Las Vegas, you never know who you’re going to see, and if you stopped by The Palms Casino on Tuesday afternoon, that was certainly the case.

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) kicked off its 65th year with a celebrity presentation, Las Vegas style. This year’s theme was “You never know who you’ll meet in December.”

Las Vegas Events hosted the event, where Las Vegas icons, celebrities and 2022 NFR Champions gathered for a promotional shoot months before the event inside the Pearl Theater at The Palms Hotel & Casino.

Among the celebrities: The Blue Man Group, cast members from Cirque du Soleil’s ‘KA’, Penn and Teller, The Chippendales, former Vegas Golden Knight Deryk Engelland and Terry Factor. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman also attended.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association organizes the National Rodeo Finals every year. According to the Las Vegas event organizers, the event was attended by more than 10,000 people over ten days of competition in 2022.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Las Vegas Events announced today that the 2023 Wranglers National Finals Rodeo will see a rise for the third consecutive year as the world’s richest rodeo in December.

This year’s Wrangler NFR, scheduled for December 7-16 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, will bring home a record payout of more than $11.5 million. This amount includes $1.2 million in guaranteed prize pools and $10,301,505 in tournament prize pools for all NFR qualifiers.

From 2015 to 2020, the NFR paid out a total of $10 million annually, including $8.8 million in tournament prize money and $1.2 million in guaranteed qualifying prize money. The total amount of the scholarship increases to $10,257,048 in 2021 and $10,900,098 in 2022.

Under the revised 2023 portfolio, each Tour will pay out a total of $99,053 per race, with the winner of that Tour receiving $30,706. The tournament totaled an average of $297,159, with an average win of $78,747 at the end of the ten-day tournament.

The stock contractor fee, which is 30% of the competitive fee, has increased to $3,450,451.

Recognized as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR drew the top 15 competitors in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, bareback riding, roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a part of additional scholarships and a prestigious gold belt from the PRCA. In 2022, the tournament drew a total audience of 173,350 over 10 days at the Thomas & Mack Center, with more than 350 consecutive shows in Las Vegas.

To learn more about NFR Wrangler, visit NFRexperience.com or via social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. Visit prorodeo.com or social media @PRCA_ProRodeo for the latest ProRodeo news and NFR Wrangler coverage.

Courtesy of NFRexperience.com

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In Round 6, Wright earned $22,851 in saddle bronc riding with a second-place 87-point ride on Bar T Rodeo’s Jitterbug and $22,851 for his second-place 86.5-point bull ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Bit A Bad News. He earned $209,405 at the 2022 NFR.

“When you break your record, it means you did better than the year before, whenever you set it,” said Wright, 23. “The way I look at it is that I’m improving every year, and to improve just from last year is pretty special and I’m just happy with the way things are going.”

Wright has now won four career all-around titles in 2019-22. Wright also won bull riding and saddle bronc riding world championships in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Wright is also on the brink of surpassing the bull riding and all-around single-season earnings marks.

Wright has earned $451,850 in bull riding and $563,661 in all-around. Sage Kimzey owns the single-season bull riding earnings mark at $480,797, including ground money, which he set in 2019. A year ago, Wright established the all-around season earnings mark at $585,850.

“That’s when I say I just choose to have fun, and it is fun and I love rodeo,” Wright said. “And I feel like when you’re having fun it’s easier to break records because you’re loving what you do and I’m loving everything about everything.”

Wright has a simple approach to the remaining four rounds of the NFR.

“Same thing – I’m just having fun,” Wright said. “I’m not worried about not a single gold buckle right now. I’m just worried about making 90-point rides.”

Tie-down roper Shad Mayfield matches arena record with a Round 6 victory

Shad Mayfield, the 2020 PRCA World Champion Tie-Down Roper, was electric on Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The Clovis, N.M., cowboy stopped the clock in 6.5 seconds tying the arena record. ProRodeo Hall of Famers – Cody Ohl (6.5 seconds, Round 10, 2003) and Trevor Brazile (6.5 seconds, Round 8, 2015) also accomplished the feat.

“I feel so good, the energy of the fans after that,” he said. “That’s something I’ve always dreamed of, throwing my hat like Cody Ohl used to, being 6.5 I mean that’s just something I’ve dreamed about.”

That record run was something Mayfield was trying to digest.

“I can’t even explain it, I didn’t even flank the calf all the way, I mean, if I had a better flank no telling what could have been,” said Mayfield, 21. “But I feel like my horse made it so easy, and to have a good calf I just had to do my part. Once I heard them holler ‘you’re out’ I just let my rope go. Tonight, I had to take it back to just like I’m at home practicing or any jackpot.”

Mayfield edged John Douch by a mere one-tenth of a second for the round win.

“Honestly it just pumped me up hearing the crowd and doing all that,” Mayfield said. “I love that feeling of coming behind someone and being faster, and it’s not easy beating someone at 6.6, so I got it done so that’s what makes it even better.”

Saddle bronc rider Logan Hay wins back-to-back rounds

Logan Hay made it back-to-back victory laps.

After winning Round 5, Hay made it two in a row capturing the Round 6 win with an 87.5-point ride on Frontier Rodeo’s Yellowstone.

“Yeah, it was our hoppers out again today and Yellowstone didn’t go in Round 1, so I was happy to have one that was fresh,” said Hay, 25. “I knew it was a good draw and I just tried to do my job.”

Hay, who is making his NFR debut, is the son of saddle bronc rider Rod Hay, a 20-time NFR qualifier, and older brother to fellow NFR saddle bronc rider Dawson.

“I’ve been blessed that it’s been working out,” Logan said. “I’m just trying to take it one horse at a time and not let my nerves get the best of me. I’ve just felt at home here. I think it’s all the other Canadians and my dad here helping me in the chutes that made it feel this way. I love it.”

“I’m looking to just stick to my game plan. Take it one horse at a time. I don’t like to think about anything else. I’ve hardly looked at the world standings, to be honest. I look at it as me versus my horse, get up to see what (score) I got, and watch a few videos. That’s just what my game plan is.”

Bull rider Tristen Hutchings makes it three round wins at the 2022 NFR

When cowboys make their NFR debuts they make memories for a lifetime.

That has been the case for bull rider Tristen Hutchings.

The Monteview, Idaho, the cowboy has won three of the first six rounds in his first career trip to the NFR.

Hutchings’ latest claim to glory came on Tuesday when he won Round 6 with an 88-point ride on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s Caddyshack. Hutchings also was tops in Round 1 and Round 5.

“Yeah, I had a really good bull tonight,” Hutchings said. “It was a bull that I’d been wanting to get on for a while now and he had me loosen up a little bit and took me for a ride. Finally, in the end, I got a good seat. It was good, it was fun, and there’s no better place to win than here.”

Hutchings thought he could take victory laps at the NFR based on his late-season surge.

“At the end of the season, I got on a heater, and I think it’s carried into here,” he said. “I didn’t ever slow down getting on practice bulls or putting in the work at the gym. So, this is exactly what I’ve thought about and dreamed about. It’s life-changing money and there are a ton of nerves but at the end of the day, it’s about having fun. That’s when I think most bull riders are at their best.

“You have to draw right to come in here and win three, especially in the first six nights. It’s something you think is possible, but I was just hoping to come in here and ride as many bulls as possible. That’s the only game plan I had in my head.”

Rookie bareback rider Rocker Steiner captures Round 6 title

This wasn’t the script rookie Rocker Steiner had envisioned – until Tuesday.

Steiner had an 88.5-point ride aboard Wayne Vold Rodeo’s True Grit to win Round 6.

“It is always great to get a win, especially at the NFR,” said Steiner, 18. “My dad won here, and my mom won here, and it is great to win in the same place where your parents won.”

Steiner, who placed in just one of the first five rounds, splitting fifth in Round 5, took a moment to describe his winning ride.

“That was a really fast, snappy, droppy (horse), it is not easy to ride,” Steiner said. “You have to need speed to ride that horse. That horse bucked me off in Strathmore (Alberta) and it is just not an easy horse to ride.”

Their emotions about Steiner have been well-documented at this year’s NFR, but he is not about to change his ways.

“I think you all can tell I’m competitive,” Steiner said. “I didn’t come here for second place. I didn’t come here to get a low score. I’m not going for third or fourth. I’m going to win. It is hard to hide my passion and my emotions. I just want to win.

