HOUSTON — Houstonians showed up and showed out in record-breaking numbers at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
RodeoHouston welcomed 2.7 million guests over the 23-day event, setting an all-time attendance record. This year’s rodeo included nine first-time entertainers, 10 auction records, the induction of Luke Bryan into the Star Trail of Fame, and Leon Coffee into the RodeoHouston Hall of Fame.
“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues to represent the very best of our Texas traditions, bringing together our diverse community through exceptional entertainment, thrilling competitions, and educational experiences.” said Chris Boleman, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president and CEO. “The incredible year 2025 has been a testament to what we can achieve together. None of this would be possible without the unwavering dedication and help from 35,000 volunteers across 109 committees, alongside our incredible donors and sponsors who share our vision of celebrating Western heritage while investing in the future of Texas youth and education. We are profoundly thankful for our community whose enthusiasm and support make this iconic celebration possible year after year.”
The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, ran from February 27 – March 1, followed by the rodeo from March 4 – March 23, 2025.
Luke Bryan was inducted into the Star Trail of Fame, making him the 11th entertainer to be honored with a gold plaque. He now shares the wall with some of RodeoHouston’s most popular performers, including Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Charley Pride, Elvis Presley, Gene Autry, George Strait, Reba, Roy Rogers and Selena.
Horse show competitions drew 5,387 entries, the highest of entries since 2003.
The livestock show saw 33,142 entries: the junior show saw 22,161 and the open show was 10,981.
Junior auction sales totaled $29,652,317, a rodeo record.
Ten auction grand champion and reserve grand champion lots also set rodeo records:
o Junior Market Barrow
Grand Champion: $501,000 (rodeo record) Reserve Grand Champion: $360,000 (rodeo record)
o Junior Market Pen of Broilers Grand Champion: $301,000 (rodeo record) Reserve Grand Champion: $225,000 (rodeo record)
o Junior Market Goat Grand Champion: $400,000 (rodeo record) Reserve Grand Champion: $200,000 (tied the 2024 rodeo record)
o Junior Market Lamb Grand Champion: $450,000 Reserve Grand Champion: $300,000 (rodeo record)
o Junior Market Steer Grand Champion: $675,000 Reserve Grand Champion: $690,000 (rodeo record)
o Junior Market Turkey Grand Champion: $315,000 (rodeo record) Reserve Grand Champion: $220,000 (rodeo record)
o School Art Grand Champion: $276,000 (rodeo record) Reserve Grand Champion: $200,000
o Wine Grand Champion: $200,000 Reserve Grand Champion: $225,000 (tied 2024 rodeo record)
The rodeo committed $28,058,754 to the youth of Texas in 2025:
- $14,718,000 in scholarships to be awarded this summer;
- $9,764,100 to junior show exhibitors;
- $3,095,554 in educational program grants; and
- $481,100 in graduate assistantships
So long, RodeoHouston! We look forward to next year’s food, fun and fellowship.
