A uniquely North American competition, the rodeo has been held on a more-or-less formal basis since the late 1920s. From 1929 to 1944 the men’s world all-around rodeo champion was named by the Rodeo Association of America. Since 1944 the all-around champion has been the leading money winner of the year—with the exception of the years 1976-78, when the champion was the cowboy who won the most money at the National Finals Rodeo. The Rodeo Association of America changed its name several times but has been known as the Professional
Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) since 1975. Among other rodeo sanctioning activities, the PRCA qualifies cowboys for the National Finals Rodeo, currently held in early December in Las Vegas NV. There competitions are held in each of several events, including bronc riding (bareback and saddle), bull riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling (individual and team). Women compete in one event only, barrel racing.
Men’s World All-Around Rodeo Champions
Awarded since 1929. Table shows champions for the past 20 years.
| YEAR | WINNER | YEAR | WINNER | YEAR | WINNER | YEAR | WINNER |
| 1988 | Dave Appleton | 1990 | Ty Murray | 1992 | Ty Murray | 1994 | Ty Murray |
| 1989 | Ty Murray | 1991 | Ty Murray | 1993 | Ty Murray | 1995 | Joe Beaver |