“I’m going to go to South Point and get a buckle and hang out with my family. We are going to have a big crew on stage. There have been a lot of people with me my whole career and hopefully, I will get everybody on stage who has been part of it.”

Steiner, who bought his PRCA card on Jan. 10, is following the rodeo footsteps of his grandfather Bobby Steiner, who won a PRCA Bull Riding World Championship in 1973, and his father, Sid, the 2002 PRCA Steer Wrestling World Champion.

Steer wrestler Tristan Martin scores a Round 6 victory

Steer wrestler Tristan Martin experienced the highs and lows of rodeo in 24 hours. The Sulphur, La., the cowboy had a no-time in Round 5 and then on Tuesday, he won Round 6 with a 3.5-second time.

“They had missed him in the first round, but I had seen some videos on him, so I knew if I did my job, I had a good chance,” Martin said.

Martin’s run came after a 15-minute delay because of a power outage in the Thomas & Mack Center, which caused him to reel things in.

“Well, I was pretty amped up before the power went out, so I think it was just what I needed to help me calm back down and make a good run,” he said.

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Team ropers Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison claim the Round 6 crown

Team ropers Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison had not had much luck at the 2022 Wrangler NFR. Masters/Harrison split fourth in Round 3.

The duo’s fortunes changed on Tuesday. Masters/Harrison won Round 6 with a 4.0-second time.

“I’m so happy I just turned a decent steer for my partner,” Masters said. “He did a good job; he made the whole run come together.”

Harrison was excited about the result.

“It was a good steer, man,” he said. “We talked about him beforehand, and we both liked him. Chad did what he does, man, he put it on the horns and made the steer hit nice where I could get me a good clean fast throw at him. And I’m not trying to be smart, but it’s supposed to work out like that.”

Barrel racers Pozzi Tonozzi, and Beisel split Round 6 victory

Emily Beisel and Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi shared glory on Tuesday.

They clocked identically 13.57 times for the Round 6 win.

“It’s great to see my horse working like he’s working,” said Beisel, who also won Round 4. “The biggest thing is I’ve got to get him around them and he will take care of the rest. Last night, I had a little mishap on the backside of the second barrel and tonight I took slightly bigger circles with a tighter cinch. It’s awesome to be here, especially being 14th on the ground. It’s incredible.”

Pozzi Tonozzi was thrilled to be celebrating her first-round win in 11 years.

“I forgot what it feels like and how good it feels to win a round,” she said. “I’ve qualified on several horses since the last time I won including my big, yellow horse Duke. This one is so special because it’s a horse I’ve raised and trained, and she’s now owned by Teton Ridge. I’m just excited to be here and can’t wait for the next round.”

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2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Results
Round 6, Dec. 6
Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

Bareback Riding: Sixth round: 1. Rocker Steiner, 88.5 points on Wayne Vold Rodeo’s True Grit, $28,914; 2. Tanner Aus, 88, $22,851; 3. Leighton Berry, 87.5, $17,255; 4. Cole Franks, 87, $12,125; 5. (tie) Kaycee Feild and R.C. Landingham, 86.5, $6,063 each; 7. Cole Reiner, 85.5; 8. (tie) Jess Pope, Tilden Hooper, and Clayton Biglow, 85; 11. Ty Breuer, 84; 12. Garrett Shadbolt, 82; 13. Tim O’Connell, 81; 14. Caleb Bennett, 79; 15. Orin Larsen, Out. Average leaders: 1. Jess Pope, 517 points on six heads; 2. R.C. Landingham, 513.5; 3. Cole Reiner, 508.5; 4. (tie) Kaycee Feild and Cole Franks, 507.5; 6. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Rocker Steiner, 505; 8. Clayton Biglow, 503.5; 9. Leighton Berry, 497; 10. Ty Breuer, 495; 11. Garrett Shadbolt, 484; 12. Caleb Bennett, 473.5; 13. Tilden Hooper, 424 points on five heads; 14. Tanner Aus, 407; 15. Orin Larsen, 217.5 points on three heads. World standings: 1. Jess Pope, $262,063; 2. Cole Reiner, $207,346; 3. Leighton Berry, $201,052; 4. R.C. Landingham, $194,309; 5. Kaycee Feild, $194,306; 6. Tanner Aus, $180,036; 7. Rocker Steiner, $179,304; 8. Tim O’Connell, $172,440; 9. Cole Franks, $172,284; 10. Tilden Hooper, $166,559; 11. Caleb Bennett, $163,353; 12. Clayton Biglow, $142,671; 13. Garrett Shadbolt, $134,002; 14. Orin Larsen, $133,784; 15. Ty Breuer, $115,749.

Steer Wrestling: Sixth round: 1. Tristan Martin, 3.5 seconds, $28,914; 2. Will Lummus, 3.8, $22,851; 3. (tie) Tanner Brunner and Nick Guy, 3.9, $14,690 each; 5. J.D. Struxness, 4.0, $7,462; 6. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Timmy Sparing, 4.1, $2,332 each; 8. Rowdy Parrott, 4.2; 9. (tie) Ty Erickson and Jesse Brown, 4.5; 11. Tyler Waguespack, 4.7; 12. (tie) Stetson Jorgensen, Hunter Cure, 4.8; 14. Kyle Irwin, 5.3; 15. Dirk Tavenner, 5.4. Average leaders: 1. Kyle Irwin, 27.9 seconds on six head; 2. Rowdy Parrott, 28.1; 3. Jesse Brown, 29.3; 4. Tyler Waguespack, 29.9; 5. Will Lummus, 34.6; 6. Stetson Jorgensen, 41.9; 7. Tanner Brunner, 51.3; 8. Tristan Martin, 21.6 seconds on five head; 9. Hunter Cure, 22.1; 10. Ty Erickson, 23.6; 11. Dakota Eldridge, 25.0; 12. J.D. Struxness, 25.3; 13. Timmy Sparing, 32.8; 14. Nick Guy, 33.3; 15. Dirk Tavenner, 36.8. World standings: 1. Stetson Jorgensen, $233,733; 2. Will Lummus, $205,330; 3. Hunter Cure, $177,357; 4. Tyler Waguespack, $175,844; 5. Tristan Martin, $166,318; 6. Ty Erickson, $158,823; 7. Kyle Irwin, $156,155; 8. J.D. Struxness, $148,572; 9. Dakota Eldridge, $140,913; 10. Nick Guy, $131,625; 11. Jesse Brown, $129,228; 12. Tanner Brunner, $120,961; 13. Rowdy Parrott, $119,578; 14. Dirk Tavenner, $94,532; 15. Timmy Sparing, $93,644.

