Women’s Rodeo Takes Centre Stage as Calgary Stampede Earns WPRA’s Mega Rodeo of the Year Award

The Calgary Stampede has been named the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s (WPRA) 2025 Mega Rodeo of the Year, a top-level distinction awarded to rodeos that set new standards for competition, athlete experience and support for women in professional rodeo. The WPRA presented the award on Dec. 4, 2025, during the WPRA Star Celebration at the 2025 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas.

Chosen from hundreds of WPRA-sanctioned events, the recognition highlights the Stampede’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class rodeo action and advancing opportunities for female competitors.

That leadership was demonstrated in 2025 with the introduction of Ladies Breakaway Roping as a new daily event, the first addition to the Stampede Rodeo lineup since 1979, marking a major investment in the growth of women’s rodeo on one of its most visible stages.

“Our partnership with the WPRA runs deep, so being recognized with this award means a great deal to our entire team,” said Navada Phipps, Western Events Specialist at the Calgary Stampede. “Our volunteers and employees work side by side to shape an experience that resonates with our guests from the moment they enter GMC Stadium. The addition of Ladies Breakaway Roping strengthened that experience by bringing fast, high-level competition to the forefront and giving female ropers the recognition they deserve on a world stage.”

Ladies Breakaway Roping presented by Imperial joined the program with prize money equal to that of the six other major Stampede Rodeo events and full WPRA sanctioning. Over ten days, competitors roped for $310,250, with earnings counting toward WPRA world standings on the road to NFR.  

“The Calgary Stampede and the WPRA have been long standing partners and in 2025 the Calgary Stampede took it to a new level by adding women’s breakaway roping to their performances at equal money,” stated Heidi Schmidt, WPRA President. “It was a true honour to present them with the 2025 WPRA Mega Rodeo of the Year award and thank them for the continued commitment to women in ProRodeo.”

The inaugural year delivered standout moments, including Shelby Boisjoli-Meged of Langdon, Alta., becoming the first-ever Calgary Stampede Ladies Breakaway Roping Champion and Jackie Crawford of Texas setting a new GMC Stadium arena record with a 2.1-second run.

“Competing in the first year of Ladies Breakaway Roping at the Calgary Stampede was an experience I’ll never forget,” says Boisjoli-Meged, 2025 Calgary Stampede Ladies Breakaway Roping Champion. “Winning the title on home dirt, in front of family and a full GMC Stadium, showed the strength of this event and the support behind women’s rodeo. The Stampede’s commitment to this event at the highest level gives the next generation something powerful to aim for.”

Don’t miss your chance to experience all the high-energy action of the Stampede Rodeo, featuring the world’s top rodeo athletes competing in seven thrilling events. Tickets purchased in advance include admission to Stampede Park on the valid event day. Be part of the excitement and secure your tickets now for the Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show, happening July 3-12, 2026: calgarystampede.com/tickets

About the Calgary Stampede 

The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities. calgarystampede.com 

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