2023 NFR Winners And Highlights

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2023 presented by Teton Ridge highlighted Resistol Rookie of the Year winners for a ten-day event in Las Vegas that encapsulates the essence of professional rodeo at its finest.

Held at the iconic Thomas & Mack Center, this year's NFR was a spectacle of skill, grit, and glory, showcasing the best in rodeo from barrel racing to bull riding.

Each round brought its own set of dramatic performances, record-breaking feats, and intense competitions, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 1 Overview

Bareback Riding: Rocker Steiner's Dazzling Performance

Rocker Steiner stole the show in bareback riding, conquering Risky Business with an impressive score of 87 points. This remarkable performance not only won him Round 1 but also marked his second Go-Round win in 11 NFR appearances. Steiner dedicated this win to his father, making up for last year's disappointment when he got bucked off on his dad's birthday.

Steer Wrestling: Dalton Massey's Record-Setting Debut

In steer wrestling, newcomer Dalton Massey set a high bar with a swift 3.5-second run, outperforming four-time World Champion Tyler Waguespack. This victory added a substantial $30,706 to Massey's earnings, boosting his total to over $234,000. His lead in the PRCA World Standings surged by about $53,000 after Round 1, showcasing a promising start to his NFR journey.

Team Roping: Summers and Long Make a Move

The team roping event saw Clint Summers and Jake Long take the top spot with a 4.2-second finish, edging out competitors Jake Clay and Tyler Worley. Their win propelled them up six spots in the PRCA World Standings, highlighting the competitive nature of the race.

Saddle Bronc: The Battle of the Top Contenders

Saddle bronc riding was fraught with drama as World No. 1 Stetson Wright, hampered by injury, bucked off, leaving the field open. Kade Bruno and Zeke Thurston, ranking third and fourth entering the NFR, both scored 86.5 points to share the round win. This result reshuffled the top positions, with Bruno and Thurston moving to No. 1 and No. 3 in the World Standings. Remarkably, the top four riders in this category are all within a $6,000 margin in earnings.

Tie-Down Roping: John Douch's Impressive Climb

In tie-down roping, John Douch's 7.7-second run was a standout performance, propelling him from 13th to 7th place in the standings. The competition was tight, with eight cowboys finishing within a mere 1.2 seconds of each other. Blane Cox, returning to the NFR for the first time since 2016, secured second place with a 7.9-second run.

Barrel Racing: Sissy Winn Takes the Lead

The barrel racing event was notable for its unpredictability, as seven cowgirls hit a barrel, surpassing any round from the 2022 NFR. Sissy Winn emerged as the round winner with a lightning-fast 13.71-second run, closely followed by Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, who extended her lead in the World Standings.

Bull Riding: Wright's Struggle and Hamilton's Triumph

In bull riding, Stetson Wright's injury woes continued as he bucked off again. This opened the door for World No. 2 Ky Hamilton, who clinched the round with an 86.5-point ride on Vitalix Theodore. Josh Frost took second place with an 85.5-point performance. The night saw nine bull riders successfully completing their rides, setting a high standard for the competition.

Summary

As the 2023 National Finals Rodeo progresses, these highlights from Round 1 set the stage for an enthralling series of events, with athletes pushing their limits and vying for top honors in their respective categories.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 2 Recap

Bareback Riding: Rocker Steiner Continues His Winning Streak

Rocker Steiner maintained his impressive form in bareback riding, scoring 88.5 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Mustard. This victory not only earned him over $71,000 but also catapulted him to the No. 2 position in the World Standings. He's now a whisker away from World No. 1 Keenan Hayes, leading the NFR Average after two rounds.

Steer Wrestling: Stan Branco's Remarkable Comeback

Stan Branco, returning to the NFR after a decade, made a striking impact in steer wrestling. His 3.9-second run earned him a victory, propelling him to No. 7 in the world rankings. Despite the top 6 remaining largely unchanged, Branco's performance is a testament to his enduring skill and experience.