Team Roping: Sixth round: 1. Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison, 4.0 seconds, $28,914 each; 2. Lightning Aguilera/Jonathan Torres, 4.1, $22,851; 3. Tanner Tomlinson/Patrick Smith, 4.3, $17,255; 4. Jr. Dees/Levi Lord, 4.7, $12,125; 5. Tyler Wade/Trey Yates, 8.6, $7,462; 6. Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves, 8.9, $4,664; 7. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 9.0; 8. Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, 9.1; 9. Jake Orman/Brye Crites, 9.2; 10. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 9.9; 11. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 14.4; 12. (tie) Coleman Proctor/Logan Medlin, Andrew Ward/Buddy Hawkins II, Rhen Richard/Jeremy Buhler, and Clay Smith/Jake Long, NT. Average leaders: 1. Tanner Tomlinson/Patrick Smith, 31.6 seconds on six head; 2. Coleman Proctor/Logan Medlin, 31.8 seconds on five heads; 3. Jr. Dees/Levi Lord, 32.2; 4. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 37.9; 5. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 44.5; 6. Andrew Ward/Buddy Hawkins II, 20.6 seconds on four heads; 7. Tyler Wade/Trey Yates, 22.7; 8. Jake Orman/Brye Crites, 22.9; 9. Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves, 25.5; 10. Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, 26.5; 11. Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison, 17.6 seconds on three head; 12. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 19.2; 13. Lightning Aguilera/Jonathan Torres, 23.2; 14. Clay Smith/Jake Long, 46.1; 15. Rhen Richard/Jeremy Buhler, 14.2 seconds on two heads. World standings (headers): 1. Kaleb Driggers, $274,486; 2. Clay Tryan, $203,397; 3. Tanner Tomlinson, $197,814; 4. Andrew Ward, $177,056; 5. Jr. Dees, $169,857; 6. Dustin Egusquiza, $160,792; 7. Coleman Proctor, $159,321; 8. Tyler Wade, $144,948; 9. Lightning Aguilera, $137,963; 10. Chad Masters, $134,441; 11. Clay Smith, $127,765; 12. Rhen Richard, $126,533; 13. Jake Orman, $125,380; 14. Cody Snow, $113,968; 15. Riley Minor, $103,686. World standings (heeler): 1. Junior Nogueira, $274,486; 2. Patrick Smith, $197,814; 3. Buddy Hawkins II, $175,514; 4. Levi Lord, $171,255; 5. Jade Corkill, $169,589; 6. Jake Long, $169,245; 7. Travis Graves, $161,506; 8. Logan Medlin, $159,321; 9. Trey Yates, $141,386; 10. Joseph Harrison, $139,112; 11. Jonathan Torres, $130,509; 12. Jeremy Buhler, $127,469; 13. Brye Crites, $126,722; 14. Wesley Thorp, $113,968; 15. Brady Minor, $103,686.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Sixth round: 1. Logan Hay, 87.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Yellowstone, $28,914; 2. Stetson Wright, 87, $22,851; 3. Zeke Thurston, 86, $17,255; 4. Layton Green, 85.5, $12,125; 5. Wyatt Casper, 85, $7,462; 6. Kolby Wanchuk, 84.5, $4,664; 7. Brody Cress, 84; 8. (tie) Sage Newman, Kole Ashbacher, and Tanner Butner, 82.5; 11. Dawson Hay, 82; 12. Kade Bruno, 81.5; 13. (tie) Ryder Wright, Lefty Holman, and Chase Brooks, NS. Average leaders: 1. Zeke Thurston, 521 points on six heads; 2. Stetson Wright, 519; 3. Logan Hay, 513.5; 4. Kolby Wanchuk, 511.5; 5. Wyatt Casper, 496.5; 6. Tanner Butner, 494; 7. Kole Ashbacher, 493; 8. Brody Cress, 485; 9. Lefty Holman, 434.5 points on five heads; 10. Dawson Hay, 423; 11. Sage Newman, 421; 12. Kade Bruno, 417; 13. Chase Brooks, 339 points on four heads; 14. Layton Green, 336; 15. Ryder Wright, 330. World standings: 1. Sage Newman, $308,349; 2. Stetson Wright, $270,974; 3. Lefty Holman, $249,052; 4. Zeke Thurston, $239,802; 5. Logan Hay, $232,140; 6. Brody Cress, $198,707; 7. Ryder Wright, $186,610; 8. Kolby Wanchuk, $181,631; 9. Layton Green, $175,808; 10. Chase Brooks, $161,533; 11. Kade Bruno, $153,789; 12. Dawson Hay, $147,833; 13. Wyatt Casper, $145,150; 14. Tanner Butner, $133,481; 15. Kole Ashbacher, $127,543.

Tie-Down Roping: Sixth round: 1. Shad Mayfield, 6.5 seconds, $28,914; 2. John Douch, 6.6, $22,851; 3. Caleb Smidt, 7.5, $17,255; 4. Riley Webb, 7.7, $12,125; 5. Macon Murphy, 7.8, $7,462; 6. Cory Solomon, 8.0, $4,664; 7. Zack Jongbloed, 8.5; 8. Marty Yates, 9.3; 9. Shane Hanchey, 9.4; 10. Hunter Herrin, 10.2; 11. Ty Harris, 11.3; 12. Tyler Milligan, 13.8; 13. Haven Meged, 18.0; 14. (tie) Tuf Cooper and Kincade Henry, NT. Average leaders: 1. Caleb Smidt, 45.7 seconds on six head; 2. Riley Webb, 55.3; 3. Cory Solomon, 56.3; 4. Zack Jongbloed, 57.2; 5. Haven Meged, 61.1; 6. Macon Murphy, 63.9; 7. Shad Mayfield, 65.2; 8. Shane Hanchey, 68.1; 9. Ty Harris, 68.4; 10. Tyler Milligan, 72.1; 11. Marty Yates, 43.9 seconds on five head; 12. Hunter Herrin, 56.4; 13. Kincade Henry, 31.2 seconds on four head; 14. John Douch, 21.8 seconds on three head; 15. Tuf Cooper, 26.1 seconds on two heads. World standings: 1. Caleb Smidt, $276,337; 2. Shad Mayfield, $265,273; 3. John Douch, $237,121; 4. Haven Meged, $188,257; 5. Kincade Henry, $188,194; 6. Marty Yates, $187,068; 7. Riley Webb, $181,136; 8. Cory Solomon, $172,965; 9. Hunter Herrin, $159,280; 10. Shane Hanchey, $154,908; 11. Zack Jongbloed, $146,755; 12. Tyler Milligan, $135,703; 13. Tuf Cooper, $134,382; 14. Macon Murphy, $130,717; 15. Ty Harris, $128,937.

Barrel Racing: Sixth round: 1. (tie) Emily Beisel and Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 13.57 seconds, $25,882 each; 3. Bayleigh Choate, 13.63, $17,255; 4. Lisa Lockhart, 13.64, $12,125; 5. Jessica Routier, 13.65, $7,462; 6. Shelley Morgan, 13.70, $4,664; 7. Wenda Johnson, 13.76; 8. Dona Kay Rule, 13.78; 9. Sissy Winn, 13.85; 10. Leslie Small, 18.54; 11. Jordon Briggs, 18.70; 12. Margo Crowther, 18.78; 13. (tie) Stevi Hillman and Hailey Kinsel, 18.83; 15. Kassie Mowry, 19.14. Average leaders: 1. Lisa Lockhart, 82.35 seconds on six runs; 2. Shelley Morgan, 82.94; 3. Wenda Johnson, 82.95; 4. Sissy Winn, 83.66; 5. Bayleigh Choate, 83.88; 6. Jordon Briggs, 87.64; 7. Margo Crowther, 87.77; 8. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 87.94; 9. Dona Kay Rule, 88.57; 10. Jessica Routier, 89.05; 11. Hailey Kinsel, 92.10; 12. Leslie Small, 92.50; 13. Kassie Mowry, 92.92; 14. Emily Beisel, 96.38; 15. Stevi Hillman, 98.49. World standings: 1. Hailey Kinsel, $225,225; 2. Jordon Briggs, $222,289; 3. Lisa Lockhart, $182,312; 4. Wenda Johnson, $177,763; 5. Emily Beisel, $166,222; 6. Dona Kay Rule, $164,956; 7. Shelley Morgan, $151,706; 8. Margo Crowther, $149,775; 9. Kassie Mowry, $142,659; 10. Stevi Hillman, $138,064; 11. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $133,641; 12. Sissy Winn, $119,310; 13. Bayleigh Choate, $118,148; 14. Jessica Routier, $108,988; 15. Leslie Small, $106,578.

Bull Riding: Sixth round: 1. Tristen Hutchings, 88 points on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s Caddyshack, $28,914; 2. Stetson Wright, 86.5, $22,851; 3. (tie) Josh Frost and Trevor Kastner, 85.5, $14,690 each; 5. Garrett Smith, 84, $7,462; 6. (tie) Ky Hamilton and Creek Young, 82.5, $2,332 each. 8. Cole Fischer, 74; 9. (tie) Jeff Askey, Maverick Potter, Trey Kimzey, Jared Parsonage, Trey Holston, JR Stratford, Lukasey Morris, Reid Oftedahl, NS. Average leaders: 1. Stetson Wright, 436.5 points on five heads; 2. Josh Frost, 434.5; 3. Trevor Kastner, 338.5 points on four heads; 4. Ky Hamilton, 332; 5. Tristen Hutchings, 269 points on three heads; 6. Trey Kimzey, 261; 7. Garrett Smith, 256.5; 8. Creek Young, 169 points on two heads; 9. Cole Fischer, 159.5; 10. (tie) Jeff Askey and JR Stratford, 90 points on one head; 12. Jared Parsonage, 81.5; 13. (tie) Maverick Potter, Trey Holston, Lukasey Morris, Reid Oftedahl, NS. World standings: 1. Stetson Wright, $451,850; 2. Josh Frost, $315,738; 3. Tristen Hutchings, $227,756; 4. Jeff Askey, $216,848; 5. Trevor Kastner, $192,999; 6. Ky Hamilton, $185,841; 7. Garrett Smith, $185,002; 8. Trey Kimzey, $168,189; 9. JR Stratford, $142,943; 10. Creek Young, $127,692; 11. Maverick Potter, $126,065; 12. Jared Parsonage, $122,314; 13. Trey Holston, $118,892; 14. Cole Fischer, $110,994; 15. Lukas Morris, $110,667; 16 Reid Oftedahl, $107,944.

