Jason Hetland, Author at The Rodeo Round Up

2020 World Champions Are Crowned

December 12, 2020 By Jason Hetland

When we started this wonderful new journey together ten short days ago, no one could expect or imagine what we have been able to witness over the ten days of action here at the new home for the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Every year we all expect to see some world title races change position, some exciting drama play out on the arena floor, and pure emotion laid out from the top professional rodeo athletes on the planet but we did not expect how well this year’s festivities would go. Three short weeks prior to the beginning of round one it was decided that the WNFR would go on and what came to fruition in that short time has been nothing short of remarkable.

The excitement and anticipation of what was at the end of tonight’s tenth and final performance have been in the back of everyone’s minds since the day that they arrived here in Arlington, Texas. Over the past nine nights, we have seen some amazing runs which have lead to first-time Wrangler National Finals go-round winners, the rookies put on a show that will be remembered for many years to come, and complete domination by individuals and families throughout the seven different events. We also were able to introduce a new event to the WNFR format as we crowned a Women’s Breakaway World Champion over a three-day event held, also, at Globe Life Field. All in all, it has been an amazing time but it will all finished off with a bang as we were set to crown new world champions on Saturday night!

Kaycee Feild Is Your 2020 Bareback Riding World Champion

Photo Credit: Equestrianinfluence.com

After all was said and done, the 2020 Bareback Riding World Championship title would be filled with drama as it not only came down to the last night but to the very last re-ride opportunity of the season. Coming into the tenth and final round of competition the race for the world title came down to two past world champions to see who would be able to claim another notch in their belt. Tim O’Connell and Kaycee Feild came into the tenth round in a knock-out fight and it lasted up until the beginning of the saddle bronc riding to see how Kaycee Feild would manage his re-ride opportunity. After the dust settled it would be that of Kaycee Feild who would be able to walk out of Arlington, Texas as your 2020 Bareback Riding World Champion!

Jacob Edler Is Your Steer Wrestling World Champion

Photo Credit: Las Vegas Review-Journal

When we talk about a world title race that was completely wide open coming into the tenth and final round of the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo we need to all think about the race in the steer wrestling event. Coming into tonight’s tenth round there were four steer wrestlers that each had a legitimate shot at earning the world title depending on what happened on this fateful Saturday night. Nothing could even be thought about being decided until the last steer was laid as the average payout here this year would play a pivotal role in that decision. Once everything was calculated, it would be the cowboy from Iowa Jacob Edler who would be able to have a WNFR to remember coming in ninth and leave Globe Life Field with the 2020 Steer Wrestling World Champion title!

Colby Lovell & Paul Eaves Are Your Team Roping World Champions

Photo Credit: To Come

The team roping event is another one of the events at this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo that could not be decided until about halfway through the tenth and final round here in Texas. When it came down to it, there were still two teams that began the night, each with viable options and different paths to be able to claim a world championship title of their own. Over the last nine nights, the runs have been blazing and the race had flipped flopped numerous times over the last week and a half. Once things were all settled and the last run was completed it would end up being Colby Lovell and Paul Eaves who would claim the world titles in the header and heeler divisions.

Ryder Wright Is Your Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion

Photo Credit: Las Vegas Review-Journal

The classic event of saddle bronc riding came into the final round of action for the 2020 professional rodeo season with a world title race that was dwindled down to two men as the tenth round began. Wyatt Casper came into the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in the number one spot but one cowboy from the state of Utah would not let him go quietly, not to anyone’s surprise. Ryder Wright had a WNFR to remember which put him in the number one spot at the beginning of the tenth round which led up to a fantastic race to the end. After all the dust settled, it would be Ryder Wright who would manage to pull out the better ride in round ten and leave Arlington, Texas with a 2020 Saddle Bronc Riding World Championship Title!

Shad Mayfield Is Your Tie-Down Roping World Champion

Photo Credit: To Come

The boys with the amazing horses and fast hands would come into the tenth round here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo not knowing who would end up walking out of Globe Life Field with the average title, much less the 2020 world championship title. These races were coming down to the last run being made, much like many of the other races here this year as well, but that put the pressure on these athletes and the times and performances down on the dirt showed just that. Once all was said and done and the times were calculated it would be announced that Shad Mayfield would walk out of Saturday night as your new 2020 Tie-Down Roping World Champion by a mere $200.00!

Hailey Kinsel Is Your Barrel Racing World Champion

Photo Credit: Barrel Horse News

When we talk about complete domination in barrel racing this past week, one name should come to mind, Hailey Kinsel, who wowed the crowd at this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo many times over. From winning nearly half of the go-round performances to setting new arena records Hailey Kinsel had a WNFR that she could only have dreamt of. Not only did she win the most go-rounds here this week she would go on to claim the WNFR barrel racing average title but it did not stop there. Coming into this year’s event Kinsel would trail Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi in the world title race but would overtake her early on in the week and never look back, on her way to claiming yet another Barrel Racing World Championship Title. Congratulations to an amazing and humble cowgirl on your record-setting 2020 WNFR.

Stetson Wright Is Your Bull Riding World Champion

Photo Credit: Red Bluff Daily News

As we looked ahead to crowning a 2020 Bull Riding World Champion we could not even calculate how to do that until the very last ride was made to close out the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The race to the end this year was one for the record books as the fight between rookie and veteran was the story of the night in round ten. The world title race had come down to three riders and would olay out just that way as round ten began here earlier tonight. The anticipation as to how things would play out could be felt around the entire Globe Life Field as questions would soon be answered. Once things were completed it would be Stetson Wright who would be crowned your 2020 Bull Riding World Champion.

Round Ten Winners And Average Champions From The 2020 WNFR:

Bareback:

Round Winner: Jess Pope (89.50)

2002 WNFR Average Winner: Jess Pope

Steer Wrestling:

Round Winners: Will Lummus & Tyler Waguespack (3.7 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Winner: Jacob Edler

Team Roping:

Round Winners: Colby Lovell & Paul Eaves (4.4 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Winners: Erich Rogers & Paden Bray

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Round Winner: Stetson Dell Wright & Ryder Wright (91.00)

2002 WNFR Average Winner: Ryder Wright

Tie-Down Roping:

Round Winner: Haven Meged (7.4 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Winner: Shane Hanchey

Barrel Racing:

Round Winner: Stevi Hillman (16.79 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Winner: Hailey Kinsel

Bull Riding:

Round Winner: Roscoe Jarboe (92.00)

2002 WNFR Average Winner: Colten Fritzlan

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Even though the focus of the night was on that of the newly crowned world champions, there were still two other races that were up for grabs to end out the 2020 professional rodeo season. One of which would be that of the overall All-Around World Championship title while the other title up for grabs tonight was that of the Top Gun Award that goes to the cowboy or cowgirl that managed to win the most money here over the last ten days. Below we would love to say a huge congratulations to Stetson Wright who took home the prestigious PRCA All-Around World Championship title while Hailey Kinsel completely dominated the barrel racing to earn a world title of her own as well as leaving town with a brand new Dodge RAM pick-up truck for winning the 2020 Top Gun award here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

Stetson Wright Wins The 2020 All-Around World Championship Title

Photo Credit: Las Vegas Review-Journal

Coming into a Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in a year that has had its fair share of twists and turns the All-Around title race was one that was in the forefront of the minds of those that follow the sport of professional rodeo. The 2020 race brought together two names that are icons within the sport that we all love as they would battle each other over the last ten days of the 2020 rodeo season to see who would earn the title and a Montana Silversmith belt buckle. Early on, Stetson Wright would outwork that of the legendary Tuf Cooper, who struggled in the tie-down roping this year to claim the 2020 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s All-Around Cowboy World Title.

Hailey Kinsel Takes Home The Top Gun Award For 2020

Photo Credit: Rodeo News

When we talk about domination in any specific event you need to have the name of Hailey Kinsel at the top of your list as she came in and blazed a trail that Arlington, Texas will remember for years to come. Early on, it was apparent that her horse Sister loved the new arena set-up, how the ground felt, and being close to home compared to being in Las Vegas. Due to her dominance, she would be the athlete to claim the most money won here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and, thus, earning the RAM Top Gun Award for the season. Not only will Kinsel leave with the numerous go-round wins, the WNFR average title, a new world championship title, but she will also leave with a brand new 2021 Dodge RAM pick-up truck for her efforts here over the last ten days!

This year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was one for the record books in more ways than one with fantastic world title races to a top-notch venue change due to the circumstances of the year. To say that the hospitality of the great state of Texas, the city of Arlington, and all those involved with Globe Life Field has been nothing but exceptional would be a gross understatement. The feeling among many that took in the sights and sounds of this year’ festivities, including those that have been to the WNFR in Vegas, is that of hopes that a permanent change could be on the horizon, once the current contract with Las Vegas is up after seeing how everything played out this year. Only time will tell but a huge thank you and congratulations go out to all those involved with making this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo a HUGE success!

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The Final Two Rounds Are Upon Us In Texas

December 11, 2020 By Jason Hetland

Last night, the action down on the arena floor inside of Globe Life Field made a few people take notice of what was happening in many of the world title race chases, along with some major moves in those world standings as well. In the saddle bronc riding it continued to be a huge year, bringing the “Wright” time to Arlington, Texas as all three of them placed in the top three of the round. Everyone witnessed history last night in the barrel racing as Hailey Kinsel set an all-time barrel pattern time, not only for the WNFR but for history all through each and every year with a blazing run. The all-around world title race is all but cinched up after a cool round that Stetson Wright would continue to distance himself from Tuf Cooper that currently sits in second place.

Tonight will be the last night that we will bring you this traditional format of a round recap story as it is round nine and tomorrow night we crown our 2020 World Champions here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. That being said, we will still provide you with the round winners from the tenth and final round as well as the overall WNFR Average Champions but will focus a majority of our recap on that of the new world champions. We would begin to talk about all of that tonight but most of the races are just way too close to call until the very last runs and rides have been made inside of Globe Life Field as this legendary year comes to a grinding halt!

Matt Reeves Splits Round Nine Three Ways

Photo Credit: PRCA Pro Rodeo / Jackie Jensen

Tonight we want to focus again on the big boys within the steer wrestling event as this is one of the closest races that we are watching at this year’s 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Coming into round nine earlier tonight, there were up to six contestants that were still within striking distance of taking home the world championship title tomorrow night, and that put the pressure on each of them as the average race would end up playing a huge role in determining that outcome. The tension in the air as these cowboys took center stage could be felt around the entire Globe Life Field complex but they all could be seen supporting each other and high-fiving each other after each run.

Looking at the performance itself, it was another chance for these cowboys to take a second look at the calves that they would be throwing down again as this was not the first runs laid down on them. That being said, that information seemed to have helped the fifteen competing here this week as the times looked a little better with the stock being a little smaller and easier to handle here tonight. After all was said and done, there would be some great times put down but no one could match the 3.5 second times that Tyler Waguespack, Matt Reeves, and Jacob Talley would be able to lay down to split round nine three ways and make the average and world title race that much closer with the average making that race an even much closer one to watch tomorrow night!

Stetson Dell Wright Brings Home The Round Nine Win

Photo Credit: PRCA Pro Rodeo / Dan Hubbell

Even know we focused some attention on the bull riding event last night in our round recap story, we felt that we needed to take a look at this once again tonight as this race is one for the history books with many storylines that could play out. Last night, world number one Ty Wallace split the round with Roscoe Jarboe to the tune of 89.50 points but world number three Colten Fritzlan leads the average race, a full bull ahead of all others following him. Fritzlan is just about $35,000 behind Wallace, but keep in mind that the win in the average pays out $67.000 plus whatever he can win over the next two nights. This will be a fun one to watch as the final night of action concludes tomorrow night inside of Globe Life Field here in Arlington, Texas!

Once the action began on the arena floor, it was an all-out frenzy as the top bull riders in the world began to pair up with their rank bovine opponents that the draw paired them up with for round nine. Although most of the attention was on that of the world title race, the average race needed to be paid attention to as well since that could very well play a spoiler tomorrow night. After all was said and done, there would be six of the twelve bull riders left competing here in round nine that would be able to make it to the eight-second buzzer with Stetson Dell Wright taking the win with a stellar 92 point ride aboard Beutler & Son Rodeo Company’s Record Rack’s Smoke Stack.

Round Nine Winners From The 2020 WNFR:

Bareback:

Round Winner: Cole Reiner (89.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Jess Pope (763.50/9)

World Title Leader: Tim O’Connell

Steer Wrestling:

Round Winner: Tyler Waguespack/Jacob Talley/Matt Reeves (3.5 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Stetson Jorgensen (38.70 Seconds/9)

World Title Leader: Matt Reeves

Team Roping:

Round Winners: Colby Lovell & Paul Eaves / Chad Masters & Wesley Thorp (3.8 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leaders: Erich Rogers & Paden Bray (74.60 Seconds/9)

World Title Leaders: Colby Lovell & Paul Eaves

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Round Winner: Wyatt Casper (88.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Ryder Wright (785.50/9)

World Title Leader: Ryder Wright

Tie-Down Roping:

Round Winner: Tuf Cooper (6.9 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Shane Hanchey (75.1 Seconds/9)

World Title Leader: Shad Mayfield

Barrel Racing:

Round Winner: Hailey Kinsel (16.56 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Hailey Kinsel (154.07 Seconds/9)

World Title Leader: Hailey Kinsel

Bull Riding:

Round Winner: Stetson Dell Wright (92.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Colten Fritzlan (517.50/ 6 of 9)

World Title Leader: Stetson Dell Wright

All-Around:

Stetson Wright ($305,359.84)
Tuf Cooper ($179,411.58)

Top Gun Award:

Hailey Kinsel ($182,615.39)
Ryder Wright ($156,384.62)

As we look to tomorrow night’s final round there is a lot of attention on the world title races this year as they are as close as they ever have been, allowing anything to happen up until the very end of tomorrow night’s round ten action here in Texas! Listed above is what the world title races look like at the conclusion of round nine that will surely change at the end of round ten, just 24 hours from now. That being said, many times it takes a bit for them to get that together so we will add that in as soon as we receive it each night or the morning following the conclusion of each round. This will be another fun way to interact in a very different year as we all enjoy the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

Things Are Heating Up At The 2020 WNFR

December 10, 2020 By Jason Hetland

Last night, in round seven of the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was one of the best performances that anyone has ever been able to witness from the very beginning from the opening ceremony to the very end as we saw some rank bull riding and amazing bull power. Starting the night we saw a completely different opening than we have seen that included no horses but a lone flag pole. Every contestant standing inside of the arena that brought a chill down spines around the world as we thanked every first responder was the theme of the night. It all ended with Stetson Dell Wright winning the bull riding event, taking home two buckles in one night while winning the saddle bronc riding as well!

