The first-ever Red Bull Rancher Strong took place on Saturday, June 7, at the famous Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth. This new fitness event brings together ranch life and elite athletic competition. More than 60 athletes competed, including working cowboys and CrossFit stars. They faced off in a test of grit, strength, and rancher toughness.
Tickets for the event started at $20. Children 10 years and younger could enter free with a paid adult ticket. Fans also enjoyed the outdoor Fan Zone, which featured interactive fitness challenges and activities suitable for all ages.
The course was designed with help from Lance Pekus, known as the “Cowboy Ninja” from American Ninja Warrior. It had eight unique obstacles inspired by real ranch tasks but turned into intense fitness challenges. These included tire tosses, climbing hay bales, and pulling a bull sled. Each round was timed, and every action counted. In the end, one man and one woman were named the first Red Bull Rancher Strong champions.
More than 20 competitors came from Texas, highlighting the state’s reputation for cowboy toughness. The group included viral rodeo content creators, top obstacle racers, and even a former reality TV star. This lineup brought a lot of energy and skill to the competition.
Here is a look at some of the event’s key obstacles:
Escape the Barn: Athletes descended from the barn using hanging monkey bars. They had to swing and drop without losing grip.
Load the Feed: Competitors lifted heavy feed sacks and carried them to a trailer.
Stockyard Scramble: Athletes jumped wire gates, tossed heavy tires, and vaulted fences in a fast-paced challenge.
Tree Stumpede: Competitors balanced across tree stumps, testing agility and focus.
Hay Bale Hustle: Participants climbed a tall wall of hay bales quickly.
Grandpa’s Trailer: Athletes unhooked a trailer, pushed it to a station, and unloaded it.
Rope the Bull: Riders mounted a stationary horse and pulled a weighted bull sled across a finish line.
Barn & Finish – Buzzer Beater: The final step was climbing a ladder back to the barn balcony and hitting a buzzer to stop the clock.
Notable competitors included:
Dr. Todd Bourgeois, the “Cajun Cowboy,” a physical therapist and professor raised on a ranch in Southwest Texas. He has competed on American Ninja Warrior nine times.
Jay Woods, former college football player and reality TV star from Alabama, now a hay and cattle farmer.
Grant McMullen, a popular country lifestyle creator and founder of Dusty Barbell Apparel.
Doug Champion, a former professional bareback rider and strength coach for rodeo athletes.
Nick Kuelbs, Texas-born entrepreneur and ranch-raised competitor, named Forbes 30 Under 30.
Grant McCartney, “Island Ninja,” an 8-time American Ninja Warrior competitor and Guinness World Record holder.
Aydon Holley, Texas content creator with over 11 million TikTok followers.
Thomas van Tonder, a South African Red Bull athlete and champion obstacle racer.
Jalen Noble, a former Love Island USA cast member and fitness influencer.
Ben Kretchman, rancher and viral cowboy TikTok creator.
Bryan Coll, Team USA beach wrestler and rodeo bullfighter.
Maggi Thorne, 8-time American Ninja Warrior competitor and motivational speaker.
Yarizett Breunig, known as “Ninja Yari,” a biochemist and 5-time American Ninja Warrior competitor.
Tee Jackson, physical therapist and American Ninja Warrior athlete.
Stephanie Vincent, dairy ranch owner and former CrossFit competitor.
Shea Fisher-Durfey, Australian country singer and former rodeo champion.
Michelle Warnky Buurma, 11-time American Ninja Warrior competitor and coach.
Jeri D’Aurelio, U.S. Army lawyer and former Ninja Warrior finalist.
Barclay Stockett, “Sparkly Ninja,” 8-time American Ninja Warrior competitor and former gymnast.
Shelby Horton, professional rodeo athlete and rancher.
Tiana Webberley, stuntwoman and 8-time American Ninja Warrior competitor.
Vera Papisova, Russian-American journalist and wellness advocate.
The event was hosted by Noah Ohlsen, an 11-time CrossFit Games medalist, and Amanda Nigg, founder of Farm Fit Training and a well-known rural fitness voice.
Red Bull Rancher Strong brought together the spirit of ranch life and modern fitness competition. It celebrated strength, resilience, and the hard work of those who live the ranching lifestyle.
