Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo, a registered trademark and innovative producer of western lifestyle events, was established in 1979 with a traditional rodeo format.  All of its events were held at indoor sports facilities in major cities and it underwrote and produced its own events in very untraditional markets. Within three years it became the largest privately held rodeo company in the US.  From 1981-1996 all of its events were sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.  In 1996 the “Bulls and Broncs” format was developed. This was purely a business decision to be a better client for large NBA and NHL Arenas. The format was also designed to be more fan friendly to the non-traditional spectator. Sponsors and the audience fell in love with “rodeo” because they become a part of the event. This original Bulls and Broncs format is the most copied format in rodeo today.  It is unique combination of family entertainment and fast-paced professional rodeo action and a winner is crowned each performance… the ultimate fan experience.

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While owned by Steve Gander (founder) CWTR was in 28 states and Canada. Many of the events have been host cities for more than 25 years.  Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo was featured at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City 5 times, in 1993 WTR produced the command performance for Pres. Ronald Reagan and 11,000 guests in Washington, DC and CWTR also produced the original PRCA Pro Tour Finals. It is believed to be the first rodeo to put dirt on ice without having to remove the ice after the event. In the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000's, CWTR trail blazed more innovation in the sport and took the western lifestyle experience to cities where rodeo had never travelled. Now under the direction of General Manager Rorey Lemmel and Dean Entertainment, LLC, CWTR has entered new NCAA arenas and is revisiting the west coast with tour stops in California and Nevada.

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Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo continues to evolve while maintaining our mission of providing the ultimate western lifestyle experience to our fans.  One of the most attractive facets of the rodeo is a free preshow “down on the dirt” before every performance.  Featuring interactive fun for adults and kids of all ages, Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo was the first to add this personal experience to a rodeo event.  Fans are invited into the arena for one hour to meet and greet contestants, specialty entertainers, and even some of the livestock for autographs and photographs.  These are just some of the activities where memories are made at the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo.