photos by Hailey Kennedy photography
The historic Madonna Inn arena in San Luis Obispo came alive this November as it hosted the 9th Annual Average Joe Finals, an event that continued to bridge the gap between local talent and professional aspirations. From November 15-17, the venue transformed into a replica of the NFR setup in Las Vegas, offering California ropers a unique opportunity to test their mettle in professional-grade conditions.
This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular, with over 300 competitors vying for a remarkable $60,000 prize purse across three intense days of competition. The smaller arena dimensions, matching those used by the top 15 in the world during their Las Vegas showdown, created an electric atmosphere that kept spectators glued to their seats throughout the entire event.
The success of this year’s Average Joe Finals was made possible by an incredible network of sponsors and dedicated volunteers. Pete Ganibi of Bull Kelp Bedrolls brought a special touch to the competition by highlighting the unsung heroes of the sport – the horses. The Top Horse awards in both the Open Breakaway and Open Team roping categories celebrated these magnificent athletes whose heart and dedication made their riders’ success possible. Congratulations went to Fallon Ruffoni, Cutter Machado, and Cord Forzano, whose equine partners earned these prestigious recognitions.

The Open Breakaway, presented by Premier Ag, showcased exceptional talent with Haliegh Grant dominating the competition. Grant not only secured the top spot but also claimed a round win and fifth place in the average, demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the event. The Open Roping, sponsored by Grocery Outlet and the wonderful Lindberg Family, saw hometown favorites Cutter Machado and Dalton Pearce claim victory on their home turf, much to the delight of local supporters.
In the #10 roping category, which drew an impressive field of over 180 teams, Daniel Miranda and Colton White emerged victorious. For White, this marked a successful title defense, having won the same category in the previous year.
The production of such a prestigious event required an army of dedicated professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes. Jake Twisselman served as the event’s flagger, while Colleen Enk proved invaluable as secretary extraordinaire. Shilo Russell managed the office with precision, and the cattle crew worked tirelessly throughout the weekend. This outstanding team included Rowdy Russell, Maggie Usher, Blayne Twisselman, Aaron Macias, Adrian Macias, Fernando Macias, Chase Swinth, and Chase Grantham.

Mark Leslie and Raul Zambrano maintained fairness as line judges, while Hailey Kennedy captured the event’s memorable moments as photographer. Amanda Higgins coordinated the VIP experience, and James Grantham handled the crucial task of cattle hauling. Jake Pettyjohn took on the roles of host and BBQ master, while David Starks provided what many considered the best set of steers the event had ever seen. Mimi and Rickie Reynolds ran the swag booth with enthusiasm and style.
A special thank you was extended to all the sponsors who made the event possible. Premier Ag’s support of the Open Breakaway competition helped create an action-packed showcase of talent. The Grocery Outlet and Lindberg Family’s sponsorship of the Open Roping demonstrated their commitment to the sport’s growth and success. Bull Kelp Bedrolls’ recognition of the equine athletes added a touching dimension to the celebrations.
As another successful Average Joe Finals concludes, event organizers Danny and Elly Leslie expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who traveled from near and far to support the event. Their appreciation for the respectful and grateful attitude of the competitors reflected the true spirit of the roping community.