Team Roping: Summers and Long's Second Consecutive Win

In team roping, Clint Summers and Jake Long secured their second straight win with a record-tying 3.8-second run. This win, following their 4.2-second run in Round 1, has significantly boosted their positions in the World Standings, with Summers now at No. 3 and Long at No. 2.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Tanner Butner Rises, Wright Bows Out

Tanner Butner clinched the round in saddle bronc riding and took the early lead in the NFR Average on Exotic Warrior. However, the event was also marked by Stetson Wright's withdrawal due to injury, reshuffling the standings with Zeke Thurston now leading, followed by Kade Bruno.

Tie-Down Roping: Caleb Smidt's Strong Rebound

Reigning World Champion Caleb Smidt bounced back in tie-down roping, winning Round 2 with the fastest time of the rodeo at 7.3 seconds. This victory was a significant turnaround from his performance in Round 1, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

Barrel Racing: Stevi Hillman Leads a Night of Comebacks

Stevi Hillman emerged victorious in barrel racing with a time of 13.62 seconds, leading a night where six cowgirls matched or bested Round 1's winning time. This performance underlines the high level of competition and the ability of the competitors to adapt and improve rapidly.

Bull Riding: Jared Parsonage Claims His First NFR Win

Canadian bull rider Jared Parsonage won his first NFR round, scoring 87.5 points. Ky Hamilton, with an 86-point ride, continued to close the gap on Stetson Wright in the World Standings, reducing Wright's lead significantly over two days.

Summary

Round 2 of the 2023 NFR showcased a blend of familiar winners and exciting comebacks. The night was filled with record-breaking performances, unexpected twists, and the true spirit of rodeo. The withdrawal of Stetson Wright due to injury was a significant development, altering the dynamics of the competition. As the contestants gear up for the upcoming rounds, the excitement and anticipation continue to build at the Thomas & Mack Center.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 3 Recap

Bareback Riding: Keenan Hayes Returns to Form

In bareback riding, Keenan Hayes made a significant comeback, riding Frontier Rodeo’s Full Baggage to an 87.5-point finish, tying with Cole Reiner for second place. This performance boosted Hayes to No. 4 in the Average with 253.5 points on three rides, closely trailing Round 3 winner Mason Clements.

Tie-Down Roping: Riley Webb's First NFR Go-Round Win

Riley Webb, another top contender, won his first career NFR Go-Round in tie-down roping with a 6.9-second run. His performance was just three-tenths off the Round 3 record and matched last year's winning time. Webb outperformed Cory Solomon, the Round 3 winner from 2022, who finished with 7 seconds.

Steer Wrestling: Nick Guy Tops the Round

In steer wrestling, Nick Guy emerged victorious with a swift 4.2-second run. This win highlighted his skill and precision in a highly competitive field.

Team Roping: Proctor and Medlin's Impressive Win

The team roping event saw Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin take the round with a remarkable 3.7-second run. Their performance showcased their synergy and expertise in this highly technical event.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Sage Newman's Dominance

Sage Newman dominated in saddle bronc riding, scoring an impressive 89.5 points. His performance underlined his prowess in the event and his standing as a top competitor.

Barrel Racing: Lisa Lockhart's Swift Victory

In barrel racing, Lisa Lockhart clinched the round with a speedy 13.51-second run. This win reflected her agility and coordination, vital for success in this fast-paced event.

Bull Riding: Creek Young's High-Scoring Ride

Creek Young took the spotlight in bull riding with an outstanding 89-point ride. His performance was a testament to his courage and skill in one of the most challenging and dangerous events in rodeo.

