Don’t miss the 45th Annual Duvall Steer Wrestling Jackpot this weekend where you are guaranteed to see some intense bulldogging and hazing from our local cowboys to afar competitors dig their boots in deep to earn a little cash and make a name for themselves. Of course, if your last name is Duvall, you’ve already made a name for yourself, you are in the middle of making a name for yourself or you have some big boots to fill in the future.
The Duvalls are part of the reason Checotah has been dubbed the “Steer Wrestling Capital of the World ‘’ because this town has been the training ground for six World Champions and a lot of famous cowboys and cowgirls.
What started with two brothers, Bill Duvall, who loved to haze, and Roy Duvall, who loved steer wrestling, led to a Duvall Dynasty that is still going on today.
The Duvall Steer Wrestling Jackpot that was passed down to Bill’s two sons, Sam and Spud Duvall, still draws in the toughest cowboys around as they compete to be the best. Fourtime NFR bulldogger Riley Duvall, who is the grandson of Bill and the son of Sam, is part of this family tradition, as is Mason Carter, Roy’s grandson. Also included in this dynasty are cousins, Tom and Nathan Duvall along with several generations.
Riley, who has earned almost one million in career earnings, will also be competing in the Jackpot this year but is excited to see the next generation coming up.
“We have a lot of younger cowboys coming that are second generation cowboys,” Riley said. “Nathan Duvall is the son of Tom, National; Sam Schauffner, the grandson of World Champ Steve Duhon; Denver Berry, son of 4x World Champ Ote Berry; Cade Branquinho, son of 5x World Champ Luke Branquinho; and Tayden Gorsuch, son of 2x World Champ Dean Gorsuch. The younger generation will be a lot of fun to watch!”
The Duvall Steer Wrestling Jackpot starts on Friday, May 17 at noon and goes until 5 p.m. with the Champions of Champions. Then Saturday, May 18, it’s the 40 & Over, 19 & Under and 16 & Under. All entries close after the first round. There will also be a Battle Royal Tournament with a limited 10 – $1,000 entries and the winner takes all.
On Sunday, May 19 will be the Open Shootout with a minimum $2,000 added and a buckle to the AVG winner and fast time. Cowboy Church with Mike Bush will be at 10 a.m. prior to the Shootout which runs from noon until 5 p.m.
Steer wrestling fans from far and wide will fill the Checotah Round-Up Club arena to see some of the best steer wrestlers in the world compete and everyone can be expected to enjoy the wonderful family atmosphere that the Duval Dynasty always brings to their fans and friends with some friendly competition. Admission is $3 each day.
