The 2026 Cinch RSNC World Finals is at the halfway point, and the action has been nonstop at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. From June 6-13, the event brings together the nation’s top ranch sorters to compete for championship titles, year-end honors and a share of the richest payouts in ranch sorting.
Through the first several days of competition, numerous World Champions have already been crowned, year-end standings leaders have been recognized, and competitors have cashed in on large payouts. From youth riders and seasoned veterans to Futurity contenders and Challenge of the Champions victors, the World Finals has showcased the depth and talent that defines ranch sorters.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights from the first half of the 2026 Cinch RSNC World Finals.
World Champions Take Center Stage
The road to Fort Worth is a yearlong journey, and for many competitors, the first half of World Finals week has already delivered career-defining moments.
Across multiple handicap levels, specialty divisions and age-group classes, riders have earned coveted World Champion titles while year-end standings winners have been recognized for their accomplishments throughout the season. With championships awarded nearly every day of the event, the leaderboard has featured a mix of familiar faces and first-time winners, underscoring the competitive depth of the ranch sorting community.
Click here to find complete and updated championship results from the 2026 Cinch RSNC World Finals
Futurity Stars Shine Bright
With the opportunity to showcase the latest crop of great ranch sorting horses, riders brought their pride and joy 4-year-olds into the pen to make their first major appearances and the young ones did not disappoint. With the poise of seasoned horses, they worked through tough herds and stood their ground when push came to shove.
Tanner Keith and Brian Buckner came out on top aboard Scott Henderson’s Theft By Check and Notorious Biggie, respectively. The duo walked away with $8,800 in earnings, with an additional $3,520 from the Calcutta. Scott Henderson, who won the team in the Calcutta, took home $14,080, of which $4,400 went to the EQN Sports #18 Rated Youth class payout.
The Non Pros showed up in a big way as well. With Victor Dold helping to hold the gate, Kenny Baumgardner captured the championship and $5,254 aboard Crewella Diville.
Challenge of the Champions Delivers
One of the most anticipated events of the week, the Challenge of the Champions, brought together the Top 5 year-end money earners from across four divisions for a showdown among the sport’s best.
Held June 9, the class featured competitors who secured their invitations through season-long success. Following a special recognition ceremony during the Welcome Banquet, riders entered the arena with bragging rights and a $1,000 winner’s check, per division, on the line.
The annual event serves as both a celebration of the previous year’s accomplishments and a showcase of the talent that continues to elevate ranch sorting nationwide.
With several days of competition still to come, competitors will continue chasing World Finals championships, bonus payouts and one last opportunity to close out the 2026 season on top.
The Crew Keeping Things Running Smoothly
Being a judge is a thankless job, but the Cinch RSNC officials never fail to show up without a smile and a desire to create a friendly environment in their pen.
Our cattle crew has been hard at work behind the scene, tagging hundreds of cows to get them ready to sort. With six pens running between the John Justin and Will Rogers Arena, they are constantly moving, evaluating cattle and readying the pens for the next set.
The office staff hasn’t missed a beat, adding entries, calculating payouts, writing checks and so much more to keep the show on track and all contestants happy.
Up above the pens, the announcers don’t take a moment off, keeping pens on track and somehow managing to multitask a million things at once. You may hear their voice in your sleep for weeks after the event, but without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
Regardless of where you are, ranch sorters can watch all the action thanks to the Equine Promotions and Ride TV livestream crews. Behind the cameras, they are constantly scanning and keeping an eye on everything that happens in the pens so you can watch from anywhere in the world, in real time, and after the event is over.