The Wildest Sport: Preparing for the 2024 NFR in Las Vegas
Get ready, Vegas – because the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is back, and it’s set to bring the heat to the desert once again! For rodeo fans and sports bettors alike, this is one of the most action-packed events of the year. Whether you’re a die-hard rodeo follower or just dipping your toes into the scene, the NFR is your chance to experience the ultimate showdown of grit, skill, and cowboy culture.
The National Finals Rodeo is the Super Bowl of rodeo, held annually in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center. This year, from December 5th to 14th, the top cowboys and cowgirls in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) will compete for an impressive $12,501,505 prize and the coveted gold buckle in seven thrilling events.
The energy is electric, the stakes are high, and the performances are unforgettable. If you’ve never been to an NFR, think of it as part extreme sport, part pageantry, and all heart.
How the NFR Works
The National Finals Rodeo brings together the best of the best in rodeo. Only the top 15 contestants in each standard rodeo event qualify to compete. These elite athletes earn their spots based on the PRCA World Standings from the previous year.
The NFR consists of 10 rounds, with one round held each night over 10 consecutive days. Each contestant competes once per round, battling for daily wins that contribute to their overall standings. It’s a marathon of skill, endurance, and mental toughness, all culminating in the crowning of champions. At the end of the NFR, two champions are crowned in each event, with four champions in team roping (headers and heelers):
- Average Winner: The competitor with the best cumulative performance across all 10 rounds.
- World Champion: The competitor who finishes the year with the most money earned.
Interestingly, the average winner and world champion can be different individuals. Contestants can rack up extra cash and points by placing in the top eight in the average standings, which can be pivotal in determining the year-end world champion.
The NFR fun isn’t just for the seasoned professionals, either. The future of rodeo shines bright at the Junior World Finals. This exciting event runs alongside the NFR and features over 800 junior rodeo athletes competing for the Montana Silversmiths Championship Buckle and a staggering $1 million in combined cash and prizes.
The Lineup: Rodeo Events Explained
If you’re new to rodeo, the NFR is the perfect crash course in what makes this sport so exciting. Each event showcases the sheer athleticism and mental toughness of the competitors, often leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats. You can find the full NFR schedule of performances here. Here’s a more detailed look at the events:
Bareback Riding
In this high-adrenaline event, riders use only a leather rigging strapped to a bucking horse. Their goal? Stay on for eight seconds while demonstrating control and style. Judges score the ride based on the horse’s bucking action and the rider’s ability to match its movements. It’s a punishing event – riders are often tossed, slammed, and bruised by the end of the night.
Steer Wrestling
Also known as “bulldogging,” steer wrestling is as wild as it sounds. Competitors chase a steer on horseback, leap off at full speed, grab the animal by the horns, and wrestle it to the ground—all in under 10 seconds if they want to be competitive. Strength, timing, and fearlessness are essential, and even the best can miss their mark.
Team Roping
Team roping is the ultimate test of coordination. Two cowboys (the header and the heeler) must rope a steer’s horns and hind legs in perfect sync. The header starts the event by catching the steer’s horns, and the heeler follows with a quick loop around its back legs. Fast hands and flawless teamwork are what separate the contenders from the champions.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Known as the “classic event” of rodeo, saddle bronc riding is as much about grace as it is about strength. Riders use a specialized saddle and hold a single braided rein attached to the horse. The goal is to maintain balance while the horse bucks with incredible power. Judges score the performance on how synchronized the rider is with the horse’s movements.
Tie-Down Roping
Tie-down roping demands speed, accuracy, and precise horsemanship. Cowboys lasso a calf, dismount their horse, and tie three of the calf’s legs together in a matter of seconds. Mistakes, like missing the rope or the calf kicking free, can cost valuable time – and often, the win.
Barrel Racing
This event is a crowd favorite, especially for its high-speed action. Female riders guide their horses through a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, aiming for the fastest time without knocking over a barrel. Precision and a deep bond between horse and rider make all the difference in this heart-pounding race.
Bull Riding
The showstopper of the NFR, bull riding is often the most anticipated event of the night. Cowboys climb aboard massive, unpredictable bulls weighing over 2,000 pounds. They must stay mounted for eight seconds while the bull twists, bucks, and spins with pure ferocity. It’s not just a battle of strength but also strategy, as riders must anticipate and counter the bull’s every move.
Betting on the NFR
The NFR isn’t just a showcase of talent – it’s also a prime opportunity for sports bettors to get in on the action. With multiple events and dozens of athletes competing, the betting options are nearly as exciting as the rodeo itself. Here’s how you can get started:
Understand the Odds
Each competitor brings unique skills and a track record of performance, which is reflected in their betting odds. Some events, like bull riding, may have higher variance, while others, such as barrel racing, may favor riders with consistent records. Be sure to study past performances, rankings, and recent trends to make informed bets.
Bet on the All-Around Cowboy
If you’re looking for a broader wager, consider betting on the All-Around Cowboy title. This prestigious award goes to the competitor who earns the most across two or more events during the NFR. It’s a great way to focus on the top-tier athletes who excel in versatility and consistency.
Live Betting
Vegas sportsbooks thrive during the NFR, and live betting takes the excitement to another level. With wagers placed in real time, you can adjust your picks based on how each round unfolds. Keep an eye on individual performances and make your bets strategically for maximum payout potential.
Watching the Rodeo in Las Vegas
If you’re a rodeo fan or new to the sport, National Finals Rodes in Las Vegas is the place to immerse yourself in the excitement and see some of the best talent in the field. For those looking to immerse themselves fully in the rodeo experience, there are plenty of NFR events and offers around the city to get your cowboy boots on the ground:
- Relax and Rodeo Package: Enjoy a 2-night stay at Circa Las Vegas (21+) or the D (all ages), and a reserved table at the Buckaroo Ball.
- Gary Leffew’s Buckaroo Ball: A free, all-ages watch party at the DLVEC, running for ten days during the NFR. At Buckaroo Ball: After Dark, check out some live country music for $25 a night.
- Meet the Steer Wrestlers: On Tuesday, December 10, from 11am to 1pm, fans can meet their favorite NFR steer wrestlers for autographs at Overhang Bar at Circa Las Vegas.
- Specialty NFR Cocktail: During NFR weekend, guests can savor the “8 Second Ride,” a smooth blend of whiskey, Ramazzotti Amaro, and maple syrup, available exclusively at Vegas Vickie’s.
- Buck Wild Giveaway: From December 4-14, daily drawings at Circa, the D, and Golden Gate offer chances to win NFR tickets, Boot Barn gift cards, and exclusive NFR gear. The grand finale on December 14 at the D Las Vegas will award one lucky winner an exclusive saddle.
Don’t miss out on the entertainment, shopping, and performances from top athletes. While you’re in town, be sure to stop by Circa Las Vegas. With the National Finals Rodeo, Circa Sports sportsbook, and Stadium Swim, you’ll be able to get your fill of sports – from rodeo to football!