Qualifiers

First Chance Qualifier

December 21, 2025

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.

PWR

December 21 - November 24, 2026

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.

Coastal Qualifier

September 23-24, 2026

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.

Entries close September 14, 2026

Canadian Qualifier

October 9-10, 2026

A second qualifying opportunity, held in conjunction with the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 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.

Oklahoma's Richest Qualifier

October 15-18, 2026

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.

Entries close September 28, 2026

Last Chance Qualifier

November 23-24, 2026

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.

Buy Back Round

November 25, 2026

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.

VRQ

Date TBD

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.