Top NFR Contestants to Watch in 2025: Your Guide to Rodeo's Elite

As the dust settles on another electrifying rodeo season, all eyes are already turning towards the bright lights of Las Vegas for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) 2025. Widely considered the pinnacle of professional rodeo, the NFR showcases the very best cowboys and cowgirls, competing for coveted gold buckles and millions in prize money. For fans, it's more than just a competition; it's a spectacle of skill, courage, and sheer determination. At Neaera Consulting, we understand your passion for the NFR, and we're here to help you get ahead of the curve. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the likely contenders, rising stars, and perennial champions across all seven events, giving you an insider's look at the top NFR contestants to watch in 2025.

The road to the NFR is long and arduous, demanding consistency, resilience, and often, a touch of luck. Only the top 15 in each event qualify, making every ride, run, and throw count. For 2025, we anticipate a fascinating blend of established legends seeking to add to their legacies and a hungry new guard eager to etch their names into rodeo history. Whether you're a seasoned rodeo aficionado or a newcomer to the sport, understanding who to watch and why will undoubtedly enhance your NFR experience. Get ready to witness greatness as we break down the elite roster of talent poised to dominate the Thomas & Mack Center arena.

Bareback Riding: The Thrill of the Ride

Bareback riding is often called the most physically demanding event in rodeo, requiring incredible upper body strength, balance, and grit. Riders must stay atop a bucking horse for eight seconds, holding onto a riggin' with one hand. The athleticism required is immense, and the scores are judged on both the rider's spurring technique and the horse's performance.

Perennial Favorites & Reigning Champions

• Jess Pope: A modern-day bareback titan, Pope's consistent form and explosive spurring have made him a fan favorite. Expect him to be a strong contender for another gold buckle, combining power with precision. His ability to draw the best out of any horse sets him apart.
• Leighton Berry: Known for his smooth, stylish rides and aggressive spurring, Berry has steadily climbed the ranks. If he maintains his health and focus, 2025 could be his year to fully cement his legacy as a multi-time champion. His consistency under pressure is remarkable.
• Tim O'Connell: A multi-time world champion, O'Connell's experience and mental toughness are unparalleled. Even as younger talent emerges, his ability to deliver clutch performances makes him a constant threat. Never count out a veteran with his championship pedigree.

Rising Stars & Dark Horses

• Rocker Steiner: The name itself commands attention, and Rocker lives up to it with his electrifying rides and undeniable showmanship. He's proven he can compete with the best, and a full, healthy season could see him making a serious run at the title. His raw talent is undeniable.
• Cole Reiner: With a powerful riding style and a knack for high scores, Reiner is a consistent force. He’s been on the cusp of a world title for a few years, and 2025 might be when he breaks through. His dedication to his craft is evident in every ride.

Steer Wrestling: The Fastest Event in Rodeo

Steer wrestling, or 'bulldogging,' is a lightning-fast event where cowboys leap from a galloping horse onto a steer, bringing it to the ground by twisting its horns. It requires incredible strength, agility, and perfect timing between the bulldogger and his hazer (who keeps the steer running straight).

Dominant Forces to Watch

• Tyler Waguespack: A multiple world champion, Waguespack's powerful technique and unwavering focus make him a formidable competitor. He rarely makes mistakes and seems to perform best when the stakes are highest. His consistency is unmatched.
• Will Lummus: Known for his quickness and precision, Lummus is a perennial NFR qualifier and a constant threat for the gold buckle. His ability to adapt to different steers and conditions is a huge asset. He's always in the hunt.
• Stetson Jorgensen: Not just a steer wrestler, but an all-around talent. Jorgensen's strong performance in this event, combined with his success in others, makes him a true athlete to watch. His athletic prowess is undeniable.

Up-and-Coming Bulldoggers

• Dakota Eldridge: A consistent qualifier, Eldridge is always knocking on the door. With a strong support team and a sharp mental game, 2025 could be the year he puts it all together for a championship run. His determination is infectious.
• Jesse Brown: Brown has been steadily climbing the ranks, showing bursts of speed and a refined technique. If he can maintain consistency throughout the season, he’ll be a force at the NFR. He's one to watch for an upset.