Along with all of the excitement, there were, unfortunately, some contestants missing in action that have been injured and needed to sit out last night as well as tonight in the bull riding. Bull riders Trevor Kastner and Parker McCown had to doctor out due to being injured in previous rounds here earlier in the week that puts a damper on their 2020 WNFR whose is the first for McCown. Trevor Kastner has a right shoulder blade fracture while McCown is sitting out due to a right shoulder separation and joint fracture.

Go-Round Eight Goes T0 Ryder Wright

Photo Credit: Las Vegas Review-Journal

Last night, the complete domination of the riders from Utah continued to shine and take center stage as another Wright boy made his way to the Texas LIVE stage to claim another go-round winning belt buckle. Stetson Dell Wright began his night with a huge 90.50 point ride to win his first go-round here this year but placing in four of the seven rounds of competition. His wins in both the saddle bronc riding and the bull riding events last night made him the only person since 2001 that has been able to accomplish this feat. In round seven it was time to breathe a little bit before the stress really begins and the rankest bucking horses of the year begin to finish out each of the fifteen rider’s 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo experience here in Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Looking ahead to tonight’s round eight performances, the classic sport of professional rodeo continued to shine as many of the top riders in the world put their bodies on the line to do what they had to do to earn a qualified ride and secure their spots in the average. Coming into tonight’s round only two riders were left with a 100% riding percentage going a perfect 7-for-7, Ryder Wright and Chase Brooks, and after tonight’s round, there was only one. At the conclusion of the round tonight it was Ryder Wright who would be able to claim a go-round win with a solid 88 point ride aboard Andrew Rodeo’s American Hat’s Positive Times that would leave those watching the action excited for round nine tomorrow night.

Ty Wallace Splits Round Eight

Photo Credit: To Come

Over the last seven nights, the bull riding action has been rank and has left many of the top fifteen bull riders in the country nursing wounds, getting knocked out of action for a couple of rounds, and ultimately ending some 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo dashes to the cash. Last night, we noticed that Trevor Kastner and Parker McCown were out of action, which would continue through tonight’s round as well, due to injuries sustained earlier in the week. We also, unfortunately, had to witness a scary moment down on the arena floor as Tyler Bingham was knocked out during his ride and that was only the beginning. After being flung around he hit the dirt unconscious and his bovine partner came down directly on his chest with his hind leg. That being said, I have confirmed that he is currently in the ICU with multiple broken ribs on both sides, a broken sternum, a broken left clavicle with a hematoma, and bruised lungs and heart. He is being kept at the hospital for observation for a couple of days so please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Tonight, the bull riding began to look a little slim as the numbers were dwindled down to twelve competitors after taking out those injured which gave all those left competing a little easier way to possibly earning some go-round money here in round eight. You could tell from the very beginning that each of these bull riders came in with new attitudes and knew that there was a ton of day money left to be made moving forward. Coming into tonight’s round eight Colten Fritzlan was a full bull ahead of all the others, being the only man to be able to go 5-for-7 so far this week. Once the dust settled tonight it was Roscoe Jarboe and Ty Wallace who would split the eighth go-round with 89.50 point rides at will thicken the plot towards the world championship race that will be decided in just two short days from now.

Round Eight Winners From The 2020 WNFR:

Bareback:

Round Winner: Jess Pope (89.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Jess Pope (681.00.00/8)

World Title Leader: Tim O’Connell

Steer Wrestling:

Round Winner: Blake Knowles (3.6 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Jacob Edler (34.70 Seconds/8)

World Title Leader: Matt Reeves

Team Roping:

Round Winners: Colby Lovell & Paul Eaves (4.3 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leaders: Erich Rogers & Paden Bray (69.70 Seconds/8)

World Title Leaders: Luke Brown & Travis Graves

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Round Winner: Ryder Wright (88.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Ryder Wright (698.50/8)

World Title Leader: Ryder Wright

Tie-Down Roping:

Round Winner: Westyn Hughes (7.4 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Shane Hanchey (66.7 Seconds/8)

World Title Leader: Shad Mayfield

Barrel Racing:

Round Winner: Hailey Kinsel (16.56 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Hailey Kinsel (137.26 Seconds/8)

World Title Leader: Hailey Kinsel

Bull Riding:

Round Winner: Roscoe Jarboe & Ty Wallace (89.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Colten Fritzlan (517.50/ 6 of 8)

World Title Leader: Ty Wallace

All-Around:

Stetson Wright ($279,129.07)
Tuf Cooper ($153,180.81)

Top Gun Award:

Hailey Kinsel ($156,384.62)
Ryder Wright ($138,192.31)

As we look to Saturday night’s final round there is a lot of attention on the world title races this year as they are as close as they ever have been, allowing anything to happen at any given point throughout the ten days of action here in Texas! Each night the PRCA will be putting out what the world title races look like at the conclusion of each round and we will be sharing that with you in the above graphic. That being said, many times it takes a bit for them to get that together so we will add that in as soon as we receive it each night or the morning following the conclusion of each round. This will be another fun way to interact in a very different year as we all enjoy the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

Round Seven Begins To Shape Up Races

December 9, 2020 By Jason Hetland

When you want to watch the best rodeo athletes in the world you should be in Arlington, Texas for the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as the venue change and the dynamics of the year have provided a lot of excitement so far. After last night’s round six performance anything was up for grabs as far as the WNFR average races as well as many of the end-of-the-year world title races. Just 24-hours ago we celebrated the rookie of the year candidates while many of them made the most of the night and earned a round win themselves or a nice pocket full of cash on the night that was dedicated to them and the efforts that they have put in throughout the year.

Everyone knows that the deeper the event gets, the more important it is to remain in the average and how much that average paycheck could help determine where you end up in the world standings. That being said, there are far too many scenarios in many of the events to try and explain in just a few short sentences here so we will continue to break down, just like we have over the past five nights. We are all hoping that this gives you a better idea of what to watch for and how close these races are following each and every performance here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo live from Globe Life Field here in the great state of Texas.

Orin Larsen Wins The Bareback Riding In Round Seven

Photo Credit: Wrangler Network

Coming into tonight’s seventh-round here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo the world title race is one of the closest that we have ever seen, at least that I can remember. Tim O’Connell came into Wednesday night with less than a $20.000 lead over another past world champion Kaycee Feild. This may seem like a lot of money but remember that each go-round win pays just over $24,000 so anything could happen over the next four nights of action here in Texas. Each of these cowboys has won round here this year and sit one and two in the average with Kaycee Feild leading Tim O’Connell by a mere half of a point before beginning round seven here earlier this evening.

