With the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo right around the corner, excitement in Las Vegas, Nevada is brewing. Don’t forget that this December also marks the 2018 Bullfighters Only World Championship held in conjunction with the NFR. The BFO Championship will occur December 6th-December 15th at 2 pm every day at the beautiful, Tropicana Las Vegas Resort & Casino. This year’s BFO championship is sure to excite fans with more thrilling performances and more seating to accommodate larger audiences. As Bullfighters Only CEO Aaron Ferguson put it, “this year we’ve upped the ante.” This year’s competition is sure to keep audience members at the edge of their seat as the world’s top bullfighters compete for the coveted title of 2018 BFO World Champion. With two Wrangler World Championships under his belt, BFO superstar Weston Rutkowski is returning to the arena with the hopes of achieving a third world championship. Such success in the arena has earned Rutkowski the title as the first freestyle bullfighter to earn more than $115,000 in one year. As we approach December, all eyes are on Rutkowski. Current Wrangler Tour standings as of September 2018, show Rutkowski in first place with winnings totaling at $21,670. Second place shows Kris Furr with total winnings at $18,361, and in third is Toby Inman at $15,675.
December 6th will mark day one of competition as the current top nine freestyle bullfighters in the standings compete for the Fourth Annual Roughy Cup. Competition will continue throughout the week as these athletes compete for the ultimate title, the 2018 BFO World Champion. A Haskell, Texas native and third generation cowboy, Rutkowski’s success in the freestyle bullfighting arena has taken him all over the United States and is ready to land him back in Las Vegas, Nevada for this year’s Bullfighters Only Championship. Rutkowski shared in an interview with houmatimes.com that when in the arena, “it’s definitely a huge adrenaline rush. It’s the ultimate challenge. It’s man versus beast. Those bulls have a mind of their own, and you just have this natural adrenaline rush. You’re a little scared, you’re breathing heavy and it’s a rush. But the key is being able to control your emotions and go out and do your job.” As the 2013, 2016, and 2017 World Champion, will Weston Rutkowski leave Vegas with this year’s 2018 BFO Champion title?
Taryn Cantrell is an Arizona native who has spent many hours in the rodeo arena. Having grown up barrel racing, serving as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and as a member of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn is passionate about her western heritage and all things rodeo. When she’s not on horseback, Taryn can be found playing her bass guitar, painting, and performing around Phoenix with her band. Taryn is a graduate of Arizona State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. Taryn is proud to combine her love of the arts with her love of rodeo and has been honored to sing The National Anthem at various rodeos across the beautiful state of Arizona. Alongside her love for art and music, preserving her western heritage and promoting the sport of rodeo are just two of Taryn’s many passions. Taryn is so honored to share her love of rodeo with Cowboy Lifestyle Network’s wonderful audience.
