Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: Night One Recap

Last night kicked off the first night of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Teton Ridge. Here are the standings after round one.

 

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Last night officially kicked off night one of the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge: the Super Bowl of dirt and denim. This year’s NFR brings together the top 15 money earners from the 2025 season across every fan-favorite thrill ride: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing.

Round one did not disappoint. Between the pyrotechnics, the crowd energy, and at least three moments where someone’s mama probably covered her eyes, the competition came out hot. The checks were big, the scores were bigger, and a few cowboys are definitely icing things today that they forgot could hurt.

Here are your standings and earnings after night one — because if there’s one thing the Wrangler NFR teaches us every year, it’s that money might not buy happiness, but it sure buys bragging rights (and maybe a new hat).

Bareback Riding

The bareback riding horses came out like they had a group meeting beforehand and decided, “Let’s see who we can launch into orbit first.” The cowboys showed up ready, taped, and probably praying a lot, because those broncs were in full “absolutely not today” mode. Scores were high, form was sharp, and at least one rider is definitely reconsidering every life choice that led to an 8-second chiropractic appointment.

Steer Wrestling

On night one of steer wrestling the bulldoggers launched themselves off their horses with full superhero commitment, grabbed those steers like they owed them money, and hit the dirt with enough force to make chiropractors across Vegas smile. Some runs were smooth, some were… character-building, and at least one steer walked off looking like he won.

Team Roping

Team roping was a perfect blend of precision, partnership, and “please let this loop land.” The headers came out firing like they’d been practicing on invisible steers all year, while the heelers were out there snatching feet like it was a competitive sport—which, luckily, it is. A few teams made it look silky smooth, a few made it look like they were roping ghosts, and at least one steer left the arena feeling pretty proud of its fancy footwork.

Saddle Bronc Riding

The saddle bronc riding looked like a mash-up of ballet, chaos, and pure cowboy stubbornness. The broncs came out with attitude, the riders came out with style, and together they created eight seconds of “graceful disaster” that only this event can deliver. A few cowboys made it look easy… and a few looked like they were trying to negotiate peace with a horse that absolutely refused the terms.

Tie-Down Roping

Tie-down roping was a whirlwind of speed, strategy, and more tumbleweed than some rodeo movies. The ropers dashed off their horses like they had rockets strapped to their boots, swung their ropes with laser focus, and hit the dirt faster than you can say “hogtie.” Some calves barely knew what hit them, some ropers may have briefly questioned their life choices, and the crowd? Let’s just say they loved every chaotic second.

Barrel Racing

Barrel racing was pure lightning on four legs, with horses turning tighter than your grandma’s favorite casserole pan. The riders leaned, sprinted, and hung on like their lives depended on it (because, well, their pride did). Some runs were smooth and flawless, some were “graceful mayhem,” and a few barrels got up close-and-personal with the dirt, because nothing says excitement like a little dust cloud and a whole lot of determination.

Bull Riding

The bull riding was basically eight seconds of “hold my beer” energy wrapped in pure adrenaline. The bulls came out looking like they had a personal vendetta against gravity, fences, and anyone wearing a numbered vest. A couple of riders stuck it like champs, a few took scenic flights across the arena, and at least one guy is probably still finding dirt in places he didn’t know existed.

Let’s see who keeps the momentum rolling into Round 2!