When we change gears and focus on the round itself that we saw tonight, it continued to play out just as we had all hoped, giving everyone watching much to get excited for and cheer about on a Wednesday night. Coming into round seven, eleven of the fifteen riders here began all with a 100% riding percentage here so far this week. After tonight eleven would still be perfect with fourteen making the eight-second buzzer to earn another score in round seven at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Once things settled down on the arena floor it was Orin Larsen who would outride all the other contestants to claim the round seven win with a fantastic 90 point ride aboard Calgary Stampede’s Yippee Kibitz.

Emily Miller Reigns Supreme In The Barrel Racing

Photo Credit: wpra.com

Coming into tonight’s performance, the girls have, so far, put on an amazing display of talent which we all expected to see continue here earlier this evening inside of Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. So far, the main focus has been on the world title race between Hailey Kinsel and Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi which have started to pull away from the field a little bit over the course of six performances. Kinsel came into tonight winning three of the six rounds but Pozzi Tonozzi continues to stay close in time and the average after giving up first place late last week in earlier rounds. That being said, there are still thirteen other ladies that still want to make as much money as they can here the rest of the week and will lay everything out on the table to do so moving forward towards Saturday night.

Each night that goes on the ladies in the cowgirl professional barrel racing event continue to get faster and faster as their horses get more used to the new arena set up as well as the fresh ground they are not used to running on. This is the first time in history that the ladies in the middle of the running order are running on the freshly-dragged ground and they are all very excited for the much-needed change to the WNFR format. Tonight, the ladies kept up the pace and looked amazing with Emily Miller, for the second night in a row, doing what it took to come back home across the line with the fastest time, with a 16.85 second run, to claim the seventh go-round win here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Round Seven Winners From The 2020 WNFR:

Bareback:

Round Winner: Orin Larsen (90.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Kaycee Feild & Richmond Champion (594.00/7)

World Title Leader: Tim O’Connell

Steer Wrestling:

Round Winner: Clayton Hass (3.4 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Jacob Edler (30.70 Seconds/7)

World Title Leader: Matt Reeves

Team Roping:

Round Winners: Charly Crawford & Logan Medlin (3.8 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leaders: Erich Rogers & Paden Bray (60.10 Seconds/7)

World Title Leaders: Luke Brown & Travis Graves

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Round Winner: Stetson Dell Wright (90.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Ryder Wright (610.50/7)

World Title Leader: Wyatt Casper

Tie-Down Roping:

Round Winner: Hunter Herrin (6.8 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Shane Hanchey (57.9 Seconds/7)

World Title Leader: Shad Mayfield

Barrel Racing:

Round Winner: Emily Miller (16.85 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Hailey Kinsel (120.70 Seconds/7)

World Title Leader: Hailey Kinsel

Bull Riding:

Round Winner: Stetson Dell Wright (89.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Colten Fritzlan (428.50/ 5 of 7)

World Title Leader: Ty Wallace

All-Around:

Stetson Wright ($265,802)
Tuf Cooper ($153,181)

Top Gun Award:

Hailey Kinsel ($135,653.85)
Ryder Wright ($111,961.54)

As the rounds begin to dwindle, there is a lot of attention on the world title races this year as they are as close as they ever have been, allowing anything to happen at any given point throughout the ten days of action here in Texas! Each night the PRCA will be putting out what the world title races look like at the conclusion of each round and we will be sharing that with you in the above graphic. That being said, many times it takes a bit for them to get that together so we will add that in as soon as we receive it each night or the morning following the conclusion of each round. This will be another fun way to interact in a very different year as we all enjoy the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

The 2020 WNFR Begins The Final Push

December 8, 2020 By Jason Hetland

Tonight officially marks the final push towards the end of the 2020 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association season with round six here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Now that round six has come upon us, we really begin to look at the average races and how that will affect what the world title race looks like as we round things out this coming Saturday night in round ten. Over the last two nights, we have celebrated those lost this past year as well as showing our support for the Tough Enough To Wear Pink movement but tonight we turn to celebrate this year’s achievements from some of our newest PRCA and WPRA members.

Round six began earlier tonight with an amazing opening ceremony where we all came together to celebrate the contenders of the Resistol Rookie of the Year Races. Throughout the first half of this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo performances, the rookie class has come to play and given their best each and every night, making sure that they will be remembered for the foreseeable future. Even though this year’s season has looked a tad bit different than what we are accustomed to seeing, that does not take anything away from these outstanding Rookie of the Year candidates and the year-end contenders in each category that we celebrated here earlier tonight.

Jacob Edler Splits The Sixth Go-Round Win

Photo Credit: Wrangler Network

So far this week, the big boys of the steer wrestling event have laid down some amazing runs, missed some that gave us a few heartache moments, and left some with some painful injuries to work through. Along with all of that, there have been a few of the top fifteen here that are continuing to have a 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo to remember. We spoke earlier about the rookie of the year class and a few of those athletes are competing here in the steer wrestling event and are leaving their mark all while beginning to stockpile a nice little pocket full of cash for their efforts over the first six performances, looking to continue that luck on through the rest of the week.

As the action began to flow down on the beautiful arena dirt earlier tonight, every one of the top fifteen steer wrestlers here this year made a run at the barrier, some of which worked and some of which did not. Even though the runs were hard-fought tonight, there were still a few that are still trying to figure out the start here in Arlington, Texas while getting a late run that makes laying down a solid run, or a qualified run for that matter, a whole lot harder as the rounds get deeper and deeper each night. That being said, tonight, Jacob Edler and Stetson Jorgensen were able to fit all of the pieces together to split the round six win with amazing 3.3-second runs to earn just under $24,000 each and move up a bit in the average as well.

Dustin Boquet Takes The Bull Riding Title For Round Six

Photo Credit: Las Vegas Review-Journal

Last night, the bull riders competing here met all that they could handle as the “Television Pen” otherwise known as the rank pen left many of them wondering if they can turn the ship that they have been sailing around. Each night so far it has seemed as if the top bull riders here this year have been left wondering what they can do to be comfortable aboard these bovine athletes, So far, only three nights have we been able to fill all six qualified rides to fill the field of guaranteed payout places, round one being eight qualified rides and round four claiming six qualified rides with last night giving eight qualified rides away. Tonight, we all had hoped to see some major things happen that could have a huge impact on the world title race that Ky Hamilton has continued to lead from round two up until tonight’s round six performance.