All-Around: 1. Stetson Wright, $563,661; 2. Caleb Smidt, $274,565; 3. Josh Frost, $222,825; 4. Marty Yates, $184,694; 5. Haven Meged, $174,666; 6. Coleman Proctor, $164,487; 7. Taylor Santos, $159,179; 8. Zack Jongbloed, $148,053; 9. Rhen Richard, $129,783; 10. Paul David Tierney, $118,792.

Top Gun Leaders: 1. Caleb Smidt, $126,821; 2. Stetson Wright, $107,467; 3. Hailey Kinsel, $105,835; 4. Jess Pope, $102,804; 5. (tie) Stetson Jorgensen and Lefty Holman, $99,073 each; 7. Lisa Lockhart, $97,441; 8. Tristen Hutchings, $96,741; 9. Zeke Thurston, $95,964; 10. Logan Hay, $92,699.

Hay won his third round in a row when he captured Round 7 with a 90-point ride on Hi Lo Pro Rodeo’s Garden City Gal before 17,166 spectators Wednesday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“Yeah, it’s crazy man. I never expected it to be as good as it’s been going,” said Hay, 25. “It’s unbelievable. I’m drawing really good horses and I’m riding well too. I can’t deny it.”

Hay is fifth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $261,054 and he’s second in the average with 603.5 points on seven heads.

“It helps to get on a roll like the one I’ve been on,” Hay said. “It was really good for me to get that first one under my belt. Even though I didn’t win money, I was happy just to get one ride here. I was relaxed after that. I knew I could take it the way I’ve been doing it all year and to get on a roll, it helps for the confidence.”

“I haven’t even looked at the standings all week. I don’t like to do that. I just want to keep focusing on my horse that day and stick to my game plan. I’m just going to keep riding how I’ve been and let the chips fall where they will.”

The record for saddle bronc riding round wins at an NFR is five shared by ProRodeo Hall of Famers Billy Etbauer (1992, 1999, 2005) and Dan Mortensen (1998), and Ryder Wright (2016, 2020).

Stetson Wright breaks two more PRCA single-season records

Another day.

New PRCA records for Stetson Wright.

The Milford, Utah, cowboy, after earning $30,935 for finishing second in bull riding with a 75.5-point ride on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s Black Magic, set the PRCA’s single-season bull riding earnings mark, including ground money, at $482,784.

The bull riding earnings record was held by seven-time world champion Sage Kimzey at $480,797, including ground money in 2019.

Wright also established the new all-around season earnings mark at $586,512. Wright initially set the record with $585,850 a year ago.

On Tuesday, Wright clinched his fourth all-around title and added the single-season PRCA earnings record at $722,824 to his resume. Wright initially set that record in 2021 at $686,513.

Bareback rider Jess Pope wins another round

Jess Pope’s success at the Wrangler NFR keeps picking up steam.

Pope had an 89-point ride on Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Mayhem to win Round 7. It was his second-round win at the 2022 NFR as he also won Round 3 with an 86.5-point ride on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos’ Mr. Harry.

“I had never been on that horse,” Pope said. “That ride was fun, but it was a bit tough. He has a weird build; a short back and he hits you in the back the whole time. It feels empty when he starts turning back like that, but it worked out and I was pretty happy to have him.”

Pope, who won the average at the 2020 and 2021 NFRs, is leading the average with 606 points on seven heads. He’s also leading the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $290,979.

“My mindset is I have the best job in the world, and I’m just tickled to be here. Whatever happens, is going to happen and it sure beats the heck out of having to show up to an office every day and I’m thankful to get to ride bucking horses for a living.”

At the 2022 NFR, Pope has not had a ride lower than 85 points in the seven rounds.

Veteran bull rider Trevor Kastner snares Round 8 title

Trevor Kastner is still one of the best bull riders in the world at age 34.

The Roff, Okla., cowboy had a 90.5-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Midnight Rider.

Kastner was one of only three cowboys to make the eight-second whistle on Wednesday and earned $36,997 for the victory.

“It’s been a little while since I’ve been back in here, so it feels great,” he said. “He (Midnight Rider) turned me off this spring at the San Angelo (Xtreme Bulls, April 10). I didn’t remember it, but I think short-term memory may have helped with that. It was nice getting him to ride tonight.

“The past few years I’ve made the finals and it’s gone terribly. This year, I think it hinged on Round 1. I was able to knock him down and I was able to keep going with it. I just try to look at it bull-by-bull. I’m just wanting to stay one bull at a time and take it from there.”

Kastner is third in the world standings with $229,996. He has earned $106,457 at this year’s NFR. He also is third in the average with 429 points on five heads.

Steer wrestler Ty Erickson takes another victory lap

In his return to the NFR for the first time since he won the 2019 PRCA Steer Wrestling World Championship, Ty Erickson is making up for a lost time.

Erickson won for the second time at the latest NFR capturing the Round 7 crown with a 3.7-second run. He also won Round 5 with a 3.9-second time.

“They had won a second and a first on that steer, so I knew that I had a good shot to win it tonight, I just had to make sure I did my job,” Erickson said. “I got a great start, in fact so good that I wasn’t sure I got out on the barrier, but I looked back and saw I was good.”

Erickson has moved up to third in the world standings with $187,737.

“Crush worked so well tonight,” Erickson said of his horse. “His best quality is he is so good in the box; anyone can get on him and he just is ready to perform. My wife and I bought him off Facebook a few years ago and just kept working with him and now he just is so good to ride.

“I just have to keep running for the round wins and get as much money as I can.”

Team ropers Tyler Wade/Trey Yates win another NFR round

Tyler Wade/Trey Yates is making some noise at the 2022 Wrangler NFR.

The duo won its second round of the rodeo, capturing Round 7 with a 3.9-second time. Wade/Yates won Round 4 with a 3.9-second run.

Wade moved up to fifth in the world standings with $173,862 and Yates is seventh with $170,300.

“I’ve been here five times now, haven’t had a great NFR yet, and it’s shaping up to be a little better one,” Wade said. “So, I’m excited about the next three steers.

“I think our horses & our style of roping complement each other well, so it makes for a pretty smooth run when it works out.”

Yates of Pueblo, Colo., took a moment to talk about his horsepower.

“I’m riding a bay horse that I call Dude that we’ve had for a long time,” Yates said. “He’s kind of my old reliable. I’ve ridden him at every NFR I’ve been at, so he’s pretty special.”

RELATED: 2022 Wrangler NFR Las Vegas 1st go-round results

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RELATED: 2022 Wrangler NFR Las Vegas 3rd go-round highlights & results

Tie-down roper Kincade Henry gets his second-round win

Kincade Henry is making plenty of memories in his NFR debut.

The Mount Pleasant, Texas, cowboy clocked a 7.1-second run to win Round 7. He also split the Round 5 victory at 7.3 seconds.

“That’s pretty lucky,” Henry said. “I like 7s.”

Henry acknowledged horsepower has been a key to his success.

“The horse I’m riding – it’s not supposed to be easy, but he makes it easy,” said Henry, 20. “The past couple of nights whenever I won the go-around I threw right there and then the next night I did the same thing and last night I had a stupid throw right there that I missed. So, to make that run, add another extra swing that builds confidence for these next three rounds, knowing I can go that far and still tie her in a short seven. So that’s a huge confidence builder for these next three rounds and the next couple of years to come.”

Barrel racer Wenda Johnson claims Round 7 victory

Wenda Johnson now has two round wins at the 2022 Wrangler NFR.

Johnson’s latest accomplishment came in Round 7 with a 13.60-second run.

Johnson is third in the world standings with $206,677 and is first in the average with a 96.55-second time on seven heads.

