Jess Pope

2022 World Champion Bareback Rider

Jess Pope wearing western attire and chaps riding a bucking horse bareback at a rodeo. Jess Pope wearing western attire and chaps riding a bucking horse bareback at a rodeo.

About Jess Pope

2022 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) World Champion Bareback Rider Jess Pope knows what it takes to come out on top. Daily, he wakes up determined to be better than he was the day before and of course, drinks a cup of Folgers coffee.

Jess Pope posing with arms open behind his boots, coffee, and other things on a desk. Jess Pope posing with arms open behind his boots, coffee, and other things on a desk.

Growing up on a farm in Waverly, Kansas, Jess was exposed to horses and rodeo at a young age. His brothers, Ty and Judd, are following in Jess’ footsteps by competing in rodeo as well.

Jess Pope stretches before rodeo wearing western clothes and cowboy boots. Jess Pope stretches before rodeo wearing western clothes and cowboy boots.

Jess has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) three consecutive times starting in 2020, winning the coveted NFR Average title each time. In 2022, Jess doubled down on that to win his first World Champion Bareback Riding title at a mere 24 years old. While he’s only beginning his professional career, he has had many great successes already. His career highlights include winning the 2018 PRCA Permit Challenge in Las Vegas, Nevada and the 2022 RodeoHouston®.

Jess Pope posing and standing behind his world champion saddle and holding his gold buckle Jess Pope posing and standing behind his world champion saddle and holding his gold buckle

While Jess is a fierce competitor inside the arena, outside the arena, he enjoys spending time with his traveling partners and fellow bareback riding competitors, Tim O'Connell, Cole Franks, and his brother Ty Pope. Additionally, he proposed to his girlfriend on May 28, 2022, making Sydney Odle his fiancé, and loves spending his free time with her. When he’s not rodeoing, he enjoys working at the feedlot back home and gardening.

Jess Pope kneeling on one knee pointing at the sky with one hand in a rodeo arena. Jess Pope kneeling on one knee pointing at the sky with one hand in a rodeo arena.

Catch 2022 Champion Bareback Rider Jess Pope, at PRCA rodeos across the United States and Canada, and be sure to cheer him on as he continues his journey to earning another world champion gold buckle. We are proud to have Jess Pope as a member of Team Justin.

Jess Pope smiling and pointing up with both hands wearing his bareback riding equipment. Jess Pope smiling and pointing up with both hands wearing his bareback riding equipment.