When the round six action began, it was very easy to tell that a majority of the bull riders had come to the arena on Tuesday night nursing some internal thoughts and some bumps and bruises which is to be expected after five straight nights of riding rank bucking bulls. The action began hot and heavy down on the arena floor and continued that way all the way through the fifteenth and final ride of the night. After all was said and done, four of the fifteen competing in round six were able to secure a qualified ride to earn some more average points in hopes of a huge payday at the conclusion of Saturday night’s action in round ten. No one could match the effort that Dustin Boquet would be able to put up atop Brookman Rodeo’s Hot Axe, on his third bull of the night, to the tune of 89.50 huge points to win the round six performance here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Round Six Winners From The 2020 WNFR:

Bareback:

Round Winner: Cole Reiner (87.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Kaycee Feild (513.50/6)

World Title Leader: Tim O’Connell

Steer Wrestling:

Round Winner: Jacob Edler & Stetson Jorgensen (3.3 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Stetson Jorgensen (26.6 Seconds/6)

World Title Leader: Matt Reeves

Team Roping:

Round Winners: Cody Snow & Junior Nogueira (3.9 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leaders: Dustin Egusquiza & Travis Graves (46.10 Seconds/6)

World Title Leaders: Luke Brown & Travis Graves

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Round Winner: Ryder Wright (90.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Ryder Wright (525.00/6)

World Title Leader: Wyatt Casper

Tie-Down Roping:

Round Winner: Haven Meged (6.8 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Shane Hanchey (50.0 Seconds/6)

World Title Leader: Shad Mayfield

Barrel Racing:

Round Winner: Emily Miller (17.01 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Hailey Kinsel (103.80 Seconds/6)

World Title Leader: Hailey Kinsel

Bull Riding:

Round Winner: Dustin Boquet (89.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Colten Fritzlan (428.50/5 of 6)

World Title Leader: Ty Wallace

All-Around:

Stetson Wright ($214,187)
Tuf Cooper ($132,450)

Top Gun Award:

Ryder Wright ($109,846.16)
Hailey Kinsel ($109,423.08)

Tough Enough To Wear Pink Night At The WNFR

December 7, 2020 By Jason Hetland

Last night, during the opening of the fourth round of the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, we paid tribute to all those that we have lost over the past year within the western lifestyle industry and the sport of professional rodeo. One of the most touching tributes last night was that of the bullfighters and clown donning the greasepaint to share an iconic face that we are all greatly missing. Lecile Harris was well-known inside and outside of the arenas he worked all across this great country and the boys each had his face art all over theirs which did not go unnoticed with many sharing photos and posting comments across all sorts of social media platforms.

Tonight we began the fifth round like we have done each and every year in the past celebrating that of the Tough Enough To Wear Pink movement to support and remember those suffering from breast cancer. Every year, this is one of the funnest rounds to be a part of as all of the contestants, the equine athletes, and the fans inside of the arena all don the bright pink and showcase many different ways of proudly showing their support. Whenever a fifth-round comes around it always sparks the entertainment value and the athletic competition on the arena floor and we expected to see nothing less than this as the middle round of the ten-day action was set to begin.

Team Ropers Clay Smith & Jade Corkill Take Round Five

Photo Credit: Elko Daily Free Press

Over the last four nights, we have seen some very high highs as well as some down in the sellar lows when it comes to the team event of team-roping as both the cowboys and their equine partners try to figure out this new arena floor concept. It has seemed as the first loops keep getting thrown earlier and earlier in each round, the problems of being forced up against the fence and running out of real estate becomes more and more of a problem. Yes, it is exciting to see the loops thrown early and it looks cool on camera but that has shown to be where the problems begin. Tonight, these teams hope to adjust their strategies a little bit knowing that it might affect the time shown on the clock.

The talk among the fifteen teams was just that, thinking about holding off on the throw a little longer to give them some more room to work with but no team wants to be standing out in the middle of the arena waving at the go-round winners by being safe. One-by-one as the teams began their runs it was apparent that the chatter among the teams was nothing but talk as the loops were thrown quickly once again and the safety of longer runs were thrown out the window. When everything was said and done there would be ten teams that would put up a time with seven of them making clean runs. The team of Clay Smith and Jade Corkill were able to put it all together the best way possible tonight to walk out as the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo fifth go-round winning team with a time of 3.6 seconds.

Tie-Down Roper Hunter Herrin Wins Round Five

Photo Credit: Rodeo News

Keeping on with the theme for our fifth round coverage we take time to look at another roping timed event again as we focus on the tie-down roping for our second event feature tonight. We have seen our fair share of excitement and amazing runs laid down in this event over the last four nights of action and tonight did not disappoint either, shaping up the look of the average race quite nicely. Although Shad Mayfield came into the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with a near blow-out lead in the overall world standings, he has struggled some while others behind him continue to shine which may make the world title race much more interesting as we get later into the week here in Texas.

Tonight, in round five of the WNFR here in Arlington, Texas, the tie-down ropers came to play and put on a show to remember for a long time to come as the runs were full of energy and heartbreak. After the first four rounds, there were some misses, injuries and fights that anyone watching will remember for years to come which made many of these guys here this year begin looking at day money instead of the overall WNFR average race. Tonight, however, it would be Hunter Herrin who would put all the pieces together and lay down an amazing 7.4 second run to claim the round five win here at the Tough Enough To Wear Pink night at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Round Five Winners From The 2020 WNFR:

Bareback:

Round Winner: Clayton Biglow (89.00)

2002 WNFR Average Richmond Champion (428.00/5)

World Title Leader: Tim O’Connell

Steer Wrestling:

Round Winner: Jace Melvin & Matt Reeves (3.9 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Stetson Jorgensen (23.3 Seconds/5)

World Title Leader: Jacob Talley

Team Roping:

Round Winners: Clay Smith & Jade Corkill (3.6 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leaders: Erich Rogers & Paden Bray (40.1 Seconds/5)

World Title Leaders: Dustin Egusquiza & Travis Graves

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Round Winner: Wyatt Casper (90.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Ryder Wright (434.50/5)

World Title Leader: Wyatt Casper

Tie-Down Roping:

Round Winner: Hunter Herrin (7.4 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Westyn Hughes (40.7 Seconds/5)

World Title Leader: Shad Mayfield

Barrel Racing:

Round Winner: Hailey Kinsel (16.92 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Hailey Kinsel (85.91 Seconds/5)

World Title Leader: Hailey Kinsel

Bull Riding:

Round Winner: Ty Wallace (91.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Ty Wallace (261.00/4 of 5)

World Title Leader: Ky Hamilton

All-Around:

Stetson Wright ($174,700)
Tuf Cooper ($132,450)

Top Gun Award:

Hailey Kinsel ($109,423.08)
Wyatt Casper ($88,692.31)

The Race Towards World Titles Continue In Round Three

December 5, 2020 By Jason Hetland

As the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo continues its journey down a new road here in Texas, the action down on the arena floor has been absolutely stellar as the top professional rodeo athletes in the world compete for numerous world titles. Over the last two nights inside of Globe Life Park, the cowboys and cowgirls have proven time and time again that the change in venue, arena set-up, and overall feel can not give any of them a challenge that they can not overcome. From a larger arena to different starting boxes for the timed events to many more chutes scattered across the arena floor, the runs and rides that are being made thus far have been truly remarkable.

Along with all that has been happening over the last two nights there are a few of those competing here this week that has had a start to a Wrangler National Finals Rodeo that they have always dreamed about. Team ropers Travis Graves and Dustin Egusquiza took home the round win last night, each having the earliest go-round win of their WNFR careers while taking the average and the world title race lead. Tie-down roper Marty Yates and 2-event cowboy here at the WNFR, Stetson Wright, have both come out victorious for the first two rounds with Wright taking victory both nights in the bull riding event. The remainder of this year’s WNFR will be an exciting one to watch along with the Top Gun award that is shaping up nicely as well.

