The American Rodeo Championship Weekend is a highly anticipated event in the world of western sports, where athletes compete for a chance to win a $1 million bonus. The road to the finals includes a series of qualifying events, with one of them taking place this Saturday at the Kaonoulo Ranch. This event serves as a crucial step towards the regional finals in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the best of the best will compete for the ultimate prize.
The American Rodeo features competitors in all eight rodeo disciplines, including bareback riding, breakaway roping, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, and tie-down roping. With a total payout of $4.6 million last year, this event attracts top talent from across the country, all vying for a chance to showcase their skills on the biggest stage in western sports.
Among the competitors at the upcoming qualifying event are brother and sister duo, Elizabeth and Daniel Miranda. Elizabeth, a 17-year-old junior in high school from Makawao, is a lifelong rider and rodeo competitor. She competes in barrels, breakaway, and team roping, and has a passion for the adrenaline rush that riding gives her. Daniel, a 20-year-old junior in college at Cal Poly, specializes in calf roping and tie-down roping, and thrives in high-pressure situations like ‚The American‘ against the best in the world.
For the Miranda siblings, rodeo is a family tradition and a passion that runs deep. From learning how to rope a practice dummy to competing on a national stage, riding has always been a part of their lives. Daniel’s horse, „Princess,“ has been his trusted companion in competitions for over six years, and together they have achieved great success in the rodeo arena.
The upcoming qualifying event at the Kaonoulo Ranch is not just a chance for the Mirandas to showcase their skills, but also an opportunity for all local Maui paniolos to make their mark on the road to The American Rodeo 2025. With the finals set to take place at Globe Life Stadium in the spring of 2025, the competition is heating up, and the excitement is palpable.
So, if you’re a fan of rodeo or simply looking for a thrilling event to attend this weekend, head over to the Kaonoulo Ranch to witness the action firsthand. Cheer on the Mirandas and the rest of the premier paniolos in Maui as they take the next step towards the highly anticipated event of The American Rodeo 2025. It’s sure to be a weekend filled with excitement, adrenaline, and top-notch rodeo competition.