Team Roping: The Ultimate Partnership

Team roping is unique as it's the only team event in rodeo, requiring two cowboys – a header and a heeler – to work in perfect synchronicity to rope a steer. Timing, communication, and trust are paramount, making this event incredibly exciting to watch.

Dynamic Duos & Established Greats

• Kaleb Driggers (Header) & Junior Nogueira (Heeler): This legendary duo has redefined modern team roping. Their seamless partnership, explosive speed, and unwavering consistency make them perennial world champions. Expect them to be leading the charge again.
• Clay Smith (Header) & Jake Long (Heeler): Another highly successful and consistent team, Smith and Long combine speed with precision. They are always a threat, capable of winning any round and climbing the aggregate standings. Their experience is invaluable.
• Tanner Tomlinson (Header) & Patrick Smith (Heeler): This pairing brings together youthful aggression and veteran wisdom. Tomlinson's fast heading combined with Smith's masterful heeling creates a formidable combination that is tough to beat.

Emerging Partnerships

• Coleman Proctor (Header) & Logan Medlin (Heeler): While established names, their partnership has shown incredible promise and consistency. They have the talent and horsepower to make a serious run for the title in 2025.
• Cody Snow (Header) & Wesley Thorp (Heeler): A younger, but incredibly talented, duo who have proven they can compete at the highest level. Their aggressive style and quick hands make them exciting to watch.

Saddle Bronc Riding: Classic Artistry

Often considered the most classic event in rodeo, saddle bronc riding requires riders to stay mounted on a bucking horse for eight seconds, spurring from the horse's neck to the back of the saddle in a rhythmic motion. It's a dance between cowboy and horse, judged on control, spurring technique, and the horse's performance.

Masters of the Bronc

• Sage Newman: A dominant force in recent years, Newman's powerful and fluid riding style has earned him top scores. He consistently draws good horses and knows how to make the most of every ride. He's a favorite to win.
• Ryder Wright: Part of rodeo's most famous family, Ryder is a multi-time world champion and a true artist on a bronc. His calm demeanor and flawless technique make him a constant threat for the gold buckle. His legacy is still growing.
• Dawson Hay: With incredible form and a strong family rodeo background, Hay has established himself as a top contender. His consistency and ability to handle challenging broncs will make him a force in 2025.

On the Rise

• Zeke Thurston: Another multi-time champion, Thurston's fundamental riding and mental fortitude keep him at the top. He's a veteran who knows how to win when it counts. Never underestimate his championship drive.
• Kade Bruno: Bruno has shown immense potential and flashes of brilliance. If he can maintain consistency throughout the 2025 season, he could make a significant impact at the NFR.

Tie-Down Roping: Speed, Skill, and Precision

Tie-down roping demands speed, precision, and an intricate understanding of horsemanship. The cowboy ropes a calf from horseback, dismounts, runs to the calf, and ties three of its legs together in a specific knot. It's a ballet of controlled chaos.

The Roping Royalty

• Riley Webb: The youngest world champion in tie-down roping history, Webb's meteoric rise is a testament to his natural talent, lightning-fast hands, and exceptional horsemanship. He's already a legend in the making and a top pick for 2025.
• Shad Mayfield: Known for his incredibly fast runs and stylish flair, Mayfield is a past world champion who always brings excitement to the arena. When he's on, he's nearly unbeatable.
• Caleb Smidt: A multi-time world champion, Smidt's calm demeanor, consistency, and flawless technique make him a formidable competitor. He’s often underestimated but consistently delivers when it matters most.

Emerging Talent

• Haven Meged: A past world champion, Meged combines speed with a cool head. He’s always a strong contender, and with a fresh season, he could reclaim his spot at the very top.
• Ty Harris: Harris consistently qualifies for the NFR and has proven he can win rounds. With continued refinement, he could be a dark horse for the overall title.

Barrel Racing: The Need for Speed

Barrel racing is an exhilarating timed event where cowgirls and their horses race around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels. It requires immense speed, agility, and a profound partnership between horse and rider. Every fraction of a second counts.

Queens of the Arena

• Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi: A seasoned veteran and multi-time world champion, Pozzi Tonozzi continues to defy expectations with her incredible horses and competitive spirit. She's a true legend of the sport and a top contender for 2025.
• Jordon Briggs: A world champion known for her incredible horsemanship and powerful runs, Briggs and her horses are a dynamic duo that consistently perform at the highest level.
• Wenda Johnson: With some of the fastest horses in the business, Johnson is always a threat to win a round or the average. Her aggressive style makes her incredibly exciting to watch.

