Leading Ladies: Chatting All Things WRWC with Commissioner Linsay Rosser-Sumpter

By Teal Stoll

“FANCY”, THE WRWC LOGO. COURTESY OF LINSAY ROSSER-SUMPTER.

The Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) wrapped up another incredible year in Texas, May 12–14 and 17. With its unique format that welcomes contestants from all backgrounds in rodeo, the WRWC strives to create new opportunities for women in the sport.

This year, the WRWC hit several major milestones. The event aired exclusively on The Cowboy Channel, and the Championship Round at AT&T Stadium hosted 30,000 spectators. Partnering with major brands like Boot Barn, Kimes Ranch, Tito’s Vodka, and more, the WRWC continues to celebrate the best and brightest in rodeo.

Over the past six years, the WRWC has paid out $4.55 million to these incredible athletes. The addition of the Limited classification gave two standout competitors—Emmry Edwards and Charmaine Holdren—the chance to compete inside AT&T Stadium, placing alongside athletes in the Pro and Challenger divisions.

WRWC Commissioner Linsay Rosser-Sumpter graciously sat down with us to talk about all things women’s rodeo and share more about this groundbreaking event.

“I was able to compete at the first two WRWC events. The first one was in Fort Worth, Texas, and the second was in Las Vegas. Our parent companies, PBR and WCRA, wanted to have the largest all-female rodeo in the world, and it started with the classification system. When you think about the demographic of women, you think of moms and students, women who wear so many different hats. When you look at it, the ladies were equally as competitive; they just haven’t all had the same opportunities. That’s where the Pro and Challenger classifications came in,” Rosser-Sumpter explained.

“Our goal is to have this all-inclusive environment for female rodeo athletes, not only at the highest level of competition, but also for those in the middle who don’t have the opportunity, or those at the beginning or end of their careers,” she continued.

To compete in the WRWC, athletes first purchase an ID Card and are classified. Barrel racing and breakaway roping have three classifications: Pro, Challenger, and Limited. The criteria for each classification are strategically determined by industry data and vary by discipline. Details can be found at womensrodeochampionships.com/classification. Team roping includes two divisions: Pro and Challenger, based on the Global Handicaps System.

Rosser-Sumpter shared, “It can be a little confusing that our calendar year is April to April, but that’s because the finals are in May. So the W26 (2026) segment is now open. In 2025, we started the ID Cards to help us properly classify the ladies in their disciplines. We also added the Limited classification for barrel racing and breakaway roping. Industry numbers told us team roping doesn’t necessarily have the depth to support three classifications.”

After purchasing an ID Card, WRWC members can begin nominating events to earn points toward the leaderboard for the current segment (W26 at this time). Instead of requiring competitors to add more events to their already packed calendars, the WRWC uses a nomination and leaderboard system, similar to the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA). Most events that cowgirls are already competing in can be nominated through the WRWC, allowing them earn points through runs they are already making.

“With the Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) and nominating your events, I think of it like splitting your aces when you’re sitting at the blackjack table: you can double down,” Rosser-Sumpter said. “By nominating events you’ve already entered, the opportunity cost of driving, entry fees, etc., you might as well split and have the chance to get on the leaderboard for a rodeo that adds $750,000.”

The nomination system was designed with inclusivity in mind. Barrel racers often look for ways to minimize runs on their best horses. With the WRWC, they can qualify for an event with an incredible payout without putting additional stress on their equine athletes.

Rodeo is fiercely competitive and there are barriers for those who cannot compete full-time. For many competitors, traveling to more events is not always an option, despite their talent. With busy lives and schedules, rodeo often comes second or third to work and family. The incredible group behind WRWC believes that does not make these competitors any less worthy and has given athletes opportunities that did not previously exist. 

Rosser-Sumpter highlighted some of the most exciting moments of 2025:

“We had so many major things happen, but we had a Limited barrel racer go to AT&T and win $25,000. She hadn’t competed in years because of a terrible injury. She raised her horse, and he was just starting to come on and he happened to peak at just the right time.”

Charmaine Holdren of Weatherford, Texas, ran an impressive 13.382 at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth to earn her spot in AT&T Stadium. In the Championship Round, she placed second behind National Finals Rodeo qualifier Taycie Matthews, who was riding her 2023 WPRA Horse of the Year, Fame Fire Rocks. Walking away with over $26,000, Holdren’s return to the arena after a decade-long break was a true testament to the power of the WRWC. 

Another highlight of 2025 was the support from The American Rodeo:

“Josie Connor had just won $100,000 at The American. She’s an incredible roper, but had never won the WRWC. When she did, The American posted about it and celebrated her win with us, calling her ‘The Queen of AT&T Stadium.’ It was really cool to see a major rodeo recognize that and celebrate us, just like we celebrate them,” Rosser-Sumpter said.

Looking ahead, Rosser-Sumpter and the WRWC team are committed to continuing to elevate the sport. With the successful addition of the Limited classification, it’s here to stay.

“We want to continue to grow the Limited classification. I want everyone to see it as the place for the true 4D barrel racer, someone who might not love the rodeo format. It’s paid out as a 4D, and it’s a place to come and be celebrated as a barrel racer, even if you’re two seconds off the winning time.

We give beautiful buckles every day (at the WRWC) and pay every day. We’re excited about our new partnership with NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association), because we want them to know they have a place with us,” she added.

To get your WRWC ID Card, visit womensrodeochampionships.com/wrc-id-cards. Competitors can purchase their card through the NextGen App and start nominating events immediately. Download the WRWC app to begin earning points in the W26 segment and your shot at $750,000 inside AT&T Stadium in 2026.