OKLAHOMA CITY – The thrilling conclusion to the 55th annual International Finals Rodeo (IFR) draws near, with the third performance concluding and storylines brewing. IFR55 will serve as the finale to the 2024 International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) World Championships, held at the Fabulous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., and conclude on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
Blayn Hughston (McBain, Mich.) is aiming for a shutout performance at IFR55 with his third consecutive go-round win. He earned his third go-round buckle atop of “Ely Cattlemen’s Faded”, moving him up to fifth place in the IPRA world standings.
Home-state cowboy Cody Doesher (Webber Falls, Okla.) claimed victory once again at the Lazy E Arena with a smooth 4.40-second run. Doesher, who is no stranger to big wins at the Lazy E Arena, now finds himself in close contention for the IPRA World Champion Steer Wrestling title.
A duo of Empire State cowboys found themselves right at home in the heart of the Sooner State’s Fabulous Lazy E Arena. Jacob Rounds (Broadalbin, N.Y.) and Drew Carnes (Hornell, N.Y.) secured a win during the third round of competition with a smooth 5.2-second run in team roping.
Joe Farren (Cottondale, Fla.) teamed up with “Bay Wolf” to earn a score of 79.75 points, securing himself a coveted IFR55 go-round buckle.
Sooner State cowboy Tylen Layton (Copan, Okla.) concluded his third tie-down roping run of IFR55 in winning style with a quick 8.80-second run, earning over $3,700 in prize money.
Ryley Layton (Copan, Okla.) clocked an impressive 2.2-second run, earning the round three title and tying for the fastest time of the week so far. The husband and wife duo, Tylen and Ryley, both found themselves in the winner’s circle, making it a picture-perfect night for the couple.
All eyes were on Texas cowgirl Emily Williams, who ran the fastest cloverleaf pattern of the week thus far. The Lone Star State cowgirl stopped the clock with an impressive 16.073-second run.
IPRA rookie Ueberson Duarte (Spencer, Wisc.) found success during the third round with an impressive 8-second ride, worth 85.25 points.
It all comes down to tomorrow, when the 2024 IPRA World Champions will be crowned after IFR55’s final performance, happening Sunday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. CT. During this exciting 55th annual edition of the IFR, the top 15 of the association’s best will square off in one final performance of rodeo action. Accomplished Western sports athletes will compete for one of the most coveted titles in Western sports—the IPRA World Championship—and a share of the impressive $500,000 total payout.
With all the IPRA title races in close contention and 10 IPRA world titles on the line, the IFR promises a thrilling showcase of Western sports. Individual tickets start at $20, and all-session packages start at $68. Fans can purchase tickets now for individual performances or all-session packages.
The event schedule is as follows:
Jan. 19: Performance at 2 p.m. CT; doors open at noon for OG&E Kids Day.
The IFR will feature top athletes competing in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (heading and heeling), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.
For more information about the IPRA and IFR55, please visit ipra-rodeo.com/ifr.