Rising Stars & Consistent Performers

• Kinsel, Hailey: The name itself is synonymous with speed and championships. A multi-time world champion, Kinsel is always a frontrunner. Her fearless runs and exceptional horses make her a perpetual favorite.
• Shelley Morgan: Morgan is a consistent NFR qualifier known for her smooth, precise runs. With her seasoned horses, she is always a threat to place well in the average.

Bull Riding: The Toughest Sport on Dirt

Bull riding is arguably the most dangerous and thrilling event in rodeo. Cowboys must stay atop a bucking bull for eight seconds, holding on with one hand. It's a test of sheer courage, strength, and mental toughness, where the human-animal interface is at its most raw.

Fearless Gladiators

• Ky Hamilton: The reigning world champion, Hamilton showed incredible resilience and skill to win the title. His strong riding style and mental toughness position him as a top contender to repeat in 2025.
• Josh Frost: A perennial NFR qualifier and a consistent high scorer, Frost is always in the hunt for a world title. His solid technique and determination make him a force.
• Sage Kimzey: A seven-time world champion, Kimzey is a living legend in bull riding. While injuries can be a factor, when healthy, his dominance is undeniable, and he remains a top threat to add another buckle to his collection.

New Blood & Dark Horses

• Creek Young: Young has rapidly ascended the bull riding ranks with his aggressive style and ability to ride tough bulls. He's proven he belongs with the best.
• JR Stratford: A young gun with immense talent, Stratford has the potential to shake up the bull riding standings. Keep an eye on his consistent improvement.

All-Around Contenders: The Versatile Athletes

The All-Around title is awarded to the cowboy who earns the most money in two or more events. It's a testament to incredible versatility and skill across disciplines, often considered the most prestigious title in rodeo.

The Elite Multi-Event Athletes

• Stetson Wright: The undisputed king of the all-around, Stetson Wright has dominated this category like no other. Competing in both bull riding and saddle bronc riding, his talent is generational. He will undoubtedly be the favorite to win another all-around title in 2025, barring any major injury.
• Other Potential All-Arounders: Keep an eye on cowboys who consistently qualify in multiple events, even if they don't pursue the all-around title as aggressively as Wright. Names like Riley Webb (tie-down, possibly team roping) or others who excel in two disciplines could emerge.

Factors to Consider When Watching

Predicting rodeo champions is never an exact science. Several factors can significantly influence a contestant's performance and their chances at a gold buckle:

• Injuries: Rodeo is a high-impact sport. Even minor injuries can hamper performance. Keep an eye on injury reports throughout the season.
• Horsepower: For timed events (team roping, tie-down, barrel racing), a cowboy or cowgirl's horse is often 50% of the equation. New horses, seasoned veterans, or even slight lameness can make a huge difference.
• Mental Game: The pressure of the NFR is immense. Those who can stay calm and focused through 10 grueling rounds often prevail.
• New Partnerships/Coaches: In events like team roping, a change in partner can revitalize or disrupt a team. New coaches or training regimens can also impact individual performance.
• Draw Luck: In roughstock events, drawing a powerful, high-scoring animal can significantly boost a contestant's chances. Conversely, a weaker draw can limit their score potential.

How to Follow Their Journey to Las Vegas

The road to the NFR 2025 is a year-long marathon. Here's how you can keep up with your favorite contestants:

• The Cowboy Channel: As the official broadcast partner of the NFR, The Cowboy Channel provides extensive coverage of rodeos throughout the year, including live streams and highlights.
• PRCA Website & App: The official ProRodeo.com website and app provide real-time standings, event results, and cowboy bios.
• Social Media: Many top contestants are active on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into their lives and careers.
• Rodeo News Publications: Magazines and online news sources dedicated to rodeo provide in-depth analysis and interviews.

The 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo promises to be another unforgettable showcase of athleticism, heart, and the enduring spirit of the American cowboy and cowgirl. By keeping these top contestants on your radar, you'll be well-prepared to appreciate the incredible talent and drama that unfolds in Las Vegas. Whether you're rooting for a seasoned champion or a rising star, the NFR always delivers moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to witness history!