The Resistol Rookie of the Year award remains one of the most prestigious honors in professional rodeo. It’s a distinction that can only be earned once — during a competitor’s first year as a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or Women’s Professional Rodeo Association cardholder.
Each year, Resistol recognizes the top first-year PRCA and WPRA athletes who achieve the highest season earnings in their respective events, including winnings from the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).
As the official hat of the PRCA and one of its original sponsors, Resistol proudly continues the tradition of honoring these athletes with the annual Resistol Rookie of the Year Luncheon. Now in its 11th year, the celebration will take place at the South Point Hotel & Casino during the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas. Guests will enjoy live music, a meal, and a program hosted by industry leaders featuring past Rookies of the Year and World Champions who will share their advice and encouragement with the new class.
This year’s standout rookie class includes Riley O’Rourke, aiming to become the first rookie to win the steer roping world title, and Haiden Thompson, who broke the rookie earnings record in breakaway roping.
2025 Resistol Rookies of the Year
- PRCA All-Around and Steer Roping Rookie of the Year: Riley O’Rourke
- PRCA Bareback Rookie of the Year: Sage Allen
- PRCA Saddle Bronc Rookie of the Year: Gus Gaillard
- PRCA Steer Wrestling Rookie of the Year: Traver Johnson
- PRCA Team Roping Header Rookie of the Year: James Arviso
- PRCA Team Roping Heeler Rookie of the Year: Nicky Northcott
- PRCA Tie-Down Roping Rookie of the Year: Tyler “Buck” Calhoun
- WPRA Breakaway Rookie of the Year: Haiden Thompson
- WPRA Barrel Racing Rookie of the Year: Makenzie Mayes
- PRCA Bull Riding Rookie of the Year Contenders: Hudson Bolton, Qynn Andersen, Bryce Jenson, Luke Mackey
The rookies will also be recognized in the arena during Round 6 of the NFR — Resistol Night — where they will receive their Montana Silversmiths Rookie of the Year buckles.
The celebration will culminate with the presentation of the Resistol Man of the Year award, honoring an individual who has gone above and beyond to advance the Western industry, sport, and lifestyle.
Past honorees include:
- George Strait (2012)
- Michael Gaughn (2014)
- Karl Stressman (2017)
- Cody Johnson (2018)
- Cotton Rosser and Neal Gay (2019)
- Ryan Growney (2021)
- Patrick Gottsch (2022)
- Pete Carr (2024)
Resistol will also recognize outstanding young talent through the Resistol National Little Britches Rodeo Association (NLBRA) Rookies of the Year, celebrating the hard work and promise of the sport’s future stars.
2025 NLBRA Rookies of the Year
- Little Wrangler Rookie of the Year: Baylea Sherman
- Junior Girl Rookie of the Year: Presley Reyher
- Junior Boy Rookie of the Year: Dusten Litton
- Senior Girl Rookie of the Year: Ellery Aho
- Senior Boy Rookie of the Year: Eli Crump
