Gold Rush Challenge 2025: The Ultimate Western Showdown

Elko, Nevada – What happens when top bull riders meet the rankest bulls? You’re about to find out. The 6th Annual Gold Rush Challenge promises an unpredictable spectacle of skill and raw power, starting with a pre-party on September 5th and escalating into the main bull riding event on September 6th. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, holding your breath for every second of the action. This extreme collaboration between ABBI, WSBBA, and Benavides Bucking Bull LLC at the Elko County Fairgrounds is full of surprises you won’t see coming. All ages are welcome to come and see what unfolds. It’s time to take Elko by its horns; purchase your tickets today!

Gold Rush Challenge
September 5th & 6th, 2025
Elko County Fairgrounds
13 Fairgrounds Rd, Elko, NV 89801

Non-Stop Action. Unforgettable Celebration.

Experience the authentic heart of the Gold Rush Challenge, a genuine and thrilling celebration of the sport’s greatest traditions. The atmosphere will be electric as the toughest cowboys in the West face off against powerful 1,600-pound animal athletes for the chance to win one of two coveted champion buckles. The power of these bull riders is a captivating sight to behold, a fusion of tireless work and unwavering dedication. With a passion that they refuse to give up, their steely determination shines through, a remarkable and pure embodiment of true grit. The action is non-stop with open bull riding, mini bulls, and mutton busting, all brought to life by the voice of Navajo Nation announcer Cordell Granger and the antics of award-winning rodeo clown Kyle Bode. You’ll also witness the daring Zac Greymountain, a bull fighter from Navajo Nation who is even hosting a high-stakes game of bull poker with prize money up for grabs! With a mechanical bull, bounce house, plenty of food and beverages available at concessions, free parking, and on-site ATMs, it’s been made it easy for your family and friends to enjoy the entire day. The fun continues after the final bull bucks with a live music performance from January Baker, making this a complete day-to-night celebration for all ages.

Where Legends Are Made

Every great bull riding career has a starting point, and for many of the sport’s legends, that path began with the American Bucking Bull Inc. (ABBI) and the Western States Bucking Bull Association (WSBBA). The American Bucking Bull Inc. (ABBI) is the primary registry and event promoter for bucking bulls. The Western States Bucking Bull Association (WSBBA) is one of several organizations that partners with ABBI to co-sanction events, allowing competitors to earn points and qualify for ABBI’s World Finals. In this structure, WSBBA events are a part of the larger ABBI competition system.The Gold Rush Challenge is a proud affiliate, providing the perfect proving ground for aspiring young athletes in Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming. This is your chance to follow in the footsteps of elite riders like Stetson Wright, Kyler Oliver, and Tristen Hutchings, showcasing your talent in bull riding, mini bulls, and mutton busting for a shot at prize money, authentic buckles, and a spotlight that could change everything. This isn’t just a competition; it’s the launchpad for your dreams. It’s your opportunity to prove you have what it takes to rise to the top.

“Thank you to everybody who has supported us and helped in any way with planning or running the event. From the ticket booth to the bucking chutes and everywhere in between. To the community, contractors, bull riders, to most importantly, the sponsors and all of our friends and family. Without all of you, this event wouldn’t be what it is today. With the continued support, this event will grow and become bigger and better each year. We hope you come out and join us to watch the best bull riders in the West take on the ultimate rankest bulls.”

– Efren Benavides, Founder of Gold Rush Challenge & Benavides Bucking Bull LLC

The Challenge is Calling Your Name

Are you ready to test your grit and prove you have what it takes? The Gold Rush Challenge is calling your name. This open bull riding event is the ultimate proving ground for riders 16 years or older, where you’ll face off against top talent for a shot at victory. Compete for more than a win; ride for the pride of earning added prize money and a custom champion buckle that symbolizes your determination. The challenge is here – go to elkogoldrushchallenge.com to sign up and show us what you’re made of.

Schedule

• Friday, September 5, 2025
  • Pre-party, Sponsor Recognition, and Bucking Bull Calcutta – 6:00 PM, Cooks Steakhouse. After Dinner is the Calcutta.
  • All public is welcome! This is your chance to own a bull for the weekend. If the bull wins you will win prize money!
• Saturday, September 6, 2025
  • 9:30 AM: Junior’s, Women’s, and Open 2 Year Old Futurity Event – FREE EVENT OPEN TO PUBLIC
  • 4:30 PM: Elko County Fairgrounds Gates Open
  • 5:00 PM: Pre-Show Mutton Busting
  • 5:30 PM: Pre-Show Mini Bulls
  • 6:00 PM: Main Event Bullriding
  • FOLLOWING EVENT: 2025 Gold Rush Dance featuring January Baker located at the Cowboy Bar (Elko County Fairgrounds)

Don’t miss a single moment of the Saturday events, all taking place at the iconic Elko County Fairgrounds at 13 Fairgrounds Road, Elko, Nevada 89801, the epicenter of the action.

Your Home Base: Home 2 Suites by Hilton Elko

After a day of heart-pounding action at the Gold Rush Challenge, you deserve a place to unwind without the hassle. Home 2 Suites by Hilton is located at 2572 E Jennings Way. This modern all-suite hotel is your home base for the Gold Rush Challenge, offering incredible value just minutes from the Fairgrounds. Your stay includes complimentary parking, a delicious breakfast, and fast WiFi, plus access to our 24/7 pantry and a patio with BBQ facilities. Bring your whole family, including pets (for a small fee), and create lasting memories. Be sure to request the special rate for the Gold Rush Challenge when you call us at 775-234-5354 to reserve your room.

Thank You Sponsors

A special thank you to all of the sponsors for making this event possible. The sponsors include, Layne, MADER, HEAVY METAL, ChemTreat, KINROSS, CHAD STEELE REALTOR, SWIRE COCA-COLA, SWICK, ELKO WIRE ROPE, ELKO VETERNARY CLINIC, DIRECT FORCE MAINTENANCE, Steele Productions, CAPITAL, HOME SUITES BY HILTON ELKO, NEWE CANNABIS, GETMAN, JO, Roberto’s MEXICAN FOOD, WSBBA, ABBI, Elko East Mini Storage, Koppe Co MARKETING SOLUTIONS, BRAHMA GROUP INC., COWBOY LIFESTYLE NETWORK, THE CUSTOM APPAREL FACTORY LLC, EMPIRE CAT, ECPLOREELKO.COM, and BOSS TANKS.