SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Kimes Ranch is excited to announce the official qualifying events for the 2026 Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, taking place November 25–29, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Competitors will have multiple opportunities to earn their place at one of the richest breakaway roping events in the world through a series of qualifying events and broadcast performances held throughout the fall.
BreakaWave Rodeo on the Beach Qualifier
The first stop on the road to Scottsdale will be held in conjunction with Breakawave in San Luis Obispo, California, culminating with a one-of-a-kind beachfront performance on Avila Beach.
Wednesday, September 23 — Million Dollar Breakaway Qualifier
- Held at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, California
- 2-head format plus a short go
- $500 entry fee
Thursday, September 24 — Million Dollar Breakaway Broadcast Performance
- Held on Avila Beach
- Top 20 contestants from the qualifier advance to the Broadcast Performance and secure advancement to the Scottsdale Semi-Finals
- Broadcast performance will have a guaranteed $30,000 payout over two rounds and a final round
- Two full rounds
- Clean-slate final round
Eight contestants advance to the final round:
- Top 2 from Round 1
- Top 2 from Round 2
- Top 4 from the aggregate standings
The Avila Beach Broadcast Performance will showcase the sport's top athletes in a premier beachfront setting while creating a direct pathway to Scottsdale.
Canadian Finals Rodeo Qualifier
A second qualifying opportunity is 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 Breakawave Broadcast Performance, providing another opportunity for competitors to compete in a high-profile setting and earn advancement opportunities.
Oklahoma's Richest Qualifier
Competitors will also have the opportunity to qualify through one of the most prestigious breakaway roping events in the country, held in Guthrie, Oklahoma on October 15–17.
- Million Dollar Breakaway Qualifying Broadcast Performance at Oklahoma's Richest — 7:00 PM, Lazy E Arena
- Same format as the Avila Beach performance
- Two full rounds plus a clean-slate final round
- Eight-athlete final round featuring round winners and aggregate winners
The Road to Scottsdale
These qualifying events will determine a portion of the field for the 2026 Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, where the sport's best breakaway ropers will compete for a share of the million-dollar purse in Scottsdale, Arizona, November 25–29.
Held at WestWorld of Scottsdale, the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway Presented by Boot Barn continues to raise the bar for western sports, blending world-class competition with powerful storytelling to showcase the athletes who are shaping the future of rodeo. The three qualifier event champions plus 17 from the Scottsdale semi-finals will advance for a total of 20 to the ten-round Million Dollar Breakaway Finals. Money earned over the course of all the qualifiers — including the Last Chance Qualifier, semi-finals, and finals — will determine the 2026 Million Dollar Breakaway World Champion.* Live music, shopping, and all the local amenities that Scottsdale has to offer are sure to make this an event to remember.
For more information, visit www.milliondollarbreakaway.com or follow @milliondollarbreakaway on social media for exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage, athlete interviews, and event updates.
*2025 First Chance Qualifier will not count towards the 2026 World Champion. The First Chance Qualifier for the 2027 season, held on November 29, 2026, will count towards the 2027 World Champion.
About Kimes Ranch Jeans: Founded in 2009, Kimes Ranch Jeans combines Western heritage with modern design, creating premium denim and apparel that meets the demands of today's lifestyle. With a focus on quality, durability, and style, Kimes Ranch has become a trusted name in Western fashion and beyond. Through events like the Million Dollar Breakaway, Kimes Ranch continues to support and celebrate the athletes and fans who embody the heart of rodeo. For more information, visit kimesranch.com.
Kimes Ranch Media Contact: McKenzie Parkinson / mrs.parkinson@kimesranch.com