It might not be where most PRCA World Champion rodeo cowboys celebrate their gold buckles in Las Vegas, but for Andrew Ward and his family, Buffalo Wild Wings was the perfect way to end the night after he and partner Jake Long won their first world titles.
“We just sat there and kept saying, ‘Can you believe that just happened?'” Ward said during a 2026 Wrangler National Finals promotional event in May 2026 at the Rio Suites Casino in Las Vegas. “It was really special because the people around me had seen all the blood, sweat and tears that went into it. I’m 35 years old, and I’ve been doing this since I was a kid. Maybe I was a late bloomer, but to finally win a world title is an incredible gift. Not everybody gets to do that, so I feel very fortunate. I think it means a lot to the people who have been with you through the journey because they know how much work it took.”
The 10 nights for Ward—the header—and Long were filled with ups and downs, and it came down to the final run for the duo to clinch both the average title and the world championship. It was so close that they didn’t even know they had won until summoned for a television interview with Cowboy Channel personality Katie Lucas.
“The 10th round, when it was finally over, is what I remember,” Ward said. “Not just because we had won the world title, but because we could finally take a breath. We were grateful the week was over, especially after finishing strong. It’s a lot of fun while you’re in it, but it’s also nice to look back and realize what you accomplished.”
The partnership is strong, with both cowboys waiting many years to earn their first world titles. For Long, it came in his 15th NFR appearance. Ward had qualified for the NFR only five times before 2025, but he had been chasing the title for most of his life.
“It’s a dream come true to finally win that buckle,” Ward said. “Winning a world title is something everyone dreams about when they start rodeoing. It’s something I’ve wanted since I was a little kid. Nobody can ever take that gold buckle away from you. It’s an incredible accomplishment.”
The world title has also brought perks and opportunities that Ward never imagined.
“One of the coolest experiences was getting to visit the White House and meet President Trump,” Ward said. “That’s not something you ever dream about because you never think it will happen. It was a real privilege. It’s another opportunity that came from winning the gold buckle that I never imagined I’d have.”
As of mid-July 2026, Ward and Long were on the outside looking in for another trip to the NFR. Each had earned $48,338.20, with Ward ranked 30th and Long 27th in the world standings. But with a long summer schedule still ahead, both remain confident they can make a run and get inside the top 15 cowboys that qualify.
“We’ve had a solid start through the winter rodeos, and we’ve won some money—not as much as we’d like—but there’s a lot of rodeo left, and we’re excited about what’s ahead,” Ward said. “You always want to get back to the NFR. It’s an incredible atmosphere, a chance to compete for big money, and one of the most exciting events in rodeo.”
Ward has complete confidence in the team and in his partner. There is nobody he would rather saddle up with.
“Jake is a leader. He’s great to be around, and we have a lot of fun together,” Ward said. “He’s an incredible heeler, so anytime you go into that building with him, you feel like you’ve got a chance to win a world championship.”