“Absolutely. That’s one thing I strive to help him with. He’s smooth and easy so the less I can do, the better off we are,” Johnson said. “We had a couple of slower rounds so I’ve had to build up his confidence a little bit. Tonight, he attacked his first spot and it set us up for the rest of the run.”

Johnson also talked about the quality of the arena dirt.

“No doubt, being on top of the ground makes a big difference,” Johnson said. “I’ve got to give credit to the grounds crew because the dirt the last couple of nights has been amazing. But there still is a definite advantage to being towards the front.”

RELATED: 2022 Wrangler NFR Las Vegas 4th go-round highlights & results

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2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Results
Round 7, Dec. 7
Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

Bareback Riding: Seventh round: 1. Jess Pope, 89 points on Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Mayhem, $28,914; 2. Kaycee Feild, 87, $22,851; 3. Tilden Hooper, 86.5, $17,255; 4. Leighton Berry, 86, $12,125; 5. Cole Franks, 84.5, $7,462; 6. Tanner Aus, 81.5, $4,664; 7. (tie) Caleb Bennett and Garrett Shadbolt, 81; 9. (tie) Cole Reiner and Ty Breuer, 79; 11. R.C. Landingham, 78.5; 12. Rocker Steiner, 77; 13. Tim O’Connell, 74.5; 14. (tie) Orin Larsen and Clayton Biglow, NS. Average leaders: 1. Jess Pope, 606 points on seven heads; 2. Kaycee Feild, 594.5; 3. (tie) R.C. Landingham and Cole Franks, 592; 5. Cole Reiner, 587.5; 6. Leighton Berry, 583; 7. Rocker Steiner, 582; 8. Tim O’Connell, 579.5; 9. Ty Breuer, 574; 10. Garrett Shadbolt, 565; 11. Caleb Bennett, 554.5; 12. Tilden Hooper, 510.5 points on six heads; 13. Clayton Biglow, 503.5; 14. Tanner Aus, 488.5; 15. Orin Larsen, 217.5 points on three heads. World standings: 1. Jess Pope, $290,976; 2. Kaycee Feild, $217,158; 3. Leighton Berry, $213,177; 4. Cole Reiner, $207,346; 5. R.C. Landingham, $194,309; 6. Tanner Aus, $184,700; 7. Tilden Hooper, $183,814; 8. Cole Franks, $179,746; 9. Rocker Steiner, $179,304; 10. Tim O’Connell, $172,440; 11. Caleb Bennett, $163,353; 12. Clayton Biglow, $142,671; 13. Garrett Shadbolt, $134,002; 14. Orin Larsen, $133,784; 15. Ty Breuer, $115,749.

Steer Wrestling: Seventh round: 1. Ty Erickson, 3.7 seconds, $28,914; 2. Dirk Tavenner, 3.8, $22,851; 3. J.D. Struxness, 3.9, $17,255; 4. (tie) Tanner Brunner, and Rowdy Parrott, 4.0, $9,793; 6. Tristan Martin, 4.2, $4,664; 7. (tie) Stetson Jorgensen and Dakota Eldridge, 4.3; 9. Will Lummus, 4.4; 10. Kyle Irwin, 4.7; 11. Hunter Cure, 5.1; 12. Jesse Brown, 5.9; 13. Timmy Sparing, 8.4; 14. Tyler Waguespack, 15.6; 15. Nick Guy, NT. Average leaders: 1. Rowdy Parrott, 32.1 seconds on seven head; 2. Kyle Irwin, 32.6; 3. Jesse Brown, 35.2; 4. Will Lummus, 39.0; 5. Tyler Waguespack, 45.5; 6. Stetson Jorgensen, 46.2; 7. Tanner Brunner, 55.3; 8. Tristan Martin, 25.8 seconds on six head; 9. Hunter Cure, 27.2; 10. Ty Erickson, 27.3; 11. J.D. Struxness, 29.2; 12. Dakota Eldridge, 29.3; 13. Dirk Tavenner, 40.6; 14. Timmy Sparing, 41.2; 15. Nick Guy, 33.3 seconds on five heads. World standings: 1. Stetson Jorgensen, $233,733; 2. Will Lummus, $205,330; 3. Ty Erickson, $187,737; 4. Hunter Cure, $177,357; 5. Tyler Waguespack, $175,844; 6. Tristan Martin, $170,981; 7. J.D. Struxness, $165,827; 8. Kyle Irwin, $156,155; 9. Dakota Eldridge, $140,913; 10. Nick Guy, $131,625; 11. Tanner Brunner, $130,754; 12. Rowdy Parrott, $129,371; 13. Jesse Brown, $129,228; 14. Dirk Tavenner, $117,383; 15. Timmy Sparing, $93,644.

Team Roping: Seventh round: 1. Tyler Wade/Trey Yates, 3.9 seconds, $28,914; 2. Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, 4.0, $22,851; 3. (tie) Andrew Ward/Buddy Hawkins II and Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison, 4.4, $14,690 each; 5. (tie) Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, Clay Smith/Jake Long and Jake Orman/Brye Crites, 4.5, $4,042 each; 8. (tie) Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves and Lightning Aguilera/Jonathan Torres, 9.1; 10. Tanner Tomlinson/Patrick Smith, 9.4; 11. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 13.7; 12. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 18.4; 13. (tie) Coleman Proctor/Logan Medlin, Rhen Richard/Jeremy Buhler, and Jr. Dees/Levi Lord, NT. Average leaders: 1. Tanner Tomlinson/Patrick Smith, 41.0 seconds on seven head; 2. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 56.3 seconds on six head; 3. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 58.2; 4. Andrew Ward/Buddy Hawkins II, 25.0 seconds on five head; 5. Tyler Wade/Trey Yates, 26.6; 6. Jake Orman/Brye Crites, 27.4; 7. Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, 30.5; 8. Coleman Proctor/Logan Medlin, 31.8; 9. Jr. Dees/Levi Lord, 32.2; 10. Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves, 34.6; 11. Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison, 22.0 seconds on four head; 12. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 23.7; 13. Lightning Aguilera, Ocala, Fla., 32.3; 14. Clay Smith/Jake Long, 50.6; 15. Rhen Richard/Jeremy Buhler, 14.2 seconds on two heads.
World standings (headers): 1. Kaleb Driggers, $274,486; 2. Clay Tryan, $226,248; 3. Tanner Tomlinson, $197,814; 4. Andrew Ward, $191,747; 5. Tyler Wade, $173,862; 6. Jr. Dees, $169,857; 7. Dustin Egusquiza, $160,792; 8. Coleman Proctor, $159,321; 9. Chad Masters, $149,131; 10. Lightning Aguilera, $137,963; 11. Clay Smith, $131,807; 12. Jake Orman, $129,422; 13. Rhen Richard, $126,534; 14. Cody Snow, $118,010; 15. Riley Minor, $103,686. World standings (heeler): 1. Junior Nogueira, $274,486; 2. Patrick Smith, $197,814; 3. Jade Corkill, $192,440; 4. Buddy Hawkins II, $190,204; 5. Jake Long, $173,287; 6. Levi Lord, $171,255; 7. Trey Yates, $170,300; 8. Travis Graves, $161,506. 9. Logan Medlin, $159,321; 10. Joseph Harrison, $153,802; 11. Brye Crites, $130,764; 12. Jonathan Torres, $130,509; 13. Jeremy Buhler, $127,469; 14. Wesley Thorp, $118,010; 15. Brady Minor, $103,686.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Seventh round: 1. Logan Hay, 90 points on Hi Lo ProRodeo’s Garden City Gal, $28,914; 2. Zeke Thurston, 88.5, $22,851; 3. Lefty Holman, 87, $17,255; 4. Kade Bruno, 86.5, $12,125; 5. (tie) Chase Brooks and Dawson Hay, 86, $6,063; 7. Ryder Wright, 78; 8. Layton Green, 77; 9. Tanner Butner, 76; 10. Brody Cress, 74; 11. Sage Newman, 71.5; 12. Kolby Wanchuk, 63.5; 13. (tie) Stetson Wright, Wyatt Casper, and Kole Ashbacher, NS. Average leaders: 1. Zeke Thurston, 609.5 points on seven heads; 2. Logan Hay, 603.5; 3. Kolby Wanchuk, 575; 4. Tanner Butner, 570; 5. Brody Cress, 559; 6. Lefty Holman, 521.5 points on six heads; 7. Stetson Wright, 519; 8. Dawson Hay, 509; 9. Kade Bruno, 503.5; 10. Wyatt Casper, 496.5; 11. Kole Ashbacher, 493; 12. Sage Newman, 492.5; 13. Chase Brooks, 425 points on five heads; 14. Layton Green, 413; 15. Ryder Wright, 408. World standings: 1. Sage Newman, $308,349; 2. Stetson Wright, $270,974; 3. Lefty Holman, $266,307; 4. Zeke Thurston, $262,653; 5. Logan Hay, $261,054; 6. Brody Cress, $198,707; 7. Ryder Wright, $186,610; 8. Kolby Wanchuk, $181,631; 9. Layton Green, $175,808; 10. Chase Brooks, $167,595; 11. Kade Bruno, $165,914; 12. Dawson Hay, $153,896; 13. Wyatt Casper, $145,150; 14. Tanner Butner, $133,481; 15. Kole Ashbacher, $127,543.

