Brad Gjermondson Extreme Bronc Competition Kicks Off New PRCA Season in North Dakota

September 30, 2026

Some of the world’s top saddle bronc riders will head to North Dakota this week as the Brad Gjermondson Extreme Bronc Competition returns to New Town October 2–3, offering a major payday and the opportunity to start the new PRCA season with momentum.

Event organizer Rick Thompson says the competition at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge has grown into one of the premier saddle bronc events in the country.

“We’re actually the very first event of the PRCA season,” Thompson said. “It’s the start of a brand-new season, and we’re the largest extreme bronc riding in the nation, so we’re pretty proud of that.”

That early-season position comes with a significant opportunity for competitors. According to Thompson, this year’s champion will leave North Dakota with $40,000.

“The winner will take home $40,000 coming out of this rodeo, so that’s a good start to the season,” Thompson said. “With that, you get all of the best bronc riders there are in the world.”

Rodeo’s Classic Event Takes Center Stage

While bull riding and team roping have attracted significant attention across the rodeo industry, Thompson says saddle bronc riding—often referred to as rodeo’s classic event—is enjoying increased interest of its own.

He believes today’s field of competitors is helping drive that momentum.

“We probably got the best set of bronc riders you could, you know, in history,” Thompson said. “I really mean that. I think that we’ve come a long way, and this is part of the reason for that.”

Now entering its seventh year, the Brad Gjermondson Extreme Bronc Competition is also coming off some major recognition. Thompson said the event was named the Saddle Bronc Riding Extreme Event of the Year last year.

“It was an honor for sure,” he said.

Giving Young Bronc Riders a Shot

There will also be something new inside the arena this year.

For the first time, organizers are adding novice bronc riding, providing younger and less-experienced competitors an opportunity to compete as part of a major event.

“We’ve added rookie bronc riding—or novice bronc riding—into our event this year for the very first time,” Thompson said. “Trying to get at some of those youngsters that are just starting to get into a big event.”

For Thompson, it adds another dimension to a weekend already built around showcasing saddle bronc riding and some of the sport’s leading competitors.

The Brad Gjermondson Extreme Bronc Competition takes place Friday and Saturday, October 2–3, at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota. A Calcutta begins at 4 p.m. each day, doors open at 6 p.m., and the bronc riding gets underway at 7 p.m.

“We have room for everybody,” Thompson said. “So we want everybody to come out and see us.”

Source: Western Ag Network