The Calgary Stampede began its world-renowned 10-day festival Friday.

It’s been called the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth; it’s definitely a showcase of the best in rodeo. Its championship is one every ProRodeo contestant wants to win.

The opening performance featured a who’s who of winners, like world champions Wesley Silcox, bull riding; Chad Ferley, saddle bronc riding; and Dean Gorsuch, steer wrestling. There was also tie-down roper Tuf Cooper, a three-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and Ryan Gray.

Money won at the Stampede will not count toward the NFR standings, but there’s plenty of cash available. Each round in each pool pays $5,500 to the winner, and the shootout round champion earns $100,000.

Being in Alberta in July is a great benefit to competing at the Calgary Stampede; giving yourself a shot at $100,000 is probably a little bit more incentive.