Tie-Down Roping: Seventh round: 1. Kincade Henry, 7.1 seconds, $28,914; 2. Hunter Herrin, 7.6, $22,851; 3. Cory Solomon, 8.0, $17,255; 4. Caleb Smidt, 10.5, $12,125; 5. Riley Webb, 11.5, $7,462; 6. Zack Jongbloed, 13.5, $4,664; 7. Macon Murphy, 13.9; 8. Haven Meged, 18.7; 9. Shad Mayfield, 19.0; 10. Shane Hanchey, 19.7; 11. Tyler Milligan, 20.2; 12. (tie) John Douch, Marty Yates, Tuf Cooper, and Ty Harris, NT. Average leaders: 1. Caleb Smidt, 56.2 seconds on seven head; 2. Cory Solomon, 64.3; 3. Riley Webb, 66.8; 4. Zack Jongbloed, 70.7; 5. Macon Murphy, 77.8; 6. Haven Meged, 79.8; 7. Shad Mayfield, 84.2; 8. Shane Hanchey, 87.8; 9. Tyler Milligan, 92.3; 10. Hunter Herrin, 64.0 seconds on six head; 11. Ty Harris, 68.4; 12. Kincade Henry, 38.3 seconds on five head; 13. Marty Yates, 43.9; 14. John Douch, 21.8 seconds on three head; 15. Tuf Cooper, 26.1 points on two heads. World standings: 1. Caleb Smidt, $288,462; 2. Shad Mayfield, $265,273; 3. John Douch, $237,121; 4. Kincade Henry, $217,108; 5. Cory Solomon, $190,220; 6. Riley Webb, $188,597; 7. Haven Meged, $188,257; 8. Marty Yates, $187,068; 9. Hunter Herrin, $182,132; 10. Shane Hanchey, $154,908; 11. Zack Jongbloed, $151,418; 12. Tyler Milligan, $135,703; 13. Tuf Cooper, $134,382; 14. Macon Murphy, $130,717; 15. Ty Harris, $128,937.

Barrel Racing: Seventh round: 1. Wenda Johnson, 13.60 seconds, $28,914; 2. Leslie Small, 13.64, $22,851; 3. Sissy Winn, 13.66, $17,255; 4. (tie) Jordon Briggs and Emily Beisel, 13.68, $9,793; 6. Shelley Morgan, 13.71, $4,664; 7. Margo Crowther, 13.72; 8. Hailey Kinsel, 13.73; 9. Kassie Mowry, 13.77; 10. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 13.87; 11. Bayleigh Choate, 13.98; 12. Jessica Routier,18.35; 13. Lisa Lockhart, 18.57; 14. Stevi Hillman, 18.58; 15. Dona Kay Rule, 19.05. Average leaders: 1. Wenda Johnson, 96.55 seconds on seven runs; 2. Shelley Morgan, 96.65; 3. Sissy Winn, 97.32; 4. Bayleigh Choate, 97.86; 5. Lisa Lockhart, 100.92; 6. Jordon Briggs, 101.32; 7. Margo Crowther, 101.49; 8. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 101.81; 9. Hailey Kinsel, 105.83; 10. Leslie Small, 106.14; 11. Kassie Mowry, 106.69; 12. Jessica Routier, 107.40; 13. Dona Kay Rule, 107.62; 14. Emily Beisel, 110.06; 15. Stevi Hillman, 117.07. World standings: 1. Jordon Briggs, $232,082; 2. Hailey Kinsel, $225,225; 3. Wenda Johnson, $206,677; 4. Lisa Lockhart, $182,312; 5. Emily Beisel, $176,016; 6. Dona Kay Rule, $164,956; 7. Shelley Morgan, $156,370; 8. Margo Crowther, $149,775; 9. Kassie Mowry, $142,659; 10. Stevi Hillman, $138,064; 11. Sissy Winn, $136,565; 12. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $133,641; 13. Leslie Small, $129,429; 14. Bayleigh Choate, $118,148; 15. Jessica Routier, $108,988.

Bull Riding: Seventh round: 1. Trevor Kastner, 90.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Midnight Rider, $36,997; 2. Stetson Wright, 75.5, $30,935; 3. Josh Frost, 69.5, $25,338; 4. (tie) Jeff Askey, Garrett Smith, Tristen Hutchings, Maverick Potter, Trey Kimzey, Ky Hamilton, Jared Parsonage, Trey Holston, Creek Young, Lukasey Morris, and Cole Fischer, NS. 15. (tie) JR Stratford, Reid Oftedahl, Out. Average leaders: 1. Stetson Wright, 512 points on six heads; 2. Josh Frost, 504; 3. Trevor Kastner, 429 points on five heads; 4. Ky Hamilton, 332 points on four heads; 5. Tristen Hutchings, 269 points on three heads; 6. Trey Kimzey, 261; 7. Garrett Smith, 256.5; 8. Creek Young, 169 points on two heads; 9. Cole Fischer, 159.5; 10. (tie) Jeff Askey and JR Stratford, 90; 12. Jared Parsonage, 81.5; 13. (tie) Maverick Potter, Trey Holston, Lukasey Morris, and Reid Oftedahl, NS. World standings: 1. Stetson Wright, $482,784; 2. Josh Frost, $341,076; 3. Trevor Kastner, $229,996; 4. Tristen Hutchings, $227,756; 5. Jeff Askey, $216,848; 6. Ky Hamilton, $185,842; 7. Garrett Smith, $185,002; 8. Trey Kimzey, $168,189; 9. JR Stratford, $142,943; 10. Creek Young, $127,692; 11. Maverick Potter, $126,065; 12. Jared Parsonage, $122,314; 13. Trey Holston, $118,892; 14. Cole Fischer, $110,994; 15. Lukasey Morris, $110,667; 16. Reid Oftedahl, $107,944.

All-Around: 1. Stetson Wright, $586,512; 2. Caleb Smidt, $286,690; 3. Josh Frost, $240,080; 4. Marty Yates, $184,694; 5. Haven Meged, $174,666; 6. Coleman Proctor, $164,487; 7. Taylor Santos, $159,179; 8. Zack Jongbloed, $152,717; 9. Rhen Richard, $129,783; 10. Paul David Tierney, $118,792.

Top Gun leaders: 1. Caleb Smidt, $138,946; 2. Jess Pope, $131,717; 3. Stetson Wright, $130,318; 4. Logan Hay, $121,613; 5. Zeke Thurston, $118,815; 6. Lefty Holman, $116,328; 7. Kincade Henry, $115,162; 8. Hailey Kinsel, $105,835; 9. Josh Frost, $101,405; 10. Stetson Jorgensen, $99,073.