Summary

As the National Finals Rodeo progresses, the excitement continues to build with each round bringing new winners and shifting standings. The athletes are not only competing for the top spots in their respective events but also aiming for the coveted world titles. With such high stakes, the upcoming rounds promise more thrilling performances and potentially more changes in the standings.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 4 Recap

Bull Riding: Ky Hamilton's Dramatic Win

The highlight of Round 4 was the intense bull riding competition, especially the showdown between Ky Hamilton and Sage Kimzey. With Kimzey already scoring 88 points, the pressure was on Hamilton to outperform and avoid a large payout to Kimzey due to ground money. Hamilton rose to the challenge, scoring an impressive 89 points on Fred of Bridwell Pro Rodeo. This victory marked his fourth consecutive win at the NFR and pushed his season earnings over $400,000, significantly ahead of his closest competitor, Josh Frost.

Tie-Down Roping: Shad Mayfield's Triumph

In tie-down roping, Shad Mayfield clinched the round with a remarkable 6.9-second run, demonstrating his resilience and skill. Riley Webb followed closely with a 7.1-second performance, and competitors needed a time of 7.6 seconds or less to earn a payout. Mayfield's win solidified his position as third in both the PRCA World Standings and the Projected World Standings.

Bareback Riding: Leighton Berry's Victory

Leighton Berry emerged victorious in the bareback riding event, scoring 87.5 points. His performance showcased his expertise and consistency in one of the rodeo's most challenging events.

Steer Wrestling: Bridger Anderson's Swift Success

Bridger Anderson won the steer wrestling round with an impressive 3.5-second run. This result highlighted his quick reflexes and precision, vital for success in steer wrestling.

Team Roping: Summers and Long Continue to Dominate

The team roping duo of Clint Summers and Jake Long continued their dominant performance, winning the round with a 3.7-second run. Their consistent victories are a testament to their excellent coordination and skill as a team.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Damian Brennan's Top Score

In saddle bronc riding, Damian Brennan secured the round win with an outstanding 89-point ride. His performance underlined his riding prowess and ability to handle challenging situations.

Barrel Racing: Sissy Winn's Swift Performance

Sissy Winn led the barrel racing event with a quick 13.50-second run. Her agility and control over her horse were key factors in her successful performance.

Summary

Round 4 of the NFR was marked by dramatic performances and tight competitions across all events. Ky Hamilton's victory in bull riding was particularly noteworthy for its high stakes and his remarkable ability to maintain a lead under pressure. As the NFR continues, the excitement builds with each round, showcasing the incredible talent and determination of the competitors as they vie for top honors in their respective categories.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 5 Recap

Bareback Riding: Jayco Roper and Clayton Biglow Set a New High

In bareback riding, Jayco Roper and Clayton Biglow both achieved an impressive score of 89.5 points, setting a new high for the event. Roper celebrated his first career NFR round win, while Biglow marked his first victory since 2019.

Steer Wrestling: JD Struxness's Record-Breaking Run

JD Struxness excelled in steer wrestling with a lightning-fast 3.3-second run, the fastest of the NFR so far. This performance propelled him to No. 2 in the World and marked his first victory after placing second in two of the previous three rounds.

Team Roping: Luke Brown and Hunter Koch Triumph

Luke Brown and Hunter Koch clinched the win in team roping with a time of 3.8 seconds, moving up to No. 5 in the NFR Average. Their victory came after Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin's faster time of 3.1 seconds was disqualified due to a crossfire.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Zeke Thurston's Stellar Performance

Zeke Thurston, riding The Calgary Stampede’s Xplosive Skies, scored the first 90-point ride of the rodeo in saddle bronc riding, earning 91 points. This outstanding performance gave him a four-point lead in the NFR Average Standings and a $15,000 lead in the World Standings.

Tie-Down Roping: Caleb Smidt Hits the Magic Number

Caleb Smidt, the reigning World Champion, won the tie-down roping event with a time of 6.9 seconds, marking his second win at the 2023 NFR and continuing the streak of 6.9 seconds being the winning time for three consecutive rounds.

Barrel Racing: Summer Kosel Sets a New Round Record

In barrel racing, Summer Kosel set a new round record with a time of 13.42 seconds, just edging out Emily Beisel's previous record of 13.43 seconds from last year. Kosel's win was a testament to her skill and her horse Apollo's agility.

