Across the pages of the Cinch RSNC website, a ticker goes to work, feverishly counting tens of thousands of dollars that have been paid to ranch sorters, then hundreds of thousands and, then, millions. As of today—almost exactly six months since the season began June 20, 2024—the total amounts to $2,254,677.

As best Cinch RSNC Customer Liaison Tanner Sperle can tell, those dollars point to a banner year for the organization and the sport of ranch sorting.

“Last year, we were right around $1.8- or $1.9 million at the halfway point,” Sperle said, noting this year’s increase in payouts of more than a quarter-million dollars by December.

The halfway point, of course, marks the beginning of the next six months, which will culminate with the Cinch RSNC World Finals, held June 8 though June 15 this year. Already, it is also suggesting that ranch sorters can expect bigger and better rewards.

“The goal is to have a $1 million Finals,” said Logan Wolfe, Cinch RSNC Director of Events. “Last year, we paid $921,000, and we just added another $75,000 for this year’s Gold Shootout classes, so we’re right there to make it happen.”

Considering the recent success of the Cinch RSNC All Star Sorting Bowl, which paid out more than $265,000 in November—the biggest regular-season event ever produced by the Cinch RSNC to date—and how entries are shaping up for its Southeast Regional Super Sort in Georgia in January, there’s good reason to believe the 2024-2025 Cinch RSNC season will outperform any in its history.

“Last year, we hit $5 million, and it was the first time we’d ever done that,” Sperle explained. “The year before, we just hit over $4 million, so the sport is growing. Payouts are getting better, so I think people are noticing that and getting excited.”

Indeed, there’s a lot for ranch sorters to look forward to in the new year, especially with upcoming news on an expansion in the Northeast, the details of which will be shared in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, don’t miss these ranch sorting events near you: