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Zeke Thurston

Zeke Thurston is a Canadian professional rodeo cowboy from Big Valley, Alberta, who specializes in saddle bronc riding.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Zeke Thurston is a Canadian professional rodeo cowboy from Big Valley, Alberta, who specializes in saddle bronc riding. He is a multiple-time PRCA world champion and CPRA champion, and has also won multiple Calgary Stampede saddle bronc titles.

Early life

Zeke Thurston is from Big Valley, Alberta, and grew up in a rodeo family. He is the son of rodeo competitor Skeeter Thurston.

Professional rodeo career

Thurston became one of the leading saddle bronc riders on the PRCA circuit. He has won world championships in 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2023.

Canadian rodeo success

In Canada, Thurston has been a dominant competitor in the CPRA, winning national saddle bronc titles in 2019 and from 2021 through 2025.

Calgary Stampede achievements

Thurston has multiple Calgary Stampede saddle bronc victories and became the first rider to win three straight titles at the event in 2017. He later added additional Stampede championships.

Key facts

  • Zeke Thurston is a Canadian saddle bronc rider from Big Valley, Alberta.
  • He has won four PRCA world championships (2016, 2019, 2022, 2023).
  • He has won six CPRA championship titles (2019, 2021–2025).
  • He has multiple Calgary Stampede saddle bronc titles, including three consecutive wins.
  • He is the son of rodeo competitor Skeeter Thurston.
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Canadian context

Thurston is a Canadian rodeo athlete from Alberta and a prominent figure in Canadian and North American saddle bronc riding. His CPRA titles and Calgary Stampede victories make him especially notable to Canadian readers.[1][5][11]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Zeke Thurston?
He is a Canadian professional rodeo cowboy known for saddle bronc riding and multiple world championships.
Where is Zeke Thurston from?
He is from Big Valley, Alberta, Canada.
What event does Zeke Thurston compete in?
He specializes in saddle bronc riding.
How many PRCA world titles has he won?
He has won four PRCA world championships: 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2023.
How many CPRA titles has he won?
He has won six CPRA championship saddle bronc titles, including 2019 and 2021–2025.
Has he won at the Calgary Stampede?
Yes. He has won multiple Calgary Stampede saddle bronc titles and made history with consecutive victories.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeke_Thurston
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, hometown, profession, specialty, PRCA world championships, and CPRA titles.
  2. Calgary Stampede Sam Centre — https://samcentre.calgarystampede.com/whats-on/experiences/stampede-sensations/zeke-thurston
    Supports: Hometown, birth date, event specialty, family background, and Calgary Stampede career achievements.
  3. CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/calgarystampede/zeke-thurston-stampede-history-bronc-title-1.4208058
    Supports: First rider to win three straight Calgary Stampede saddle bronc titles.
  4. The Cowboy Channel — https://www.thecowboychannel.com/saddle-bronc-rider-zeke-thurston-becomes-a-four-time-calgary-stampede-champion
    Supports: Fourth Calgary Stampede championship.
  5. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/bronc-rider-zeke-thurston-makes-stampede-history-wins-third-championship-in-a-row/article35705326/
    Supports: Background, family rodeo history, and Stampede three-peat.