A name we’ve grown used to seeing next to the "W" is back to compete at the 2018 Calgary Stampede this year, which kicks off today. Saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston will be making another trip back to Calgary for a chance to make a record-breaking fourth consecutive title at the $2 million rodeo. 

The 23-year-old has dominated the saddle bronc riding at the Calgary Stampede from 2015-2017, won through sunny days and severe rainstorms and even picked up a world title along the journey as well. The Big Valley cowboy was the first saddle bronc rider to win three in a row—the feat has also been pulled off by bareback riders Will Lowe and Davey Shields Jr. and bull riders Jim Shoulders, Jerry Ambler, and Herman Linder.

If Thurston were able to win a fourth consecutive title, he would make history as the only cowboy across all events to pull it off. 

"To do that four consecutive times—it’s one of those rodeos that guys dream of winning and it might only happen once in your career or it might never happen in your career—but to do it four times, it would be incredible," said Thurston.

“Zeke Thurston has the opportunity to make an incredible mark in Stampede history, but it won’t be easy,” said Kynan Vine, manager of western events in the Calgary Stampede press release announcing the 2018 roster. “He is just one of many incredible competitors from Canada, the United States, and Brazil who will be riding for a share of more than $2 million in prize money at this year’s Calgary Stampede.”

The roster also features the other five reigning Calgary Stampede champions: Richie Champion, Cory Solomon, Tyler Waguespack, Tiany Schuster, and Sage Kimzey.