Rider from across the country will front up to the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in August to clinch a share of the record prizes on offer
Everyone from all parts of the country should make the effort to get to the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo from 8 to 10 August 2025 and see the top rodeo riders in action, and support this iconic event by walking in the famous red dirt.
The call’s gone out across the country that the Mount Isa rodeo is upping the ante by announcing the biggest prize pool in its 66-year history, making the 2025 event a record-breaker.
Organisers have confirmed that every single event, from saddle bronc and bull riding to steer wrestling and barrel racing, will offer more prize money than ever before. That means higher stakes, fiercer competition, and a serious drawcard for the country’s top riders.
With big bucks on offer, it means all the big names will be competing for even bigger rides and runs than usual, making this the outstanding event for 2025.
All open events at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo now have a $15,000 purse, with 2nd Division Events at $2,000 and Junior events $500.00. The Indigenous Rodeo Championships now has a $2000 purse for Senior events and $500 for Junior.
“Bigger prizemoney means the best of the best will ride into town, bringing their A-game, their grit, and their wildest rides. It also means tougher bulls, bolder broncs, and edge-of-your-seat action for fans,” elaborates Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson, Chair of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Community Board.
“This is raising the bar, it’s about attracting elite talent, giving local and visiting fans the greatest show on dirt, and honouring the rodeo’s incredible legacy as we write the next chapter, led by locals, for locals,” Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson confirms.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powellexplains,“The iconic Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is an event that shines the light on Outback Queensland. It brings in visitors, fans and riders from across the country, and increasingly from across the globe, all keen to walk in the famous red dirt, and watch an Australian rodeo unlike any other.”
“This year, visitors can experience a rare side of the Outback, when it comes spectacularly to life following the floods of April. While Mount Isa wasn’t affected by the floods, the surrounding regions were, giving drive tourists the opportunity to witness a once-in-a-lifetime kaleidoscope of colour paving the way to Isa,” Andrew Powell adds.
While the rodeo veterans bring the grit, it’s the next generation that’s lighting up the arena. The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is witnessing a phenomenal surge in junior competitors.
These young guns ride with the heart of a champion and have the hunger to prove themselves on the famous red dirt of Buchanan Park. Add to that the unstoppable rise of women in rodeo, whose strength, speed and skill are rewriting the playbook.
It’s a long way from 1959
The first Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in 1959 offered just over $500 in prize money, and while a mighty sum for its time, it’s but a whisper of what’s on offer now.
The event has since grown to become the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the most prestigious anywhere in the world. The 2025 event confirms its status as a juggernaut of the sport, drawing riders, fans, and media from far and wide.
Highlights for the 2025 rodeo
- Prize money increased across every single event—more incentive, more prestige, more legends made.
- Daily entry prices slashed; new affordable family passes introduced.
- The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships returns for its fourth year, now on Sunday morning before the Open Finals.
- Rodeo legend Luke Geiger is back to rock Friday and Saturday night.
- Lower food and drink prices, because good times shouldn’t break the bank.
- Affordable camping options for the full rodeo experience under Outback stars.able camping options for the full rodeo experience under Outback stars.
Reigning champions will need to be on task
With the richest prize pool in the event’s 66-year history now up for grabs, fans are asking how the reigning champions will be able to hang onto their titles.
All eyes are on All Round Cowboy Terry Evison who dominated last year with a powerful performance in the Open Steer Wrestling (11.80 secs), and All Round Cowgirl Ellysa Kenny who showcased all the hallmarks of a rising star.
And while they will both face fresh challengers, their names are already etched into the red dirt of Isa, and the crowd will be watching closely to see if they can retain their crowns.
Other contestants successful last year will return as crowd favourites such Open Bull Rider, Braydon Wellby who proved why he’s one of the nation’s best, racking up a massive 168 points.
While in the Open Saddle Bronc, spectators saw Clayton Braden claim the buckle last year with 164 points, while Luke Higgins took top honours in the Bareback with 161 points.
Other notables from last year include sisters-in-arms Wendy and Leanne Caban who lit up the Ladies Barrel Race, coming in at 34.909 and 35.414 seconds respectively, a thrilling duel for top spot.
While in the junior and mini ranks, rising rodeo royalty showed that the future is bright for Bronzon Mara-Skellern who conquered the Mini Bulls (11–14 years) with 73 points.
And watch out for Jayden Kenny who blitzed the Junior Breakaway Roping with a 3.40 secs win last year, and Matty Ahern who rode to victory in the Junior Bull Ride with 130 points.
Also memorable from last year in the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, the raw talent was undeniable. Jed Farrington(Katherine) took out the Bull Ride (71 pts), Luke Metcalf (Western) won the Bareback (69 pts).
While Kimba Fien (Injune) claimed the Saddle Bronc (72 pts), and local hope Jack Mullins thrilled the home crowd by taking out the Junior Steer event with 65 points.
Everyone is expecting the prize winner to return in 2025 and try for back-to-back wins, but they know it will be tough, as many new names could rise to claim rodeo glory on the richest red dirt in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s going to be one helluva ride.
Event details and contacts
The 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo will take over Buchanan Park, Mount Isa, from 8 to 10 August 2025, and promises three unforgettable days of grit, glory, and red dirt pride.
Come and see the best outback riders competing in the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships as a main attraction at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo 2025.
Tickets are now on sale on this link. See a full list of attractions here.
