COJO Championship To Return To Belton, Texas with Expanded Events, Star Power, and Heartfelt Purpose
- All Country News
- Jul 23, 2025
- 3 min read
When country superstar Cody Johnson isn’t packing arenas with his platinum-selling records or taking the national stage with raw, real-deal country grit, there’s one place he’d rather be on horseback, rope in hand, deep in the heart of Texas. That passion for the cowboy way is the beating heart of the COJO Championship Event, which officially returns to Belton, Texas from October 7–12, 2025 at the Cadence Bank Center Arena.
Now in its second year, the COJO Championship has quickly grown into one of the most anticipated rodeo-meets-music events in the country. Presented by Cody Johnson and produced by Ullman Peterson Events, this multi-day celebration is equal parts sport, music, and community gathering, infused with Johnson’s personal story, purpose, and cowboy authenticity.
“Team roping has always been a huge part of my life. It’s my refuge from the stage and the spotlight,” Cody shared. “When I’m on horseback with a rope in hand, I’m not the guy on tour or in the studio, I’m just a cowboy. And that’s who I’ve always been at heart.”
That cowboy heart is now championing the next generation. Once again, the COJO Championship will benefit the Texas FFA, an organization with special meaning for Cody and his wife Brandi. After all, it was through the Texas Future Farmers of America that the couple first met. Their deep roots in the FFA have blossomed into a shared mission to give back, invest in rural youth, and honor agricultural legacies across the state.
But this year, Cody isn’t just roping cattle, he’s roping in even more opportunities. New additions to the 2025 lineup include a dedicated All Ladies Day featuring Breakaway Roping and Ladies Team Roping, followed by an entire day of Youth Junior Team Roping. In a social media announcement, Cody also confirmed that the Breakaway Roping and the COJO Open are now sanctioned American Contender Series Events, opening the door for competitors chasing rodeo’s highest honors.
The weeklong event will also feature the return of the beloved Champs for Charity Cowboy Auction & Dinner, set for Friday, October 10. With a more relaxed, Western-inspired atmosphere and guests encouraged to wear their best boots and hats, the evening will culminate in an intimate acoustic performance by Cody himself, bringing his fans and community even closer into the fold.
Last year’s inaugural COJO Championship wasn’t just a hit in the arena, it made a major impact far beyond the dirt. A jaw-dropping $845,000 in payouts was awarded, alongside $500,000 in prizes ranging from Bill Fick Ford trucks and Bloomer Trailers to custom guitars, Cactus saddles, Gist buckles, and even Henry Big Boy .44 Magnum rifles. The Champs for Charity Dinner raised $100,000 for the Texas FFA and an incredible $700,000 for Cody and Brandi’s Different Day Foundation, which provides housing, therapy, healthcare and job training to survivors of sex trafficking.
For Cody, the inspiration behind this event is rooted in his hero, George Strait. “George Strait is a hero of mine, and all I’ve heard since I started team roping is, ‘We miss The Strait,’” he shared. “I wanted to respectfully pick up the torch.”
This year, he’s carrying it with even more fuel. Backed by returning sponsors including Bill Fick Ford, Bloomer Trailers, Wrangler, Justin, Resistol, and Cactus Saddlery, the 2025 COJO Championship promises to be bigger, better, and even more impactful.
With a growing roster of events, a charitable mission at its core, and the unmistakable stamp of Cody Johnson’s Texas spirit, the COJO Championship is more than just a rodeo. It’s a movement a celebration of grit, heart, and community.
Tickets, performances, and full programming details will be announced soon. In the meantime, fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and visit www.cojoteamroping.com for updates.
The cowboy is calling. Belton’s ready.
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