Platinum-selling country artist Cody Johnson is bringing back one of Texas’ most exciting Western events. The COJO Championship Event returns October 7–12, 2025, to the Cadence Bank Center Arena in Belton, Texas, offering fans and families a unique blend of top-tier rodeo competition, country music, and heartfelt community involvement.
Belton holds special meaning for Cody and his wife Brandi, as it’s where their love story began. This year’s event will feature exciting new additions and expanded opportunities for participation, making it more inclusive and dynamic than ever before. Details and updates can be found at cojoteamroping.com.
“Just a Cowboy at Heart”
“Team roping has always been a huge part of my life, it’s my refuge from the stage and the spotlight,” Cody shared. “When I’m on horseback with a rope in hand, I’m not the guy on tour or in the studio, I’m just a cowboy, and that’s who I’ve always been at heart.”
New Events and Recognitions
In a video shared on social media, Cody introduced several exciting updates for 2025. This year’s schedule includes a dedicated All Ladies Day, featuring Breakaway Roping and Ladies Team Roping, followed by a full day focused on Youth Junior Team Roping.
Cody also announced that both the Breakaway Roping and the COJO Open have been officially recognized as American Contender Series Events. These additions reflect his dedication to honoring the sport’s traditions while investing in its future.
Champs for Charity Returns
On Friday, October 10, the Champs for Charity Cowboy Auction & Dinner will return, benefiting the Texas FFA. This year’s dinner will offer a more relaxed setting, encouraging attendees to wear their favorite western attire. Cody is also slated to give a special acoustic performance during the evening.
A Tribute to George Strait’s Legacy
The COJO Championship Event is presented by Cody Johnson and produced by Ullman Peterson Events, aiming to reflect the core values of the Western lifestyle: grit, generosity, and community. Inspired by George Strait’s Team Roping Classic, which ended in 2017, Cody created this event to carry forward a beloved tradition.
“George Strait is a hero of mine, and all I’ve heard since I started team roping is, ‘We miss The Strait.’ I wanted to respectfully pick up the torch,” Cody said.
Impressive Prizes and Impact
Last year’s event awarded $845,000 in payouts and an additional $500,000 in physical prizes. These included Ford trucks, Bloomer Trailers, custom guitars, Cactus saddles, Gist buckles, and much more.
The 2024 Champs for Charity dinner also raised significant funds:
- $100,000 for the Texas FFA, supporting youth education and leadership
- $700,000 for the Different Day Foundation, which Cody and Brandi founded to assist survivors of sex trafficking with housing, trauma care, and employment opportunities
A Look at the 2025 Schedule
Tuesday, October 7
- Breakaway Roping with Youth Incentive
- All Girl Team Roping
Wednesday, October 8
- #10.5 Junior Roping
- Open Junior Roping
Thursday, October 9
- Long Round for the COJO with #16.5 Inc.
Friday, October 10
- 12.5 Limited with #11.5 Limited
- Champs for Charity Cowboy Auction & Dinner
Saturday, October 11
- PRO AM Celebrity Roping
- Breakaway Short Round
- The COJO Short Round
Sunday, October 12
- Free Breakfast and Church Service
- 10.5 Businessman’s Roping
A Growing Legacy
Cody Johnson continues to grow his impact both on and off the stage. With a string of celebrated albums including Leather, Human: The Double Album, and the award-winning documentary “Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story”, he has cemented his place as one of the leading voices in modern country music.
Recent accolades include:
- ACM Song of the Year for “Dirt Cheap”
- NSAI 2024 Song of the Year for “The Painter”
- CMT Artist of the Year
- CMA Album of the Year for Leather
His television appearances span the Today Show, Kelly Clarkson Show, Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and major country music award broadcasts.
About the Texas FFA
With over 182,000 members, the Texas FFA is the largest state FFA association in the nation. It helps students apply classroom knowledge through real-world agricultural experiences, competitions, and leadership opportunities. Learn more at mytexasffa.org.
About The American Rodeo
Produced by Teton Ridge, The American Rodeo is a year-long series culminating in a championship weekend at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, and broadcast live on FOX. It brings together grassroots talent and top professionals in one of the richest rodeo events in the sport.
