Longtime friends and western industry leaders Barry Berg and Monty Crist took the Monday off from their day jobs and walked away with top honors at the 2025 Wrangler Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) #11.5 Businessman’s Team Roping, earning an impressive $175,000 payday.
Teaming up for the first time at the famed Lazy E Arena, Berg and Crist found great success in their hands. In addition to the substantial payout, the cowboys also received an extensive prize package, including Cactus Saddles, Gist Buckles, YETI Backpacks, Resistol Hat Packs, Justin Boots, Equinety supplements, custom briefcases, and a Turtlebox speaker.
Taking home $87,500 each, the duo was all smiles as they took a victorious lap around the historic arena, cheered on by their many fans and supporters.
Berg, a Texas-based header, pursues his passions both in and out of the arena as the general manager of Cactus Ropes. For the past 34 years, he has dedicated his career to advancing the sport of team roping through innovative rope designs.
A true businessman, Berg expressed his gratitude for the industry and the opportunity to rope in the prestigious BFI Week Businessman’s Roping.
“I didn’t really envision winning this thing. I just wanted to focus on catching all my steers for Monty. I love my career—it never feels like work. I love getting to share the sport of team roping with the world. I first won this roping in Reno in 2013, and it is so special to get this win again with Monty,” Berg said.
The Businessman’s Roping is known for its industry-leading production, spotlighting #11.5 teams with extraordinary payouts and resume-topping honors. It was only fitting for two Western industry leaders to continue the legacy in 2025.
Crist, originally from California but now residing in Oklahoma, has spent the past 35 years at Professionals Choice, where he currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. His dedicated team of employees even paused work to watch his victorious short-go run in their Oklahoma City conference room.
“Seeing my team cheer me on almost brought me to tears. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” Crist said.
The duo, who led the aggregate race by nearly two seconds, roped four steers in 32.75 seconds to claim the title.
Having dedicated their lives to bettering the western industry, Berg and Crist expressed their gratitude for the opportunities it has provided.
“It’s a lifestyle that is difficult to explain to those unfamiliar with the industry, but we all come together because of the love we share for the horse and this way of life. Our passion for it is truly indescribable. With this being the Businessman’s Roping, this win is even more special to us,” Crist reflected.
Marked by high team counts and impressive payouts, this triumphant victory highlights the talent showcased at the 2025 Wrangler BFI Week. The event continues to change lives and spotlight the brightest stars of the sport.
The Businessman’s Roping is also distinguished by its numerous opportunities for ropers to showcase their skills and take home life-changing paychecks. In total, three major titles were awarded during the event—the #11.5, #10.5 Incentive, and Three-Steer Consolation—with a total of 70 checks distributed across all aggregate, consolation, incentive, and round fast-time categories. The prestigious payout totaled $740,500.
On the second-to-last day of the 2025 Wrangler BFI Week, standout ropers were highlighted in the #10.5 Incentive. This exclusive opportunity, designed to showcase ropers at an elite level, awarded $7,500 to Drew Jordan and Jackson Lee. The duo celebrated on the winner’s stage, taking home stunning Gist trophy buckles, Justin Boots, and, of course, the iconic oversized check that cements their names in history.
The Consolation Aggregate, featuring the quickest ropers on three steers, was headlined by Steve Orth and Jack Morris, who took home an impressive $9,000 for their speedy aggregate time of 21.12 seconds on three steers.
The historic week continues at the Lazy E Arena, featuring several numbered ropings that highlight the sport’s most skilled athletes and provide career-changing opportunities. The final day of the 2025 Wrangler BFI Week will feature a #9.5 Over 40 and a #8.5 roping with a #7.5 incentive.
Aggregate
| No. | Time | Header | Heeler | Amount (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32.75 | Barry Berg | Monty Crist | $175,000 |
| 2 | 34.02 | Brooke Wilson | Cayce Lewis | $130,000 |
| 3 | 34.3 | Chad James Smith | Greg Orgain | $87,000 |
| 4 | 36.58 | Ashley Richardson | Ryon Boatright | $63,000 |
| 5 | 37.35 | Michael Angell | Guy Norris | $42,000 |
| 6 | 37.62 | Clay D Alexander | Carson Pilgrim | $33,000 |
| 7 | 37.74 | Shane Williams | Bob Knudsen | $21,000 |
| 8 | 39 | Jake Leach | Bryan Caldwell | $17,000 |
| 9 | 39.58 | Kashly Van Petten | Mickey Clayton | $15,000 |
| 10 | 40.52 | Lee Newman | Justin Saulters | $12,500 |
| 11 | 40.63 | Bobby Boyd | Shane Decker | $11,500 |
| 12 | 41.49 | John Fowler | Kaleb Asay | $11,000 |
| 13 | 42.39 | Josh Lilley | Dixon Winn | $11,000 |
| 14 | 42.45 | Tyler Thompson | Willy Gasperson | $10,000 |
| 15 | 43.22 | Kenny Kuykendall | James Watson | $10,000 |
| 16 | 43.82 | Kevin Poteete | Jud Jackson | $10,000 |
Consolation Aggregate (3 Steer)
| No. | Time | Header | Heeler | Amount (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21.12 | Steve Orth | Jack Morris | $9,000 |
| 2 | 23.15 | Chad Mathis | Luke McClymond | $6,000 |
| 3 | 23.33 | Brad Grable | Glyn Hutto | $4,000 |
| 4 | 23.69 | Justin Lankford | Tom McClure | $3,000 |
| 5 | 24.07 | Trace Johnson | Adam Hubler | $2,000 |
10.5 Incentive
| No. | Time | Header | Heeler | Amount (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28.92 | Drew Jordan | Jackson Lee | $7,500 |
| 2 | 31.66 | JR Marshall | Kip Hunter | $4,000 |
Fast Time Round 1
| No. | Time | Header | Heeler | Amount (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6.42 | Alfonso Macias | Luis Santos III | $5,000 |
| 2 | 6.94 | Jason McCornack | Casey Carson | $4,000 |
| 3 | 6.97 | Steve Orth | Jack Morris | $3,000 |
Fast Time Round 2
| No. | Time | Header | Heeler | Amount (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6.26 | Katlin Copp | Shank Edwards | $5,000 |
| 2 | 6.41 | Richard Nolen | Eddie Cole | $4,000 |
| 3 | 6.94 | Arnold Felts | Cody Warner | $3,000 |
Fast Time Round 3
| No. | Time | Header | Heeler | Amount (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6.26 | Hippie Sanchez | Shaun Berry | $5,000 |
| 2 | 6.57 | Logan Allen | Dustin Rogers | $4,000 |
| 3 | 6.75 | Lynndel Walters | Trenton Tucker | $3,000 |
Fast Time SGO
| No. | Time | Header | Heeler | Amount (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11.54 | John Wayne Giles | Tyler Branstetter | $5,000 |
| 2 | 11.83 | Daniel Pennell | James Tettenhorst | $3,500 |
| 3 | 17.78 | Drew Jordan | Jackson Lee | $1,500 |