Here are the results from the first round of the Rodeo National Finals at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Bareback Riding

1. Kaycee Feild, 87.5 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Bronc Riding Nation, $28,914

2. Jess Pope, 87, $22,851

3. Tilden Hooper, 86.5, $17,255

4. Orin Larsen, 86, $12,125

5. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Cole Franks, 85.5, $6,063

7. (tie) Rocker Steiner, Clayton Biglow, and Ty Breuer, 85

10. (tie) Cole Reiner, R.C. Landingham, and Garrett Shadbolt, 83.5

13. Tanner Aus, 82

14. Caleb Bennett, 79

15. Leighton Berry, 72.5.

World Standings

1. Jess Pope, $192,110

2. Cole Reiner, $170,971

3. Kaycee Feild, $170,056

4. Caleb Bennett, $157,290

5. Tim O’Connell; $145,625

6. Rocker Steiner; $144,328

7. R.C. Landingham, $140,524

8. Tilden Hooper, $140,443

9. Leighton Berry, $140,194

10. Tanner Aus, $137,132

11. Orin Larsen, $133,784

12. Cole Franks, $132,489

13. Clayton Biglow, $119,820

14. Ty Breuer, $114,195

15. Garrett Shadbolt, $113,949.

Steer Wrestling

1. Nick Guy, 3.8 seconds, $28,914

2. Jesse Brown, 4.0, $22,851

3. Stetson Jorgensen, 4.2, $17,255

4. Ty Erickson, 4.5, $12,125

5. (tie) Tristan Martin and Kyle Irwin, 4.7, $6,063 each

7. Rowdy Parrott, 5.1; 8. Hunter Cure, 5.5

9. Tyler Waguespack, 5.9

10. Dakota Eldridge, 6.0

11. J.D. Struxness, 6.8

12. Dirk Tavenner, 7.0

13. Tanner Brunner, 11.60

14. Will Lummus, 13.9

15. Timmy Sparing, NT.

World Standings

1. Stetson Jorgensen, $161,916

2. Tyler Waguespack, $133,872

3. J.D. Struxness, $133,649

4. Ty Erickson, $129,909

5. Will Lummus, $129,781

6. Jesse Brown, $125,564

7. Tristan Martin, $120,615

8. Hunter Cure, $119,529

9. Nick Guy, $116,935

10. Kyle Irwin, $114,417

11. Dakota Eldridge, $114, 098

12. Tanner Brunner, $106,271

13. Rowdy Parrott, $94,861

14. Dirk Tavenner, $94,532

15. Timmy Sparing, $91,312.

Team Roping

1. Jr. Dees/Levi Lord, 4.3 seconds, $28,914

2. Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, 4.5, $22,851

3. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 4.7, $17,255

4. Andrew Ward/Buddy Hawkins II, 5.2, $12,125

5. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 5.3, $7,462

6. Coleman Proctor/Logan Medlin, 5.6, $4,664

7. Tanner Tomlinson/Patrick Smith, 9.4

8. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 9.5

9. Lightning Aguilera/Jonathan Torres, 14.4

10. (tie) Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves and Rhen Richard/Jeremy Buhler, Tyler Wade/Trey Yates, Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison, Clay Smith/Jake Long and Jake Orman/Brye Crites, NT.

World Standings (headers)

1. Kaleb Driggers, $255,133

2. Clay Tryan, $177,514

3. Andrew Ward, $146,744

4. Jr. Dees, $134,959

5. Coleman Proctor, $125,355

6. Tanner Tomlinson, $117,368

7. Dustin Egusquiza, $116,022

8. Cody Snow, $109,304

9. Rhen Richard, $109,279

10. Tyler Wade, $108,573

11. Lightning Aguilera, $100,421

12. Riley Minor, $99,022

13. Clay Smith, $98,852

14. Chad Masters, $97,444

15. Jake Orman, $95,067.

World Standings (heeler)

1. Junior Nogueira, $255,133

2. Buddy Hawkins II, $145,201

3. Jade Corkill, $143,706

4. Jake Long, $140,332

5. Levi Lord, $136,357

6. Logan Medlin, $125,355

7. Patrick Smith, $117,368

8. Travis Graves, $116,737

9. Jeremy Buhler, $110,214

10. Wesley Thorp, $109,304

11. Trey Yates, $105,011

12. Joseph Harrison, $102,115

13. Brady Minor, $99,022

14. Brye Crites, $96,410

15. Jonathan Torres, $92,968.

Saddle Bronc Riding

1. Sage Newman, 89 points on Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Rebels, $28,914

2. (tie) Zeke Thurston and Dawson Hay, 87.5, $20,053 each

4. Kolby Wanchuk, 87, $12,125

5. (tie) Brody Cress and Lefty Holman, 86.5, $6,063 each

7. (tie) Stetson Wright and Kole Ashbacher, 85

9. Kade Bruno, 84.5

10. Wyatt Casper, 83.5

11. Logan Hay, 82

12. Layton Green, 80.5

13. Tanner Butner, 80

14. Ryder Wright, 77.5

15. Chase Brooks, NS.

World Standings

1. Sage Newman, $292,105

2. Stetson Wright, $203,120

3. Brody Cress, $198,707

4. Zeke Thurston, $173,891

5. Ryder Wright, $171,920

6. Lefty Holman, $166,042

7. Kolby Wanchuk, $153,261

8. Logan Hay, $149,441

9. Layton Green, $148,993

10. Kade Bruno, $147,726

11. Dawson Hay, $141,771

12. Wyatt Casper, $133,802

13. Kole Ashbacher, $127,543

14. Chase Brooks, $123,992

15. Tanner Butner, $113,739.

Tie-Down Roping

1. Caleb Smidt, 7.5 seconds, $28,914

2. Kincade Henry, 8.1, $22,851

3. Hunter Herrin, 8.5, $17,255

4. Riley Webb, 8.7, $12,125

5. (tie) Haven Meged and Cory Solomon, 8.8, $6,063 each

7. Ty Harris, 9.6; 8. (tie) Marty Yates and Zack Jongbloed, 10.1

10. Shad Mayfield, 11.2

11. Macon Murphy, 12.4

12. Tyler Milligan, 17.1

13. Shane Hanchey, 19.9

14. (tie) John Douch and Tuf Cooper, NT.

World standings

1. Shad Mayfield, $213,508

2. Caleb Smidt, $188,430

3. John Douch, $176,729

4. Haven Meged, $172,090

5. Shane Hanchey, $142,782

6. Hunter Herrin, $142,026

7. Riley Webb, $139,631

8. Cory Solomon, $139,388

9. Zack Jongbloed, $135,251

10. Kincade Henry, $134,797

11. Tuf Cooper, $134,382

12. Marty Yates, $132,272

13. Tyler Milligan, $128,708

14. Ty Harris, $124,895

15. Macon Murphy, $115,793.

Barrel Racing

1. Wenda Johnson, 13.57 seconds, $28,914

2. Kassie Mowry, 13.65, $22,851

3. Jordon Briggs, 13.70, $17,255

4. Leslie Smalygo, 13.80, $12,125

5. Emily Beisel, 13.82, $7,462

6. Dona Kay Rule, 13.91, $4,664

7. Margo Crowther, 13.92

8. Bayleigh Choate, 13.97

9. Lisa Lockhart, 13.98

10. Shelley Morgan, 14.04

11. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 14.09

12. Stevi Hillman, 14.17

13. Sissy Winn, 14.19

14. Jessica Routier, 14.40

15. Hailey Kinsel, 18.89.

World standings

1. Jordon Briggs, $205,034

2. Wenda Johnson, $160,508

3. Dona Kay Rule, $142,105

4. Stevi Hillman, $130,602

5. Hailey Kinsel, $129,390

6. Kassie Mowry, $125,404

7. Shelley Morgan, $120,461

8. Sissy Winn, $111,848

9. Emily Beisel, $111,426

10. Margo Crowther, $106,871

11. Leslie Smalygo, $106,578

12. Bayleigh Choate, $100,893

13. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $98,432

14. Jessica Routier, $96,863

15. Lisa Lockhart, $94,871.

Bull Riding

1. Tristen Hutchings, 90.5 points on Stockyards Pro Rodeo’s Party Animal, $28,914

2. Jeff Askey, 90, $22,851

3. Trevor Kastner, 89, $17,255

4. Josh Frost, 88, $12,125

5. Trey Kimzey, 86, $7,462

6. Stetson Wright, 83.5, $4,664

7. Garrett Smith, 82.5

8. Jared Parsonage, 81.5

9. (tie) Maverick Potter, Ky Hamilton, Trey Holston, JR Stratford, Creek Young, Lukasey Morris, Reid Oftedahl, Cole Fischer, NS.

