Place Your Bets: Which Wright Brother Will Come Out On Top of the World?

The Wright name is synonymous with winning in the saddle bronc arena. These brothers go head to head every year, yet only one can come out on top. With three of them- Ryder, Stetson, and Rusty all holding the top three spots in the world standings, which one will come out on top by the end of the season?

The Wright Standard

The world standings can change on a dime, and these three cowboys remain closer than ever. Just last week, Ryder ($211,269) surpassed Rusty ($209,584) to overtake the No. 1 spot, and now less than $2,000 separate them. Stetson ($201,625) is not far behind either, in No. 3 he needs $10,000 to land in first.

Since Stetson took home his 10th world title at the end of 2025, his brothers, both older than him, are coming with something to prove this season. It’s clear that these three are all pushing each other to the best of their abilities, and with only weeks left to go in the regular season, only time will tell who will take the crown this year once the National Finals Rodeo comes to an end.

Each brother has earned himself a massive win this year. Ryder just took home his first-ever Cheyenne Frontier Days win earlier this month. He pocketed his biggest check of the season at almost $25,000.

Rusty started his strong season off early with his win at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, where he scored $24,500 for his performances.

Stetson cashed in at RODEOHOUSTON for over $65,000 when it was all said and done.

Wright poses with his awards — Stetson Wright | Photo Courtesy of RODEOHOUSTON

These three cowboys out of Beaver, Utah really do set the standard in saddle bronc riding. While Stetson continues to dominate season after season, Ryder and Rusty are basking in the glory of overtaking him at this point in the season.

Ryder finished last year as reserve world champion, but it was behind Statler, not Stetson. In a bit of a shock, Stetson was ruled to have missed a horse out and it cost him the World Championship. He ended up third on the year.

Rusty didn’t earn an NFR qualification; it’s clear that this year has been a fairy-tale season for the brothers.

So, where is Statler? He’s currently ranked at No. 23 with about $89,000 in winnings. Don’t count him out of an NFR qualification just yet. There is still plenty of money and time left for him to work his way up in the standings.

The brothers are keeping pace with each other as they’ve all been well-matched all season. Stetson and Ryder find themselves with eight rodeo titles so far this season, and Rusty is right behind them with seven wins. Their season earnings are so close because each brother has found some level of success at nearly every rodeo they’ve entered.

Three Brother's Take Las Vegas - or Four?

Statler Wright | Nathan Meyer Photography

This could be the first time in years that the Wright brothers are going head-to-head in the Thomas & Mack Arena. As some of the best athletes in the event, other saddle bronc riders will have their work cut out for them if they want to reach the high scores that these brothers see often.

Stetson set the bar last season with his world champion title, and now he’s had another great year pulling in four rides 90 points or higher, despite being temporarily sidelined with an injury.

Ryder wasn't going to let his little brother best him again as he has earned himself eight rides over 90 points, which shows why he is in the No. 1 spot right now.

Rusty has his work cut out for him as he sits with only three rides with scores that high heading into the end of the season.

It’s nearly set in stone that these three brothers will be facing each other in Las Vegas come December. But, it is entirely possible that it could be all four of the Wright brothers nodding their heads against each other at the Thomas and Mack.

While other cowboys have to worry about themselves, the Wrights find themselves either cheering for their brothers to win, and find themselves losing or have to watch a brother lose in order to take the crown.

Any way things shake out by the end of the season, fans can expect continued domination from the family for years to come.

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