Round 5 of the 2026 Wrangler BFI | The Feist delivered exactly what fans expect from the richest and most prestigious team roping in the world—blazing runs, elite competition, and championship pressure at the legendary Lazy E Arena.
With only one round remaining before the Short Go, every team knew the stakes. Some were battling to solidify their place in the average, while others were making one final push to keep their championship hopes alive. The intensity was at an all-time high as ropers left nothing on the table.
When the dust settled, Clay Smith and Coleby Payne topped the round with a lightning-fast 5.10-second run, claiming the Round 5 victory and the $8,000 first-place check. Right behind them were Pedro Egurrola and Little Michael Calmelat with a 5.15, followed by Cody Snow and Hunter Koch with a 5.35.
The speed of Round 5 proved that no lead was safe and no position in the standings was guaranteed. Every tenth of a second mattered as teams fought to secure a spot among the elite competitors advancing to the Short Go.
As the fifth round came to a close, the picture for championship Sunday began to take shape. The contenders had emerged, the pressure was mounting, and one final steer stood between the field and a shot at BFI immortality.
The road to the buckle was nearly complete, and the stage was set for an unforgettable Short Go.