Kaycee Feild Wins Round Three In The Bareback Riding

Photo Credit: PRCA Pro Rodeo / James Phifer

Tonight, we continue our focused coverage on two events as we first concentrate on the bareback riding event here in round three on Saturday night after a tough go-round last night that left many cowboys full of aches and pains. It is always fun to watch these contestants as they get lashed around atop of their bucking horses which eventually begins to take a toll on their bodies throughout the ten nights of action, and that historically starts to begin in rounds three or four. Over the last two nights, both Richmond Champion and Tanner Aus have been able to record go-round wins as they all continue to chase Tim O’Connell who sits atop of the world standings leaderboard.

In tonight’s round three, the top fifteen bareback riders in the world matched up with bucking horses that gave them all a very good opportunity to mark up another qualified ride and earn them some extra cash for their efforts. This pen of buckers matched up well tonight and gave the fans many chances to see some amazing rides and exciting scores come up on the big screen. Once everything was said and done there would be twelve of the fifteen that would be able to ride to the eight-second mark to earn a qualified ride in the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. No one could match the effort that Kaycee Feild would lay down aboard Calgary Stampede’s Xplosive Skies to earn the third go-round win with a solid 91.50 point ride, earning him a trip to Texas LIVE! and a nice $23,000+ check.

Allen Boore Carries Top Score In The Saddle Bronc Riding

Photo Credit: Las Vegas Review-Journal

The classic professional rodeo event of saddle bronc riding has also given all of us something to cheer about and watch for as the competition and action have been some of the best that we have seen in recent years. Over the first two rounds of action, we have seen what things can go “Wright” in the saddle bronc event as brothers have each claimed a go-round win to begin this year’s WNFR. In round one, it would be Rusty Wright that would take home the win while brother Ryder Wright taking home go-round number two. Heading into tonight’s round three it began to look like it would be a Wright week here at the 2020 WNFR but everyone was hoping to change that as the Saturday night round began.

Last night was one of the rankest pens of saddle bronc bucking horses that we have seen in some time, giving each of the top fifteen riders in the world all that they could handle and leaving them banged up and bruised heading into tonight’s round three. As the round began you could tell the toll that 24-hours ago took on these cowboys as many began to walk away with limps and grimaces on their faces, but each fought through the pain to try and claim their spot at the top for the night. After all the dust settled and the scores were tallied it would be WNFR rookie Allen Boore who would play host to the round three win with an exciting ride atop Calgary Stampede’s Yesterday’s Delivery to the tune of 90.50 points, that would give those fans in attendance a reason to get out of their seats and stand up and cheer for what they just were able to witness.

Round Three Winners From The 2020 WNFR:

Bareback:

Round Winner: Kaycee Feild (91.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Kaycee Feild (259.50/3)

World Title Leader: Tim O’Connell

Steer Wrestling:

Round Winner: Will Lummus (3.5 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Dakota Eldridge (12.6 Seconds/3)

World Title Leader: Matt Reeves

Team Roping:

Round Winners: Dustin Egusquiza & Travis Graves (4.2 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leaders: Dustin Egusquiza & Travis Graves (12.9 Seconds/3)

World Title Leaders: Dustin Egusquiza & Travis Graves

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Round Winner: Allen Boore (90.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Wyatt Casper (261.50/3)

World Title Leader: Wyatt Casper

Tie-Down Roping:

Round Winner: Cory Solomon (7.0 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Cory Solomon (23.8 Seconds/3)

World Title Leader: Shad Mayfield

Barrel Racing:

Round Winner: Lisa Lockhart (17.09 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Hailey Kinsel (51.90 Seconds/3)

World Title Leader: Hailey Kinsel

Bull Riding:

Round Winner: Colton Fritzlan (89.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Stetson Dell Wright (179.00/2 of 3)

World Title Leader: Ky Hamilton

All-Around:

Stetson Wright ($159,892)
Tuf Cooper ($121,450)

Top Gun Award:

Dustin Egusquiza ($80,653.85)
Travis Graves. ($80,653.85)

The Excitement Continues During Round Two Of The 2020 WNFR

December 4, 2020 By Jason Hetland

Last night kicked off a much different Wrangler National Finals Rodeo than we have ever seen in recent memory as we usually flock to Sin City, Las Vegas, and enjoy ten days of extreme hospitality. Although things may look a little different this year if what we have all felt so far this week here in Texas is any glimpse into what to expect over the next week and a half the great state of Texas is will exceed all of our expectations. The arena floor is one of the biggest things that we need to get used to but in round one, it provided us with a ton of excitement to start off the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. I four of the seven events last night WNFR rookies either split the win, won the round, or placed with many others making great runs and rides to place them high within the average already.

Coming into tonight’s round two performance the world title races were even closer than they were coming into the start of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with great performances by those needing them as they look to continue that path, shaping up this year’s world title races as some of the closest that we have been able to witness in many years. For the first year in a long time 6-time bull riding world champion Sage Kimzey came into the WNFR in an ACTUAL race for the world title, barely claiming a check in round one with a sixth-place finish, which closes this world title race that much more. This will be one that we will have to watch very closely as the rounds begin to dwindle.

Tyler Waguespack Splits Round Two In The Steer Wrestling

Photo Credit: PRCA Rodeo / Dan Hubbell

Last night, in round one, the steer wrestling event gave every one of the fans watching live inside of Globe Life Stadium, those watching from Texas LIVE, and those watching at home something to get excited about. Coming into the start of the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, no one knew how the new arena layout would affect the contestants or the stock but the big boys of professional rodeo came to play. All those involved with putting on this year’s WNFR thought that the times would be longer and the times would not match what we are accustomed to seeing in Las Vegas but that was far from the truth as we saw a three-way split of the round win with 3.9-second runs.

Tonight, the jitters began to fade and the unknowingness of what to expect had subsided and these very same men, again, put forth an effort that left the crowd watching in amazement and wanting more. Once the steer wrestling started you could tell that every one of the cowboys in round two came in feeling great from a shortened season which gave their bodies time to heal up from the season run. Tonight, it was Tyler Waguespack and Bridger Anderson who would take center stage by putting down a monster 3.8 second runs inside of the Globe Life Stadium and would take the round two win to be able to head over to Texas LIVE! to walk across the stage and claim his Montana Silversmith Go-Round Winner’s buckle.

Marty Yates Wins Second Consecutive Round At The 2020 WNFR

Photo Credit: Missoulian

Tie-down roping is all about quick hands and the bond between animal and human which was on display throughout the entire round both last night and tonight here in round two as well. Last night, the top five in the world laid down runs that showed some flaws which gave a chance for those further down in the pack to gain some needed points in the world title race. The only man that would be able to take advantage of the slips at the top would be home-state cowboy Marty Yates who resides just about an hour or so down the road in Stephenville. He would be able to bring home the round one win and gain 6,000 world title race points for his efforts.