World Standings

1. Stetson Wright, $335,262

2. Josh Frost, $250,682

3. Jeff Askey, $216,848

4. Tristen Hutchings, $166,897

5. Garrett Smith, $151,658

6. Trevor Kastner, $150,795

7. Trey Kimzey, $130,648

8. Maverick Potter, $126,065

9. Ky Hamilton, $122,651

10. Jared Parsonage, $122,314;

11. Trey Holston, $118,892

12. JR Stratford, $117,061

13. Creek Young, $110,670

14. Lukasey Morris, $110,667

15. Reid Oftedahl, $107,944

16. Cole Fischer, $106,330

The third annual Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping Presented by Teton Ridge came to a close Wednesday with some fast-paced emotional action.

Taylor Munsell, the 2019 collegiate champion from Alva, Okla., set the pace in round six in 2.1 seconds for her second win in the 10-head competition. Munsell also tied with J.J. Hampton for the victory in round 10. It was the first time in 2022 that Hampton managed to do the victory lap, but the victory in the final third round went to the veteran roper from Stephenville, a resident of Texas. He also won round 10 in 2020 and 2021.

Round seven saw Joey Williams break the 2.0-second mark. Williams, of Volborg, Montana, stopped the clock in 1.9 seconds for the win. Round eight was even faster as world-ranking leader Martha Angelone was victorious at 1.8. That added $5,080 to her impressive earnings and put her stamp on her 2022 world championship. It also earned her the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame’s Betty Gayle Copper Fast Time Award. She finished the season with $130,303 and won her first world title.

“This is unbelievable,” Angelone said. “I left Virginia with nothing. When they started adding breaking ropes to professional rodeos, I set a goal to go to as many as I could, win as much as I could, and get a world title.”

Cadee Williams of Weatherford, Texas won the event’s championship by lassoing 10 calves in 31.9 seconds for the second most prestigious title in rodeo. Williams grew up in Montana as Cadee Tew, married a Texan, and now she and her family spend summers in Montana and compete in rodeos there.

“We all knew that Martha was going to win it (the world title), so going for average was the next goal,” Williams said. “My mare is only seven years old, so this was a real test. We do this as a family, so it’s a win for the whole family.”

The big-money winner at South Point Arena was Cheyanne Guillory, of Kingston, Oklahoma, who raised $27,037.

The following are the results of the Wrangler Breakaway Roping National Finals, Tuesday, November 30, 2022. For full results and standings, click here.

Round 6: 1, Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla., 2.1 seconds, $5,080. 2, Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo., 2.4, $4,204. 3, Cheyenne Guillory, Kingston, Oklahoma, $3328. 4, Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas, 2.9, $2452. 5, Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kansas, 2.9, $1577. 6, Cadee Williams, Weatherford, Texas, 3.4, $876.

Round 7: 1, Joey Williams, Volborg, Mont., 1.9 seconds, $5,080. 2, Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas, 2.2, $4204. 3, (tied) Shelby Boisjoli, Stephenville, Texas, and Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo., 2.3, $2,890 each. 5, Cheyanne Guillory, Kingston, Okla., 2.5, $1577. 6, Taylor Hanchey, Carmine, Texas, 2.8, $876.

Round 8: 1, Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas, 1.8, $5,080. 2, Samantha Fulton, Miller, SD, 1.9, $4204. 3, Cheyanne Guillory, Kingston, Oklahoma, 2.0, $3328. 4, (tied) Jordi Edens, Gatesville, Texas, and Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla., 2.1, $2,015 each. 6, (tied) Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D., and Taylor Hanchey, Carmine, Texas, 2.2, $438 each.

Round 9: 1, (tied) Taylor Hanchey, Carmine, Texas, and Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas, 2.1, $4,624. 3, J. J. Hampton, Stephenville, Texas, 2.2, $3,328. 4, Cheyanne Guillory, Kingston, Oklahoma, 2.4, $2452. 5, (tied) Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas, and Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D., 2.9, $1,226.

Round 10: 1, (tie) J.J. Hampton, Stephenville, Texas, and Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla., 2.2, $4624 each. 3, Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, South Dakota, 2.3, $3328. 4, Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas, $2452. 5, Josie Conner, Iowa, Louisiana, 2.8, $1577. 6, Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kansas, 3.0, $675.

Overall winners: (10 total) 1, Cadee Williams, Weatherford, Texas, 31.90, $13,866. 2, Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas, 40.1, $11,250. (in nine) 3, Cheyenne Guillory, Kingston, Okla., $8,895. 4, Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kansas, 36.3, $6541. 5, Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo., 43.40, $4,709. 6, Joey Williams, Volborg, Mont., 50.5, $3,401. 7, Josie Conner, Iowa, Louisiana, $51.7, $2,355. 8, (in eight) Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla., 19.9, $1,308.

Today You can watch nfr live match today here.

Garrett Smith Climbs Inside Top 15: PRCA Standings Shuffle

Garrett Smith has competed in the most critical stage of the rodeo. He qualified for three Wrangler National Finals Rodeos (2016, 2017, and 2019) but has struggled to stay healthy.

His most recent injury occurred in July of last year when we broke his right foot. The injury required surgery, and he effectively ended his season. The failure did not prevent him from returning to the bulls in 2022.

Smith has been on a roll on the ProRodeo circuit for the past week. He won the bull riding title at the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo in two days, but also finished second at the Cactus Jack Xtreme Bull Riding in Uvalde, Texas.

Those two days of work paid him $14,589, propelling him from 25th to 13th in the most current PRCA | RAM world ranking. He attributes his recent success to the animals he has had the opportunity to jump on board.

He explained that drawing good bulls has been the source of much of Smith’s success in recent weeks. I stayed optimistic and handled things one bull at a time. Everything worked out in the end.

At Guymon, he won with a 91-point run in the Frontier Rodeo’s Gladiator’s Hammer. It was a rematch of last year when Smith was not so lucky.

He commented that that bull felt great and that I was looking forward to the rematch. Last year in San Antonio, I slipped on him at the 7.8-second mark. So I knew he was happy, and I knew he was resisting. I was glad that he rode and won this time.

Smith’s goal for the summer race is to return to the Finals, but he realizes he has too much rodeo left. So he takes it one bull at a time.

He added that you couldn’t overthink anything; you have to follow one by one. It’s too early to start looking at the rankings. Like I’ve always said, the season doesn’t change until.

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You know you’re having a great run when you can draw a decent badass animal at any regular season rodeo and be like, “Oh yeah, I remember.” At the National Finals Rodeo, I rode it.

Brody Cress, a saddle bronc jockey, was competing in the Battle of the Best in Coarsegold, Calif., on Sunday. The saddle bronc jockeys were divided into six groups of four, with the winner of each group progressing to a six-man sprint.

Despite scoring just 78.5 points at the Four Star Rodeo’s Dakota Star, Cress advanced.

He is a talented young man, but Cress believes that he is still unpredictable. Fortunately, all six of us were riding tough horses, so my score was good enough.
Even better, Cress was given a far superior draw for the short run: Bar T Rodeo’s Hell Boy.

That is one of their most talented horses of his. Cress said, “I actually outclassed him at the 2020 NFR. He did more than just take his case. Cress finished second in Round 7 of the 2020 Wrangler NFR with an 88.5, earning over $21,000.”

At the Battle of the Best, Cress was ready to ride Hell Boy again. He is a horse that always offers pleasant rides. Cress said, “I just thought it was a really good opportunity, especially in a six-man short round.” On paper, having a horse like this promises a lot.

However, there is the paper part and then there is the driving part.

I knew all I had to do was the focus and I would have a shot at winning, Cress said, noting that it wasn’t like his journey at NFR in 2020. He had a slightly different journey. He got a bit heavier as the game progressed. However, I was able to finish strong and make everything go well.

In fact, Cress tied his 2020 Hell Boy score with an 88.5-point ride to win and continue his terrific start to the season. Cress is now fourth in the PRCA | RAM world ranking with nearly $60,000 in Wrangler NFR qualifying earnings. He has qualified for five straight NFRs and won three average NFR titles, including the 2021 edition.

As summer approaches, Cress hopes to keep up the pace.

Cress, who is originally from Hillsdale, Wyoming, but now resides in Weatherford, Texas, said, “I’ve had the privilege of bringing in some good horses at rodeos with a lot of good pay.” I only care about the things I can influence, and the rest will take care of itself. So far, this year has been a success. Hopefully, we can keep the ball rolling.