Horse Illustrated Magazine

For ten days, rodeo riders and fans will come to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Competitors qualify for the finals by competing in rodeo events across the country during the year. The Finals are always held during the first full week of December and mark the end of pro rodeo competition for the year.

The finals are held for seven rodeo events: bareback (bronc) riding; tie-down roping; steer wrestling; barrel racing; team roping; saddle bronc riding; barrel racing and bull riding. Only women are permitted to compete in barrel racing at this level, while the remaining events are restricted to men.

In addition to the individual events, the title of World All-Around Rodeo Champion Cowboy will also be awarded at the end of the Finals. The award goes to the highest-earning cowboy who regularly competed in two or more events during the year. Last year’s All-Around Champion was Trevor Brazile of Texas, who will be attempting to earn a record-tying seventh All-Around title this year.

Spectators at the WNFR also enjoy the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show. Over 400 vendors from across North America showcase western-themed arts and crafts, clothing, gifts and other products every day from 10am-5pm for the duration of the rodeo.

Learn more at prorodeo.com