Tonight, in round two, we began to pay a little more attention to how the two different starting locations may affect the top fifteen cowboys that came to Texas vying for the world title. Not much has been said about this but it is something that these rodeo athletes and their equine partners needed to get used to as they continue to work through the process of learning this new arena set up. Tonight, it would be, once again, Marty Yates who would be able to put it all together and figure out how to handle all the changes that were placed in front of him to earn the round two win. He would do so with a nice 7.2-second run that would earn him a nice sized check and a fancy go-round belt buckle and a move to number two in the world.

Round Two Winners From The 2020 WNFR:

Bareback:

Round Winner: Tanner Aus (86.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Cole Reiner (171.00/2)

World Title Leader: Tim O’Connell

Steer Wrestling:

Round Winner(s): Bridger Anderson & Tyler Wasuespack (3.8 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Tyler Waguespack (8.1 Seconds/2)

World Title Leader: Matt Reeves

Team Roping:

Round Winners: Dustin Egusquiza & Travis Graves (3.8 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leaders: Dustin Egusquiza & Travis Graves (8.7 Seconds/2)

World Title Leaders: Dustin Egusquiza & Travis Graves

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Round Winner: Ryder Wright (90.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Ryder Wright (175.50/2)

World Title Leader: Wyatt Casper

Tie-Down Roping:

Round Winner: Marty Yates (7.2 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Marty Yates (14.3 Seconds/2)

World Title Leader: Shad Mayfield

Barrel Racing:

Round Winner: Jimmie Smith (17.04 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Hailey Kinsel (34.27 Seconds/2)

World Title Leader: Hailey Kinsel

Bull Riding:

Round Winner: Stetson Dell Wright (88.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Stetson Dell Wright (179.00/2)

World Title Leader: Ky Hamilton

After an exciting two rounds of action, there is a lot of attention on the world title races this year as they are as close as they ever have been, allowing anything to happen at any given point throughout the ten days of action here in Texas! Each night the PRCA will be putting out what the world title races look like at the conclusion of each round and we will be sharing that with you in the above graphic. That being said, many times it takes a bit for them to get that together so we will add that in as soon as we receive it each night or the morning following the conclusion of each round. This will be another fun way to interact in a very different year as we all enjoy the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

The 2020 WNFR Has A New Feel

December 3, 2020 By Jason Hetland

To say that the year 2020 has been full of ups and downs would be a huge understatement, bringing with it many very noticeable changes in our everyday lives as well as within the sport that we all love. Over the year, many contestants and contract acts, among thousands of rodeo fans, have had to change direction and figure out what to do with their lives as performances were canceled left and right due to our current COVID situation. All of the turmoil that we endured over the past twelve months comes to a head these next ten days as the 2020 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo takes center stage, bringing with it a whole new feel for this year.

Each and every year, we expect to make our way to Las Vegas with our team here at the Rodeo Round-Up to bring you inside of all the action from the WNFR, but this year things have changed quite a bit. The venue has changed, bringing the event to the great state of Texas and giving it a stadium feel for the first time in its history as Globe Life Stadium hosts the top cowboys and cowgirls in the world over the next ten nights. This will change our way of bringing you all of the updates as CBS has been dropped and many more households will not be able to stay on top of everything or even have the option of watching the performances or not. Each night, we will post a complete round recap here as well as providing up to the minute stats over on our Facebook page which you can find a link to at the bottom of the story!

Erich Rogers & Paden Bray bring home the team-roping win in round one

Photo Credit: PRCA Pro Rodeo

Much like last year’s coverage of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo our team here at the Rodeo Round-Up will be focusing on two different events while recapping all-round winners later in each night’s stories. Tonight, our first event will be an event that is quickly becoming a very fun one to watch that will offer something that we have never seen at the WNFR as the team ropers work a brand new arena format. The hype and excitement surrounding this exciting night here in Texas have been the talk of the town all week long as we all waited to see how this new set up would affect the cowboy teams making the runs down on the arena floor.

Like we talked about earlier, this year has been very different as the contestants here this year did not compete at nearly as much as they have in year’s past, and pairing that with a new arena layout this should be an exciting ten days of action, especially for the roping teams here at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Although the layout provided a new distraction, in round one many of the team ropers took advantage of an open arena and did not have to worry about roping next to a wall right out of the gate. Once the runs were completed, it would be the team of Erich Rogers and Paden Bray who would lay down a solid 4.8-second run to take home the round one win here at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Hailey Kinsel Rides Her Way T0 The Round One Win

Photo Credit: PRCA Pro Rodeo

Looking to give some focus on the female athletes here this year, we will concentrate on our second event feature of the ladies of cowgirl barrel racing which has had its fair share of controversy even before the first run was laid down inside of Globe Life Stadium. Fan-favorite Donna Kay Rule came into Texas on a high, looking to make a statement in the barrel racing this year aboard her 2020 Horse of the Year but COVID threw a wrench into that for this talented lady. After testing positive for COVID, showing no signs and feeling healthy, it was decided that she would be disqualified from the competition which set the social media outlets ablaze with criticism for the decision as well as well-wishes for the talented cowgirl, ending her hopes of competing this year before she even started.

All that being said, there would still be fifteen of the top barrel racers in the world that would do what they could and complete the cloverleaf pattern in the fastest time possible in the hopes of winning the 2020 world championship title ten days from now. This arena is much different than that of the Thomas & Mack back in Las Vegas which would make for some memorable moments in all eight events as well as longer-timed runs in the barrel racing event that began this evening. When all fifteen were completed it would be Hailey Kinsel who would set the tone after winning round one with a time of 17.18 seconds, heading into round two tomorrow night with a full head of steam.

Round One Winners From The 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Bareback:

Round Winner: Richmond Champion (87.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Richmond Champion (87.50)

World Title Leader: Tim O’Connell

Steer Wrestling:

Round Winner(s): Blake Knowles, Jesse Brown & Dakota Eldridge (3.9 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader(s): Stetson Jorgensen, Jesse Brown & Dakota Eldridge (3.9 Seconds)

World Title Leader: Matt Reeves

Team Roping:

Round Winners: Erich Rogers & Paden Bray (4.8 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leaders: Erich Rogers & Paden Bray (4.8 Seconds)

World Title Leaders: Luke Brown/Joseph Harrison

Saddle Bronc Riding:

Round Winner(s): Lefty Holman & Rusty Wright (86.00)

2002 WNFR Average Leader(s): Lefty Holman & Rusty Wright (86.00)

World Title Leader: Wyatt Casper

Tie-Down Roping:

Round Winner: Marty Yates (7.1 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Marty Yates (7.1 Seconds)

World Title Leader: Shad Mayfield

Barrel Racing:

Round Winner: Hailey Kinsel (17.18 Seconds)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Hailey Kinsel (17.18 Seconds)

World Title Leader: Hailey Kinsel

Bull Riding:

Round Winner: Stetson Dell Wright (90.50)

2002 WNFR Average Leader: Stetson Dell Wright (90.50)

World Title Leader: Ky Hamilton

As you can see, tonight gave all of us the impression that any of the world titles are up for grabs at this year’s 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo! Some major shifts in the world standings have already begun as you can see above highlighted by two well-followed races. The cowgirl barrel racing is as close as ever and with Hailey Kinsel’s win tonight she moves to the front of the pack in the quest for another world championship title. The other crazy race is that in the bull riding where Sage Kimzey came into round one with the world title lead, trying to claim his seventh world title, but it would be Ky Hamilton who would walk out of Globe Life with the world title lead heading into tomorrow night’s second round!