Bull Riding: Sage Kimzey's Impressive Win on Polar Express

Sage Kimzey delivered a remarkable performance in bull riding, scoring 92 points on Polar Express of Stace Smith Pro Rodeo, a bull that had previously been unridden. Kimzey's win, combined with the limited number of successful rides, resulted in him earning over $99,000 in the last two rounds due to ground money.

Summary

Round 5 of the NFR marked the halfway point of the 2023 event with several records being broken and the largest scores or fastest times being achieved in various events. The competitors continued to showcase their exceptional skills and determination, making this year's NFR an unforgettable and thrilling experience. As the event proceeds into its second half, the anticipation and excitement among both the competitors and the fans are at an all-time high.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 6 Overview

Team Roping: Erich Rogers and Paul Eaves Set a New Record

Round 6 of the NFR, a unique mid-week matinee at the Thomas & Mack Center, showcased an exceptionally fast team roping round. Eight teams finished faster than 4.1 seconds, and a time of 3.9 seconds was needed just to earn a payout. Erich Rogers and Paul Eaves emerged victorious with a 3.5-second run, marking the fastest run of this rodeo. This win was not only their first Go-Round victory of the 2023 NFR but also their first payout of the event.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Kade Bruno's Impressive Ride

Kade Bruno, in saddle bronc riding, delivered an outstanding 88.5-point ride on Cat Walk of Summit Pro Rodeo. This victory propelled Bruno to third in the PRCA World Standings and the NFR Average, and to second in the Projected Final Standings, just behind reigning World Champion Zeke Thurston.

Bull Riding: Ky Hamilton's Remarkable Comeback

Ky Hamilton continued to be a central figure at the NFR, particularly in Round 6. After a rough Round 5 that resulted in hospitalization and an initial ruling out for Round 6, Hamilton made an unexpected comeback. He scored 85.5 points, securing third place in the round behind Josh Frost and Sage Kimzey, who won his third consecutive round. Hamilton now leads the standings, apart from Stetson Wright, by $124,000 with four rounds remaining. His expected participation in Round 7 adds to the anticipation.

Summary

Round 6 of the NFR was filled with record-setting performances, thrilling comebacks, and intense competition. The small but enthusiastic crowd of about 4,000 witnessed some of the most memorable moments of the rodeo, including the fastest team roping round and a highly improbable eight-second bull ride. As the rodeo progresses, these highlights add to the overall excitement and spectacle of the event, with each round bringing new surprises and remarkable feats.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 7 Recap

Tie-Down Roping: Haven Meged Sets a New Arena Record

In Round 7 of the NFR, tie-down roper Haven Meged thrilled the audience with a record-breaking 6.4-second run, surpassing the previous arena record of 6.5 seconds held by Shad Mayfield, Trevor Brazile, and Cody Ohl. This remarkable achievement not only won him the Go-Round but also placed him at the forefront in the NFR Average. His reaction, throwing his hat post-run, underscored the significance of this milestone.

Bull Riding: Ky Hamilton's Continued Dominance

Ky Hamilton's legend in bull riding grew exponentially after his extraordinary performance. Despite being knocked out in Round 5, Hamilton returned with a vengeance, successfully riding his second bull of the day and clinching all of the day's earnings. This victory, his second incredible eight-second ride in less than eight hours, extended his lead in the NFR Average and added over $99,000 to his standings in the PRCA World, widening his lead over Josh Frost to $223,000.

Bareback Riding: Clayton Biglow's Victory

Clayton Biglow captured the spotlight in bareback riding with a notable 88-point performance, showcasing his skill and consistency in one of the most physically demanding events.

Steer Wrestling: Waguespack and Branco Share the Win

In steer wrestling, Tyler Waguespack and Stan Branco both achieved an impressive 3.8-second run, sharing the victory in this highly competitive event.

