Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: Night Three Recap

Last night was the third night of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Teton Ridge. Here are the standings after round three.

Night three of the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Teton Ridge, rolled in with the subtlety of a rhinestone-covered freight train. After two nights of dust, drama, and “did someone just lose a tooth?” energy, the top 15 money earners of the season are officially warmed up — or at least running on adrenaline, muscle memory, and questionable amounts of arena dirt in their boots.

The first two rounds set a blazing pace. We’ve already seen scores that made the crowd erupt, rides that made even the tough guys flinch, and enough wild moments to keep the highlight reels busy for weeks. And judging by the way some contestants hobbled into night three, it’s clear the NFR isn’t just separating the best from the rest… it’s reminding everyone that eight seconds can feel like eight years.

As the dust settles on night three, here are your standings and earnings: because in Vegas, the competition is fierce, the money’s real, and the bragging rights might just outshine the neon lights on the Strip. Here’s who kept the heat alive tonight.

Bareback Riding

Night three of bareback riding came in like the broncs had been sipping espresso and anger all afternoon. The horses were launching, twisting, and throwing attitudes that could qualify for their own reality show, while the cowboys hung on with every ounce of grit and maybe a few whispered apologies to their spines. Some rides were electric, some were “blink and he’s airborne,” and at least one cowboy hit the ground wondering why gravity has to be so personal. Bareback didn’t just bring the heat tonight, it brought the whole wildfire.

Steer Wrestling

Night three of steer wrestling looked like the steers finally realized they were part of a competition and decided they absolutely wanted no part of it. The bulldoggers came flying off their horses like superheroes clocking in for duty, only to meet steers who were zig-zagging, spinning, and filing formal complaints mid-run. Some cowboys laid them down smoother than a Vegas blackjack dealer, some ended up in full-on dirt aerobics, and at least one steer strutted off like it had just won a popularity contest. Night three was fast, wild, and downright comedic.

Team Roping

Night Three of team roping was peak “we practiced this, I swear” energy. The headers came out throwing loops sharp enough to slice the arena dust in half, while the heelers were back there trying to snag feet on steers that suddenly decided to audition for track and field. Some teams were smoother than a Vegas lounge singer, some were a little more… interpretive.

Saddle Bronc Riding

Night three of saddle bronc riding looked like the broncs woke up and chose full dramatic flair. These horses were bucking with the enthusiasm of a toddler who found the sugar stash, while the cowboys did their best to stay stylish during what was essentially an eight-second hurricane. Some rides were pure poetry while some were more “flying lessons.”

Tie-Down Roping

Night three of tie-down roping was a full-speed blur of talent, timing, and calves who clearly decided tonight was the night to test their cardio. The ropers blasted off their horses like they were late for a flight, ropes snapped out with surgical precision, and the calves… well, some of them were sprinting like they’d trained for the Vegas Marathon. A few runs were so clean they deserved slow-motion replays and a few turned into accidental dance routines. Night three was fast, fiery, and flat-out fun to watch.

Barrel Racing

Night three of barrel racing felt less like a rodeo event and more like a NASCAR race with better hair. The horses came flying in like they had somewhere way more important to be, leaning so hard around those turns their riders could’ve dusted the barrels with their eyelashes. Some duos sliced through the pattern like butter and at least one barrel got bumped so dramatically it’s probably considering therapy. It was fast, flashy, and just chaotic enough to keep everyone wide awake.

Bull Riding

Night three of bull riding looked like the bulls all got together backstage and decided, “Let’s humble some folks tonight.” They blasted out of the chutes with full attitude, tossing cowboys around like they were promotional T-shirts at a basketball game. A few riders managed to hang on long enough to make their mothers proud, while others experienced involuntary flight training. These bulls weren’t just bucking, they were making statements.

Round four, lets see what you have to offer!