Ben Andersen wins Canadian title at CFR in Edmonton

Eckville-area cowboy Ben Andersen capped off a storybook week in Edmonton, winning his first Canadian saddle bronc riding championship at the 52nd Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR).

His 2026 victory ended a six-year run of titles by rodeo superstar Zeke Thurston.

The 27-year-old Andersen entered the final round at Rogers Place on Sunday with the lead in both aggregate standings and money earned at the finals, after posting two first-place and two second-place finishes through the opening four rounds.

Out of the gate, Thurston put the pressure on with a 91.5-point ride. Andersen responded with an 88.75-point ride on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Squash Blossom Steely Dan. Ironically, it was the same horse Thurston partnered with a year prior to clinch his 2025 Canadian title.

The crowd erupted as the recently married Andersen went to work. While the ride didn’t win the go round, it was enough to preserve Andersen’s lead in the all-important aggregate, securing his first Canadian championship.

He finished the season with $118,895 in earnings, just $3,700 ahead of Thurston.

Andersen said competing head-to-head with Thurston made the victory especially meaningful, crediting the veteran for supporting him throughout his career.

The second-generation bronc rider’s championship caps a strong season that also included a successful appearance at the Rocky Pro Rodeo in June, where he earned nearly $4,800 in front of his hometown crowd.

Memorable performances across the CFR

Andersen was among several standout performers at this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo, which drew 43,903 fans to Rogers Place.

Bareback rider Orin Larsen captured his second Canadian championship, earning a record-breaking combined season and finals total of $110,011. Tie-down roper Austin Hines won three rounds and claimed his first Canadian title, while team roping partners Kavis Drake and Denim Ross dominated their event to earn the championship.

Breakaway roper Bradi Whiteside recovered from a no-time in the opening round to win all four remaining rounds, securing both the breakaway roping title and her fourth consecutive Women’s All-Around honour. Karli Cowie claimed her first Canadian barrel racing championship, while bull rider Koby Young finished atop the season standings despite being bucked off in his final two rides.

The finals also marked the end of an era in steer wrestling. Scott Guenthner won his sixth Canadian title, tying the record shared by Cody Cassidy and Bud Butterfield, before retiring from professional rodeo to spend more time with his family and work on the ranch.

The next major event on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association calendar is the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals, scheduled for Nov. 25-28 in Regina as part of Canadian Western Agribition.

The next edition of the CFR takes place at Rogers Place Arena from October 6-9, 2027.