Loading page
MDB 2026 · Scottsdale, AZ
The Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, presented by Boot Barn, is the premier breakaway roping event in the country, bringing together the best ropers from across the nation to compete for record-setting prize money. Created by Kimes Ranch and producer Chris Neal, the event welcomes the top female breakaway ropers to compete on one of the biggest stages in the sport: three nights of competition at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Over $1,000,000 in prize money across 10 go-rounds and the aggregate average.
Per round × 10 rounds
| 1st | $25,000 |
| 2nd | $17,500 |
| 3rd | $15,000 |
| 4th | $12,500 |
| 5th | $7,500 |
| 6th | $5,000 |
Aggregate across all rounds
| 1st | $50,000 |
| 2nd | $40,000 |
| 3rd | $30,000 |
| 4th | $25,000 |
| 5th | $17,500 |
| 6th | $12,500 |
The Sport
Breakaway roping is one of the fastest events in western sport. A calf is released from the roping chute and the roper, positioned on the right-hand side, chases to lasso the calf around the neck in a clean bell-collar catch. Her rope is tied to the saddle horn with a breakable string, and the clock stops the instant the string breaks away. The fastest clean run wins.
The Million Dollar Breakaway is the richest event in the sport: $1,000,000 in prize money, all-female, no membership required, broadcast on CBS Sports Network, held over five nights at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Latest Results
The aggregate champion and top money-earners from the most recent completed Million Dollar Breakaway.
Past Champions
Revisit event winners, go-round leaders, and full results from every Million Dollar Breakaway.
Frequently Asked
The quick answers. For everything else, visit the full FAQ.
Don't miss your chance to witness the best breakaway ropers in the world compete for record-setting prizes.
The richest breakaway roping in the world returns with an expanded 2026 format. $1,000,000 in total prize money across 10 go-rounds and the aggregate. For 2026, all 20 finalists advance from the Semi-Finals and Qualifier Finals Performances -17 from the Semi-Finals and 3 automatic qualifiers (winners of the Summer, Fall, and Oklahoma's Richest Finals Performances). A broader qualifier pathway featuring six live events, the VRQ Leaderboard, and PWR feeds 211 competitors into the Semi-Finals at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Multiple pathways to earn your spot at the Million Dollar Breakaway.
The first stop on the road to Scottsdale, held in conjunction with Break-A-Wave in San Luis Obispo, California and culminating with a one-of-a-kind beachfront performance on Avila Beach. Wednesday, September 23 — the Million Dollar Breakaway Qualifier at Cal Poly University runs a 2-head format plus a short go ($500 entry fee). Thursday, September 24 — the top 20 contestants advance to the Broadcast Performance on Avila Beach and secure advancement to the Scottsdale Semi-Finals. The Broadcast Performance carries a guaranteed $30,000 payout over two full rounds and a clean-slate final round: eight contestants advance to the final — top 2 from Round 1, top 2 from Round 2, and top 4 from the aggregate standings.
The Buy Back Round provides an additional pathway to the MDB Semi-Finals. Contestants who do not advance from the Last Chance Qualifier may purchase a buy back entry for another chance to compete. 5 athletes advance to the Semi-Finals from the Buy Back Round.
A second qualifying opportunity, tentatively scheduled in conjunction with the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Tentative dates: October 7–8. The CFR event will utilize the same competition format as the Break-A-Wave Broadcast Performance, providing another opportunity for competitors to compete in a high-profile setting and earn advancement to the Scottsdale Semi-Finals.
The 2026 First Chance Qualifier was held December 21, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. This completed event qualified 20 athletes for the MDB Semi-Finals. Open to all breakaway ropers, the First Chance Qualifier is the earliest live qualification event for the Million Dollar Breakaway.
The Last Chance Qualifier takes place November 23-24, 2026 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. This is the final live qualification event before the MDB Finals, sending 40 athletes to the Semi-Finals.
Oklahoma's Richest Qualifier takes place October 15-18, 2026 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. This $30,000 added event is a major qualification pathway, sending 60 athletes to the MDB Semi-Finals. The winner of the Oklahoma's Richest Finals Performance earns an automatic spot in the 20-woman MDB Finals.
Premier Women's Rodeo (PWR) qualifiers earn spots in the MDB Semi-Finals — 5 from each of the main qualifiers (First Chance, Break-A-Wave, Oklahoma's Richest, and Last Chance) plus 1 from the Buy Back Round.
The Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) is the premier global points-based qualification system for the Million Dollar Breakaway. Athletes accumulate points at any of approximately 15,000 eligible PRCA, UPRA, and IPRA rodeos during the qualification window. The top 20 competitors on the Kimes VRQ Leaderboard earn spots in the MDB Semi-Finals. No additional entry fees apply for VRQ qualifiers.
Meet the talented athletes who push the limits of breakaway roping at every competition.
We are proud to partner with industry leaders who share our passion for western heritage and competition.
Stay up to date with the latest announcements, results, and stories from the world of breakaway roping.
