17, with top scores paid in each round.
- FinalsThe top 10 aggregate scores advanced to a clean-slate final round.
Purse and 2026 Results
The event announced a record $100,000 purse; the total payout was $101,285. Keenan Hayes won the finals with 91.5 points on J Bar J's No Show Reiner and earned $14,867. The finals placings were:
| Place | Rider | Score | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keenan Hayes | 91.5 | $14,867 |
| 2 | Carson Hildre | 90 | $11,263 |
| 3 | Cole Reiner | 89 | $8,109 |
| 4 | Leighton Berry | 87.5 | $5,406 |
| 5 | Jayco Roper | 86.5 | $3,154 |
| 6 | Donny Proffit | 86 | $2,253 |
Ethan Mazurenko, Daxtyn Feild, Jason Wilson and Roedy Farrell each took $1,500 for seventh through tenth.
Why It Matters to the NILE
The Riggin Masters was the NILE's second major pro rodeo of 2026, after Rodeo Billings in August. The NILE Foundation set a goal of raising $100,000 for scholarships in 2026, and the event was expected to help.
Where and Tickets
First Interstate Arena, MetraPark, 308 6th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101. Tickets were sold through MetraPark at metrapark.com; MetraPark's phone is 406-256-2400. The NILE office is at (406) 256-2495.
Questions
Is this a rodeo with other events?
No. The Riggin Masters is bareback bronc riding only. The NILE Ranch Rodeo and the Supreme livestock finals are separate NILE events.
Can I enter as a rider?
Only invited riders: the top 24 in the PRCA world bareback standings and six invited rookies.
Official Links
- NILE rodeo page
- NILE announces new PRCA Xtreme event
- Keenan Hayes wins inaugural Riggin Masters
- MetraPark NILE page
Major Montana Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
Montana's big three are MontanaFair in August, the NILE in October and the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale in May. All dates below are from the most recent published schedules, so confirm the current year.
MontanaFair
The Billings fair ran August 7-15 in 2026. The Junior Livestock Sale was Saturday, August 15 at 12:30 p.m. at the Expo. Entries go through an online ShoWorks system managed by MetraPark, and the Dept. A handbook holds the deadlines.
NILE
The NILE ran October 9-17, 2026 at MetraPark in Billings, with junior steer, lamb, goat and swine shows, the Junior Fed Sale on October 12 and rodeo performances. 2026 entries closed September 15, with a $50-per-head late fee after September 1.
Bucking Horse Sale
Miles City held its 75th Bucking Horse Sale May 14-17, 2026, with a parade, rodeo grand entries and wild horse races. It dates back to 1951.
Hauling in
Swine entering Montana need a health certificate issued within 10 days.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention and Trade Show
The 107th annual convention of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Billings, November 15 to 18, 2026.
27 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101 | Organizer: Montana Farm Bureau Federation Official event details - Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention and Trade Show
Montana Stockgrowers Association convention with trade show, Stockgrowers Colleges, policy sessions and a Grand Finale Banquet, December 3 to 5, 2026, at the DoubleTree and the Northern Hotel in Billings.
- Chase Hawks Rodeo
One-day rodeo in Billings on December 26, 2026, on the Montana pro rodeo calendar. Held each year around the holidays.
Billings, MT Official event details - Montana Wool Growers Association Annual Convention
Sheep industry convention of the Montana Wool Growers Association. Held each year; the most recent dates were December 4 to 7, 2025, in Billings.
Billings, MT | Organizer: Montana Wool Growers Association Official event details - MontanaFair 4-H and FFA Junior Livestock Shows
Two-week 4-H and FFA program at MontanaFair in Billings, from interview judging to horse, small animal, sheep, goat and livestock classes. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 3-15, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.