THE FUTURE OF BREAKAWAY ROPING
BREAKAWAY PERFORMANCE INDEX
BPI is the first universal numbering system for breakaway roping, and the first handicapping system in western sports that is powered by Artificial Intelligence tools.
What is BPI?
BPI is the first universal numbering system for breakaway roping, and the first handicapping system in western sports that is powered by Artificial Intelligence tools. Our goal is to provide breakaway ropers a chance to finally compete against other ropers of similar skill sets. Each roper is classified on a 1-7 scale (1 being a beginner and 7 being a NFBR caliber roper) based on their individual skill. We are not a roping producer or association; we are simply a third-party statistics organization formed to grow the sport of breakaway, and work with both producers and ropers to do so.
Our Technology
The BPI database currently holds data from over 2,000 ropers, sourced from publicly available results across rodeos and large jackpot events. The Breakaway Performance Index is built on two core components working together to accurately manage handicaps for every individual roper.
Component 1: The BPI Database
At the foundation of BPI is a comprehensive database containing every individual run submitted to the system, paired with detailed statistics for each roper. Beyond basic metrics like win percentage, average time, and ROI, the database tracks advanced performance indicators including Applied Catch Percentage, Strength of Win, and more — giving us a complete picture of how each roper performs across varying conditions and competition levels.
Component 2: AI Machine Learning Model
The second component is a proprietary AI machine learning model developed in partnership with contracted data scientists and engineers. The model is designed to analyze the results within the database to identify which specific metrics correlate with winning, detect when a roper is consistently performing above or below their current classification level, and generate predictive performance insights for individual ropers.
It's worth noting that while the AI model has undergone multiple successful simulations, its full potential in comparing handicaps across classification levels has not yet been realized — and that's by design. The model depends on a meaningful volume of non-open level breakaway roping events to accurately identify which ropers are over- or underperforming relative to their classification, and to pinpoint what metrics drive winning at each level. As the sport continues to grow and more classified events take place, the model will only get sharper and be utilized more.
Classifications Explained
BPI classifications don't follow rigid guidelines or concrete cutoffs — and that's intentional. Breakaway roping has a wide variety of roping styles, and the BPI system is specifically designed to account for that. An aggressive roper who trades consistency for speed and a roper who prioritizes consistent catching can both find success within the system — neither style is penalized. Because of this, the classifications below are meant to serve as broad reference points rather than strict rules, giving ropers a general sense of where they line up. The descriptions are based on the average setup seen at the majority of breakaway ropings.
1 — True Beginner A roper who struggles to catch consistently and is still developing fundamental skills. Team roping equivalent classification: 3
2 — Developing Roper A roper who struggles with both consistency and speed. Most ropers in this category are unable to consistently cross the line aggressively. This category includes many youth and older ropers. Team roping equivalent classification: 4
3 — Intermediate Roper A roper who is able to either catch consistently or produce fast times occasionally — but not both. Many of these ropers are sacrificing speed for consistency. Team roping equivalent classification: 5
4 — Amateur Rodeo Caliber The most common classification in the BPI database. These ropers compete at a higher level, consistently stopping the clock and capable of producing fast runs when the right calf is drawn. The primary separator between this level and higher classifications is consistency, in both catching and speed. Team roping equivalent classification: 6
5 — Circuit Rodeo Caliber A high-level competitor who performs at elevated competition levels and will stand out when compared to intermediate level ropers. Team roping equivalent classification: 7
6 — Professional Caliber A pro-level competitor capable of competing at the highest levels of breakaway roping. Consistently ropes most calves in the first 1/4 of the arena and regularly contends at major events. Team roping equivalent classification: 8
7 — NFBR Caliber The pinnacle of the sport. A current or recent National Finals Breakaway Roping qualifier representing the elite tier of competition. Team roping equivalent classification: 9–10
Why BPI Works
Like most new products or services, it's fair to ask — will this actually work? When it comes to the Breakaway Performance Index, there are two parts to that answer.
Part 1: Is numbered breakaway roping the future of jackpot breakaway?
Yes. Look at any sport that exists at both a professional and recreational level — golf, pickleball, team roping, sorting — and you'll find a handicapping system that allows people to compete at their own level. The reason this hasn't been widely demanded in breakaway roping until now is simple: the opportunities for breakaway ropers to compete at a high level didn't used to exist the way they do today. Now they do, and it's time to give every roper a legitimate shot at being competitive.
There's also something unique about breakaway roping that makes a handicapping system especially necessary — the nature of the sport masks the true skill gap between levels.
A mid-level roper, a 4 in the BPI system, practices all week after long days at work. They save up a week's wages to enter the local Friday night jackpot, only to pull into a parking lot filled with NFBR qualifiers, circuit champions, and seasoned competitors. Their preparation pays off: they rope both long round calves in 3.5 and 3.6, earning the 19th callback into the short round. They draw a great calf, stop the clock at 2.9, and finish with a 10.0 on three head, good for 9th in the average. Three spots out of the money. One second away from a check.
It doesn't have to be this way. Ropers who are the backbone of this sport deserve a fair shot against competitors of similar skill.
Part 2: Will BPI Accurately Maintain a Fair Playing Field by adjusting handicaps?
Yes — and we've already put in the work to back that up. Before the BPI system has even launched, we've run multiple simulations to stress-test and fine-tune our classification model. The conclusion from that process is consistent: BPI works.
One of the advantages of working with breakaway roping data specifically is that it paints a quite clear picture. With only one competitor per run and no partner to rely on, the data reflects individual performance in its purest form. Statistics paint a much clearer picture of who a roper truly is and where they belong in a competitive field.
That clarity cuts both ways, however. Because the data is so telling, a misclassified roper stands out quickly. An individual placed at the wrong level won't just have a slight edge, they'll dominate. That reality raises the stakes for accuracy within our system, and it's something we take seriously. The integrity of the competitive field depends on getting classifications right, and that commitment is built into everything we do.