Team Roping: A Three-Way Tie for the Win

The team roping event witnessed a three-way tie for the win. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, Clay Smith/Paden Bray, and Clint Summers/Jake Long all finished with an identical time of 4.0 seconds, demonstrating the high level of competition and skill in this category.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Wright and Brennan Share Honors

Ryder Wright and Damian Brennan both scored 87 points in saddle bronc riding, sharing the win. Their performances were a testament to their abilities to master challenging rides.

Barrel Racing: Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi Leads the Pack

Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi emerged as the victor in barrel racing with a swift 13.47-second run, underlining her agility and precision in navigating the course.

Summary

Round 7 of the NFR was a night of records, comebacks, and intense competition. Haven Meged's record-breaking run in tie-down roping and Ky Hamilton's resilience in bull riding were the highlights of the evening, captivating the crowd with their extraordinary performances. As the NFR progresses, these achievements add to the excitement and anticipation for the remaining rounds, with each event bringing its own set of challenges and triumphs for the competitors.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 8 Overview

Barrel Racing: Record-Breaking Performances

Round 8 of the NFR saw extraordinary performances in barrel racing. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi set a new round record with a 13.34-second run, eclipsing Amberleigh Moore’s previous record. However, Kassie Mowry quickly surpassed this, stopping the clock at 13.30 seconds to win the Go-Round and claim the record for herself.

Team Roping: Matching the World Record

In team roping, Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp achieved a remarkable feat by matching the NFR and World Record with a 3.3-second run. This performance equaled the record held by Chad Masters/Jade Corkill (2009) and Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira (2017).

Saddle Bronc Riding: Intense Rivalry and Shared Victory

Sage Newman, vying for his first world title, and Zeke Thurston continued their rivalry in saddle bronc riding. Both riders, along with Brody Cress, scored 87.5 points, resulting in a three-way split of the Go-Round win. Newman's performance on Three Hills Rodeo's Devil's Advocate earned him a significant paycheck and continued his pursuit of the world No. 1 ranking.

Tie-Down Roping: Hunter Herrin Takes the Win

Hunter Herrin claimed victory in tie-down roping with a 7.4-second run. The event also saw Haven Meged, fresh from setting a new arena record in the previous round, earn a substantial payout with a 7.7-second run, placing third.

Bareback Riding: Jess Pope's Winning Ride

Jess Pope emerged as the winner in bareback riding with an 88.5-point effort, demonstrating his skill and consistency in one of the rodeo's most challenging events.

Steer Wrestling: Bridger Anderson's Swift Victory

Bridger Anderson clinched the win in steer wrestling with a rapid 3.3-second run, underlining his quick reflexes and precision in this highly competitive event.

Bull Riding: Tristen Hutchings' Impressive Performance

In bull riding, Tristen Hutchings delivered a remarkable 89-point ride to win Round 8. His performance was a testament to his courage and skill in one of the most challenging and dangerous events in rodeo.

Summary

Round 8 of the NFR was a night of record-breaking runs, intense competition, and shared victories. The athletes showcased their extraordinary skills, resilience, and determination, making this round particularly memorable. As the NFR nears its conclusion, the anticipation and excitement continue to build, with each event bringing its own set of challenges and triumphs for the competitors.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 9 Overview

Team Roping: Wade/Thorp Solidify Their Lead

Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp continued their exceptional performance in team roping. Following their record-matching 3.3-second run in Round 8, they clocked in at 3.5 seconds in Round 9, further solidifying their No. 1 rankings and widening the gap from their closest competitors, Derrick Begay and Colter Todd.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Zeke Thurston Takes the Lead

Zeke Thurston made significant strides in the saddle bronc riding, breaking a tie with Sage Newman in the World Standings. Thurston's 88.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Zaka Kibitz in Round 9 not only won him the round but also gave him a substantial lead in the World and Projected World Standings.

Barrel Racing: Kassie Mowry's Victorious Run

In barrel racing, Kassie Mowry set a blistering pace with a 13.37-second run, winning Round 9. Close behind her was Lisa Lockhart, who continued her strong performance at the NFR with a second-place finish, crossing the line in 13.41 seconds.

