ENTRIES ARE STILL OPEN. Athletes who didn’t pre-enter or qualify through the VRQ can still get in through the Last Chance Qualifier. Direct entries remain open until one hour before each event. Enter at app.nextgenrodeo.com or at the Lazy E entry office. 

The 2026 Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo, presented by Montana Silversmiths, runs July 8–11, at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, with more than $145,000 in added money and prizes across 11 events and two age divisions. Below is the who, what, when, where and why for one of the sport’s premier youth events and the entry deadline that still gives latecomers a shot. 

Who competes at the WCJR?

The WCJR fields the top junior rodeo athletes in the world. Team roping runs in two age divisions: 

• Youth Division: 15 and under 
• Junior Division: 19 and under 

Youth athletes are also eligible to enter up into the Junior Division. Draw positions and run orders are posted through NextGen Rodeo once the field is set. 

What it the WCJR? 

The WCJR is a world-championship-level event that treats junior athletes like professionals. In 2025 it paid more than $409,600 across all disciplines, the largest youth-rodeo purse in the country. For 2026, at least $145,000 in added money is guaranteed, with the total payout again expected to clear $400,000. Champions earn world titles, saddles and prizes on top of the cash. 

When: team roping schedule 

Check-in begins Tuesday, July 7 (8 a.m.–6 p.m.), with the entry office open noon–6 p.m. All team roping runs in Arena One: 

Times are per the official 2026 WCJR schedule and subject to change; a 9 a.m. Buy Back Round opens Friday in Arena One. Confirm against wcjrodeo.com the day of. 

Where?

Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, Oklahoma. One of the largest indoor rodeo venues in the world, the Lazy E is a competitor favorite for its climate control and consistently good ground. 

Why it matters 

There are few places a junior team roper can rope for five-figure money and a saddlE in a single week. The WCJR’s flexible points format lets athletes nominate runs all season and still drop in for the semifinals or finals, so a busy summer schedule doesn’t cost a shot at a championship. For families, fans and sponsors alike, it is the biggest stage youth rodeo has to offer. 

How to enter (entries remain open) 

Entries opened April 15, and the pre-entry deadline was June 29, but athletes who missed it still have a route in. The Last Chance Qualifier is exactly what it sounds like. 

DIRECT ENTRIES REMAIN OPEN UNTIL ONE HOUR BEFORE EACH EVENT. 

Enter through NextGen Rodeo at app.nextgenrodeo.com, or in person at the Lazy E entry office (noon–6 p.m., July 7). Teams run the Last Chance Qualifier rounds July 8–9, to earn their way into the semifinals. 

WCJR Team Roping FAQ 

Can teams still enter 2026 WCJR team roping? 

Yes. Even after the June 29, pre-entry deadline, direct entries through the Last Chance Qualifier remain open until one hour before each event, via app.nextgenrodeo.com or the Lazy E entry office. 

When is WCJR team roping? 

Last Chance Qualifier rounds run Wednesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 9 (Youth 10:30 a.m., Junior 11:30 a.m.). Semifinals are Friday, July 10, (Youth 2 p.m., Junior 3 p.m.). Finals are Saturday, July 11, at noon. 

Where is the WCJR held? 

The Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. It’s one of the largest indoor rodeo venues in the world, with climate control and consistent ground. 

What are the divisions? 

Youth (15 and under) and Junior (19 and under). Youth athletes may also enter up into the Junior Division. 

How much money is on the line? 

More than $145,000 in guaranteed added money for 2026, with the total payout expected to clear $400,000 across all events, plus world titles, saddles and prizes. 

How do teams qualify for the WCJR? 

Three ways: the VRQ leaderboard, a Qualifier Series event, or the on-site Last Chance Qualifier at the Lazy E.