Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb.

Look for Dean Gorsuch to surpass the $1 million mark in PRCA earnings this year.

As of Feb. 1, 2012, Gorsuch was within $21,000 of that magical mark. That’s phenomenal, considering the Nebraska cowboy didn’t start rodeoing full time until 2005. He was spurred into his championship form with a successful run at RodeoHouston that spring. Since then, Gorsuch has missed qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo just once, and that was after suffering an injury in 2007.

When he goes to Las Vegas, he’s always a favorite to leave the Thomas & Mack Center as the World Champion, and there’s good reason behind it: In 2006 and 2010, Gorsuch earned gold buckles – both seasons, he clinched the titles by winning the NFR average.

Gorsuch is the third generation of his family to wrestle steers, but there’s much more to the life he leads. He worked as a pipeline welder for a gas company for five before kickstarting his career seven seasons ago.

We’re glad he did.