Zeke Thurston, born July 15, 1994, is a Canadian professional rodeo cowboy who has made a name for himself in saddle bronc riding.
He is a 3-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Champion saddle bronc rider, with titles in 2016, 2019, and 2022.
Additionally, he is a four-time Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) champion saddle bronc rider, with victories in 2019 and consecutively from 2021 to 2023.
Zeke Thurston’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Zeke Thurston |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1994 |
| Age | 29 |
| Birthplace | Big Valley, Alberta, Canada |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Residence | Big Valley, Alberta, Canada |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jayne Thurston |
| Current Net Worth | $4 million |
| officialzekethurston |
Zeke Thurston was born in Big Valley, Alberta, Canada. His family has a long history in rodeo, with his father, Skeeter Thurston, being a six-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier.
His mother, Lynda, was a former barrel racer, and Zeke was born during the Calgary Stampede, one of the world’s most famous rodeos.
Zeke has 3 siblings, and together, they grew up embracing the Western lifestyle.
Early Career
A family tradition of high-flying bucking horses marked Zeke’s early career in rodeo. At just 14 years old, he won steer riding at the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
Zeke and his brothers, Wyatt and Sam, performed a trick roping act called The Thurston Gang, appearing five times at the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
Professional Career
Zeke turned professional in 2015. His professional career has been marked by significant achievements, including three PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider titles and 4 CPRA champion saddle bronc rider titles.
In 2022, he set a single-season earnings record of $399,316. Zeke has also won the Calgary Stampede three consecutive times.
Wife
Jayne Thurston is the wife of professional rodeo cowboy Zeke Thurston.
Jayne and Zeke met in the third grade and have been together since. They married on October 16, 2016, at Coulee Creek Farm Barn in Cluny, Alberta, Canada.
They have 3 children together. The couple welcomed their first child in 2018, a daughter named Lucy.
Zeke Thurston’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Zeke Thurston’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million.
Career Earnings
Zeke Thurston’s career earnings as of October 2024 are $1,976,668. In 2022, he set a single-season earnings record of $399,316.
| Year | Earnings |
| 2022 | $399,916 |
| 2023 (as of October) | $1,976,668 |
The 2022 earnings are a record for a single season. The 2023 earnings are cumulative and include earnings from previous years.
Endorsements
Zeke Thurston has partnered with Durango Boots and expressed his excitement about their products’ comfort and suitability for various occasions, from weddings to rodeos and ranch work.
Career Highlights
- Career earnings: $1,976,668
- 2022 world standings place: 1st
- 2022 Wrangler NFR standings place: 1st
- 2022 Wrangler NFR earnings: $256,078
- 2022 earnings: $399,916
- Education: Sheridan (Wyo.) College
- World titles: 3 (2016, 2019, 2022)
- Wrangler NFR qualifications: 8 (2015-2022)
- Wrangler NFR average titles: 2 (2016, 2022)
2023 Highlights
- Won the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros (Tucson, Ariz.)
- Won the World Famous Miles City (Mont.) Bucking Horse Sale Matched Xtreme
- Won the Gateway to the North Pro Rodeo Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement (Caslan, Alberta)
- Won the Wildwood (Alberta) Bronc Bustin’
- Won the Ponoka (Alberta) Stampede
- Won the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo (Salt Lake City, Utah)
- Won the Big Sky Pro Rodeo (Great Falls, Mont.)
- Co-champion at the Casey Tibbs Match of Champions Xtreme Broncs (Fort Pierre, S.D.)
FAQs
1. Who is Marlon Tapales?
Marlon Tapales is a Filipino professional boxer born on March 23, 1992, in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines. He is known for being a two-division world champion, having held titles in both the bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions.
2. What world titles has Marlon Tapales won?
Tapales has held the WBO bantamweight world title from 2016 to 2017 and the unified WBA (Super) and IBF super bantamweight titles from April to December 2023. He is recognized as a two-weight world champion.
3. What is Marlon Tapales’ professional boxing record?
Marlon Tapales has a professional record of 39 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws. Out of his 39 wins, 20 have come by knockout, giving him a knockout ratio of about 51%.
4. How did Marlon Tapales start his boxing career?
Tapales began his professional boxing career at age 16 in July 2008. He quickly built an impressive record, fighting frequently in the Philippines and winning his first eight bouts within ten months of turning pro.
5. What are some of Marlon Tapales’ most notable fights?
Some of Tapales’ most notable fights include his knockout win over Pungluang Sor Singyu to claim the WBO bantamweight title, his split decision victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev to unify the WBA and IBF super bantamweight titles, and his bout against Naoya Inoue for the undisputed super bantamweight championship.
6. What is Marlon Tapales’ fighting style and stance?
Tapales fights in a southpaw stance, favoring his left hand for power shots. He is known for his aggressive approach, high punch volume, and ability to apply pressure on his opponents.
7. How tall is Marlon Tapales and what is his reach?
Marlon Tapales stands 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and has a reach of approximately 67.3 inches (171 cm), which helps him compete effectively in the super bantamweight division.
8. What happened in Marlon Tapales’ fight against Naoya Inoue?
Tapales faced Naoya Inoue on December 26, 2023, in a bout for the undisputed super bantamweight championship. He lost by knockout in the 10th round but made history as the first Filipino to fight for undisputed status in the four-belt era.
9. What is Marlon Tapales’ current ranking in the super bantamweight division?
Tapales is ranked No. 1 by The Ring, No. 2 by the WBC, No. 3 by the IBF, and No. 5 by the WBA in the super bantamweight division, reflecting his status as one of the top fighters in his weight class.
10. When and against whom is Marlon Tapales’ next scheduled fight?
Marlon Tapales is scheduled to fight Jon Jon Jet on April 27, 2025, in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This bout is part of his ongoing campaign to regain a world title and further his boxing legacy.
