The 2023 Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo, presented by Montana Silversmith, will make history in July when youth athletes compete for a near $400,000 projected payout— one of the richest in youth rodeo history.
Hosted by WCRA Division Youth (DY) and The Lazy E Arena, the third edition of the World Championship event will shell out a projected minimum payout of $375,000 to youth rodeo athletes. The WCRA DY championship event will occur at the Lazy E Arena from July 25-29 and is open to any youth athlete ages 19 and under (as of the first day of competition). The 2022 WCJR paid out more than $271,000.
Late entries for the youth world championship are open now and will close on July 12 at Noon CT. Entry fees for the Junior Division (ages 19-13) will be $400, while Youth Division (ages 15-10) will be $300 per entry. All entries will be taken on nextgenrodeo.com.
In July 2022, the Lazy E Arena and the WCRA Division Youth (DY) announced they would join forces on the 2023 Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo. The 2023 event is open to youth athletes competing in 11 disciplines which include – Bareback Riding, Ladies Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping Heading, Team Roping Heeling, Tie-Down Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, Ladies Pole Bending, Ladies Goat Tying, and Bull Riding. WCJR athletes can enter only one age division and once per discipline. Roughstock events are Junior Divisions only.
All rodeo athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA DY, the VRQ, or event format and payout details should be directed to dy.rodeo or download the WCRA DY app HERE.
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About WCRA DY (World Champions Rodeo Alliance Division Youth):
WCRA DY is a culmination of a leaderboard race of rodeo events worldwide. Athletes can qualify for July 2023 $200,000 Added Money World Championship Event at the Lazy E Arena by nominating their rodeo efforts and earning points for the WCRA DY leaderboard positions using the VRQ (Virtual Rodeo Qualifier). Athletes can nominate their rodeo efforts starting May 2, 2022 and have until Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. to nominate and earn points. The top 16 on the leaderboard will qualify for the event with no entry fees.
ABOUT LAZY E ARENA:
The Fabulous Lazy E Arena – just southeast of Guthrie and northeast of Edmond/Oklahoma City – was established in December 1984, just in time for the ’84 National Finals Steer Roping Finals. Originator of the E, E.K. Gaylord II had a vision that both the National Finals Steer Roping Finals and the National Finals Rodeo would happen the same time, in the same area, creating the most epic days rodeo had seen. While the plan only worked for one year, as the NFR moved to Vegas in ’85, the legacy and standards E.K. set from the beginning still carry on today. From giving PBR its start to the Timed Event Championship of the World, the Lazy E has hosted world champions, world championships and personalities galore. In 2005, Gaylord sold the property to a partnership from Nevada, and in October 2013 the property was sold to the McKinney Family from Midland, Texas. The ownership group has long recognized not only the tremendous facility, but also the importance of the Lazy E’s place in Rodeo and Oklahoma history. The Family has committed to maintaining the Lazy E as the World’s premier western entertainment facility. Many updates and renovations are taking place at the Arena which will only enhance the lure of the Lazy E to the general population.