Bareback Riding: Rocker Steiner's Dominance

Rocker Steiner excelled in bareback riding, securing an 87-point ride and winning Round 9. His performance underscored his rising status in the event.

Steer Wrestling: Cody Devers' First Payout

Cody Devers claimed victory in steer wrestling with a swift 3.5-second run, marking his first payout of this year's NFR. Jesse Brown also made a notable performance, tying for fourth in the round.

Tie-Down Roping: Westyn Hughes and Tuf Cooper Share the Win

Westyn Hughes and Tuf Cooper both finished the tie-down roping event with identical times of 7.1 seconds, sharing the top spot. Haven Meged also finished in the money, placing sixth with a time of 7.8 seconds.

Bull Riding: Jeff Askey's Impressive Ride

In bull riding, Jeff Askey captured the round with an 89-point ride, showcasing his skill and determination in one of the rodeo's most challenging events.

Summary

Round 9 of the NFR brought us closer to determining the 2023 World Champions. The night was marked by record-breaking runs, strategic victories, and intense rivalries. As the competitors prepare for the final round, the excitement and anticipation reach their peak, with each event offering a last chance for athletes to make their mark on the 2023 NFR.

2023 NFR Highlights: Round 10 Overview

Tie-Down Roping: Haven Meged Secures Average Title

Haven Meged concluded the 65th National Finals Rodeo with an impressive achievement, winning the average title in tie-down roping. Despite an 8.7-second run in Round 10 that placed him out of the money, his 10-day average of 7.74 seconds broke the NFR record. Finishing the season with $411,262, Meged described his success as a "dream come true," taking the second spot in the world standings behind Riley Webb.

Barrel Racing: Lisa Lockhart's Consistent Excellence

Lisa Lockhart, from the Circle area, also clinched the average title in barrel racing. Her Round 10 performance of 13.54 seconds on her horse Levee contributed to an average of 13.71 seconds during the NFR. This achievement marked her third average title, adding to her victories in 2014 and 2016.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Sage Newman's Valiant Effort

Sage Newman, in pursuit of his first world title, delivered an outstanding 91-point ride on Andrews Rodeo's All Or Nothin in Round 10, winning the round. However, Canadian Zeke Thurston clinched the world title with an 86.5-point performance and also won the average title. Newman finished second in the world and fifth in the average standings.

Steer Wrestling: Ty Erickson and Jesse Brown's Performances

In steer wrestling, former Montana State University cowboy Jesse Brown tied for fifth with a 4.2-second run, while Helena bulldogger Ty Erickson clocked in at 5.5 seconds in the final round. Tyler Waguespack won the world title with a 3.8-second run, tying for the round win with Will Lummus.

Bareback Riding: Keenan Hayes Dominates

PRCA rookie Keenan Hayes from Hayden, Colorado, won both the world title and the average title in bareback riding with a 90-point round-winning performance. Richmond Champion finished the event ranked 15th in the world and ninth in the average.

Team Roping: Wade and Thorp's World Championship

In team roping, Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp clinched the world championships, while Derek Begay and Colter Todd won the average. The Round 10 winners were Nelson Wyatt and Jonathan Torres with a 3.7-second effort.

Bull Riding: Ky Hamilton's Triumphant Win

Australian Ky Hamilton, who had already secured his first world title in Round 9, showcased resilience through injuries during the NFR. Hayes Weight won Round 10 with a 91-point ride on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos' Polar Express.

All-Around Title: Stetson Wright's Fifth Consecutive Win

Stetson Wright, despite being injured, claimed his fifth consecutive all-around title, demonstrating his remarkable versatility and endurance across events.

Summary

Round 10 of the NFR brought the event to a close, with several competitors securing their world and average titles. The round was marked by exceptional performances, record-breaking runs, and the culmination of intense rivalries and efforts throughout the 10-day event. The competitors' achievements underscored their skill, determination, and resilience, making the 2023 NFR a memorable and exciting event in rodeo history.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.