New Champions Are Crowned

November 15, 2020 By Jason Hetland

As the final afternoon of the 2020 Professional Bull Riders World Finals approached on this Championship Sunday afternoon, the energy and excitement of what had happened over the last three days were undoubtedly infectious. The buzz around AT&T Stadium was that of anticipation and undying support for favorite bull riders and world championship-caliber bucking bulls that were set to perform again. Last night gave all those in attendance their first look at the new PBR World Champion as well as the top ABBI Classic bucking bulls in the business today.

One thing that was unmistakably different this year was exactly how and who would be making it to the fourth and final day of action here in Arlington. Different from previous years, only those riders that have made at least one qualified ride was given the sure chance to come back to today’s round, followed by those that would fill out the rest of the field based on world standings rankings. Coming into today’s fourth round there would be twenty-six that were able to make that happen.

Jess Lockwood Notches A Qualified Ride On Sunday

Photo Credit: official_monson_photography

Much like any other Championship Sunday, there would be the final round followed by the Championship Round of action to finish out the event which was the same here at the World Finals but on a much larger scale. Before the start of the fourth round of action, the number of bull riders coming into the round with perfect records this weekend was dwindled down from eight in round three to just half of that, totaling four, for round four. After all was said and done, there would only be none that would be able to carry that record to the Championship Round. Once the round was finished two-time world champion Jess Lockwood would make the winning ride with a score of 91.00 to win the fourth round inside of AT&T Stadium.

During the Championship Round draft, the top fifteen riders from the average of the last four rounds were able to pick the match-ups that they had in front of them, for the first time this entire weekend, which is also a major change from years past. Following all of the excitement from the Championship round, it would be five that would be able to outlast their bovine athlete opponents and earn a qualified ride. That being said, it would be Boudreaux Campbell who would outlast the others in the final round of action for the 2020 season with a 92.25 point ride and take home the Championship Round win with a huge 93.75 point ride on the arena floor.

Boudreaux Campbell Is Your 2020 World Finals Event Champion

Photo Credit: official_monson_photography

This year’s PBR World Finals has been a very grueling one for the top bull riders in the world but each and every one of them came and put their best foot forward in hopes of winning a huge pocket of cash. Many titles were one the line here this weekend with one of them being who would outperform all the others over the four-day/five-round period to walk out of Arlington, Texas with a huge $300,000 paycheck for their efforts. That is exactly what the winner of the 2020 PBR World Finals event average wound take home once things were all said and done.

This race was absolutely neck-for-neck coming into today’s final rounds but almost every eye was on Brazillian Jose Vitor Leme who has been absolutely unstoppable this season and came into Championship Sunday with a commanding lead after winning last night’s third round and earning the coveted PBR World Champion title less than 24-hours ago. That being said, it seemed as if after he knew he had won the world title that the need to ride was not as strong and allowed one of those behind him to win the event average and take home the money. That man would be PBR rookie Boudreaux Campbell who would walk away with that prestigious title underneath his belt.

Beaudreaux Campbell Is The 2020 PBR Rookie of the Year

Photo Credit: official_monson_photography

The 2020 PBR Rookie of the Year race has been a fun one to watch as things began to tighten up tremendously as the World Finals began. Cole Melancon came into the World Finals with a nicely padded lead, but as we all know, things can change in a heartbeat throughout the weekend. Here in Texas, that was just the case as Boudreaux Campbell put on a performance that no one thought would be done to make this Rookie of the Year race one of the most interesting and intense in recent memory. Once all was said and done, it would be Campbell that would take this title home in 2020 putting on a gutsy performance going an amazing 4-for-5 that put him number first in the World Finals event average to take over the lead in the Rookie of the Year standings.

Chad Berger Is Your 2020 PBR Stock Contractor of the Year

Photo Credit: Cowboy Lifestyle Network

When it comes to talking about championship-caliber bucking bulls in the Professional Bull Riders tour one name is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Mandan, North Dakota’s Chad Berger is widely known for having some of the best bovine athletes in the business today and his historic record proves it. Coming into this year’s PBR World Finals, Berger has claimed nine Stock Contractor of the Year awards but it did not stop there. Earlier today, he was officially awarded his TENTH award in that very same category, making him one of the best, if not the best, stock contractor going down the road today!

Smooth Operator Is Your 2020 World Champion Bucking Bull

Photo Credit: Andy Watson / Bull Stock Media

The 2020 World Champion Bucking Bull race has flipped flopped all year long and it all came down to the last two rides of the year to see who would have the best-combined two-ride average from round one and today’s Championship Sunday out. Chiseled came into the World Finals in the number one spot and after round one it was Smooth Operator took over that spot where today’s performances were critical in the decision of who would walk out with the title. Smooth Operator earned a 46 bull score in round one while earning a 46.25 bull score earlier today, giving him an average score of 46.125. Chiseled came into today with a 45.25 bull score from round one while earning a 45.75 bull score in the Championship Sunday action down on the arena floor giving him a combined average of 45.50. After scores were tallied it was Smooth Operator who would walk out of AT&T Stadium your 2020 World Champion Bucking Bull.

Jose Vitor Leme Is Your New 2020 PBR World Champion

Photo Credit: official_monson_photography

The world title race this year was, for the most part, all about one man as he started the year out on top and left AT&T Stadium in the very same way, as the 2020 PBR World Champion. After two years of being in the hunt and placing second one of those years, Brazillian Jose Vitor Leme would create his destiny by gaining the title of PBR World Champion. He was so dominating not only throughout the season but throughout the entire World Finals week as well, earning him his title one night early, just less than 24-hours ago on Saturday night.

His astounding 2020 PBR World Finals began on the first night and stayed amazing all the way through the fourth and final day here earlier this afternoon in Arlington, Texas. Round one began with 87.50, placing eighth in the round while earning 83.25 in round two. Last night he would take the win with a huge 95.75 point ride earning him his first-ever World Championship title but that was not enough for this amazing man. Earlier this afternoon he would move on to the Championship Round where he would give it is all before bucking off early but still earning his first ever World Championship title.

Even though this year has been very difficult and different for the Professional Bull Riders Unleash The Beast Tour, those involved pulled off a tremendous PBR World Finals week in Arlington, Texas. Only having about a month and a half to throw something together after finding out they could not host it in Las Vegas with fans they all did an outstanding job. I have also been given some wonderful folks that have put in a lot of time and effort to bring you all the coverage that the Rodeo Round Up gave you this week and I can not thank them all enough. My team here on-site with me this week, keeping up on all the social media posts and making sure we had up-to-the-minute stats were Chris Borja and Aurora Dann. To my fellow media outlet friends and outlets, thank you for coming together to give the fans what they needed, no matter who, what, or when we ALL needed something. Lastly, a huge thank you goes out to official_monson_photography for offering your fantastic photos due to the limited floor area due to COVID restrictions, I can not thank you enough for your professionalism and willingness to help out in times of need!