Looking ahead to 2025, the excitement was already building for the 10th anniversary of the Average Joe Finals. This milestone event promised to be an unforgettable celebration of the sport’s spirit and community. Those interested in staying connected with Average Joe Productions’ upcoming jackpots throughout 2025 were encouraged to follow their Instagram account or visit their website for the latest updates.
In a sport where success was measured not just by times and scores but by the strength of its community, the 9th Annual Average Joe Finals stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of roping. It was where dreams were chased, friendships were forged, and the legacy of western sports continued to thrive, thanks to the dedication and passion of every single person who contributed to its success.
Open Breakaway presented by Premier Ag; 1st Round,1 Haliegh Grant 1.86 $520 Premier Ag Jacket and Hat, 2 – Braydee Bourdet 1.91 $350 Premier Ag Jacket and Hat; Fast Time in Short Round: Fallon Ruffoni – 1.85 $200. Average: 1st – Haliegh Grant 5.88 $2890 Emerson Rose Custom Belt, Rowdy Rose, Trophy Buckle, Charlie 1 Horse Hat, 2nd – Maggie Usher 6.05 $2410 Premier Ag Jacket and Hat, Yeti Cooler, Santa Cruz Supplement, Charlie 1 Horse Hat, 3rd – Fallon Ruffoni 6.23 $1925 Premier Ag Jacket and Hat, 4th – Ella Selby 7.27 $1445 Premier Ag Jacket and Hat, 5th – Haliegh Grant 7.45 $960 Premier Ag Jacket and Hat
Top Horse – Fallon Ruffoni’s Tres
Sponsor Roping-
Round, 1st – Keith Johnson / Ty Jacobs $100/man Cactus Hay Bags 4.18, Average: 1st – Chris Hanneken / Mike Renteria $300 Average Joe Jacket and Rowdy Rose Buckles, 2nd – Ryan Fitzpatrick / Ryan Pascoe $100 Best Ever Kush pads, 3rd – Cody Mora / Colt Mora Yeti Coolers and Santa Cruz Supplement, 4th – Sergio Silva / Trey White Cactus Rope Bags
Open Roping: 1st Round, 1st – Hayes Smith / Justin Davis 4.13 $1000/man Average Joe Jackets, 2nd – Hayes Smith / Jason Johe 4.17 $500/man; 2nd Round: 1st – Lane Karney / Danny Leslie 3.29 $1000/man Average Joe Jackets, 2nd – Chase Helton / Spencer Mitchell 3.60 $500/man; 3rd Round: 1st – Hayes Smith / Spencer Mitchell 3.50 $1000/man Average Joe Jackets, 2nd – Chase Helton / Jake Edwards 3.60 $500/man, Average: 1st – Cutter Machado / Dalton Pearce 15.14 $4000/man Martinez Fine
Arts Spurs, Bull Kelp Bedrolls and Gear Bags, Grocery Outlet Jackets, and Rowdy Rose Headstalls, 2nd – Tristan Ruffoni / Dan Engler 17.23 $3000/man Best Ever Show pads
and Grocery Outlet Jackets, 3rd – Pat Boyle / John Chavez 18.02 $2000/man Yeti Coolers, Santa Cruz, Feed Supplement Grocery Outlet Jackets, 4th – Hayes Smith / Jason Johe 18.63 $1000/man Best Ever Kush Pads, 5th – Tyler Jones / Gavin Cardoza 18.66 $640/man.
Top Head Horse – Cutter Machado’s Willy – Bull Kelp Winter Blanket
Top Heel Horse – Cord Forzano’s Rip – Bull Kelp Winter Blanket
Calcutta Winners: 1st – Ryan Tannehill / Mark Scobie / Jake Pettyjohn $3480 Yeti Cooler and Santa Cruz Feed Supplement, 2nd – Jared Biely $2085, 3rd – Sara Periera and Leslie Sims $1390
#10 Roping: Round 1st – Daniel Miranda / Colton White 5.43 $600 / man, 2nd – Abilene Chavez / Blake VanStavern 5.87 $360 / man, 3rd – Nick Maldanado / Tanner Patino 5.88 $240 / man, Average: 1st – Daniel Miranda / Colton White 24.72 $3150/man Best Ever Saddles, 2nd – Logan Sullivan / Royce Brown 26.03 $2610/man Rowdy Rose Spurs, 3rd – Abilene Chavez / Blake VanStavern 26.18 $2060/man Best Ever Pads, 4th – Sergio Silva / Lane Murray 26.96 $1520/man Yeti coolers and
Santa Cruz Feed Supplement, 5th – Randon Rivera / Colton White 27.45 $975/man Cactus Boots andSanta Cruz Feed Supplement, 6th – Noah Cervantes / Colton White 28.20 $540/man