Fort St. John’s Gardner named bull riding finalist at Calgary Stampede

CALGARY, ALTA — The ‘greatest outdoor show on earth’ will feature a competitor from northeast B.C. during its rodeo next month.

A post from the Calgary Stampede named Fort St. John’s Jake Gardner a finalist in the exhibition’s biggest showcase on Wednesday, June 11th in a press release.

Gardner is currently ranked second overall in the Professional Bull Riders Canada (PBR Canada) circuit this season.

The 29-year-old took to social media to speak about his being named, saying the opportunity made him “very excited and very grateful.”

“Headed back to the greatest outdoor show on earth,” said Gardner. “I will be riding there on [July] 7th, 8th and 9th.”

Gardner has been consistent throughout the 2025 calendar year, with six top-three finishes this season including a trio of victories in Alberta and Manitoba.

Most recently, he finished fourth in Melfort, Saskatchewan in early June. Overall, Gardner has earned $34,858.48 through 15 events this season.

A full list of the 210 finalists for the Calgary Stampede’s rodeo events, including calf roping, bull riding, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, saddle bronc barrel racing and more can be found here. 

The 2025 Calgary Stampede is set for July 4th to July 13th in Calgary, Alta.