Quick Read
- Cooper Cooke won bareback riding with 88.5 points and $36,668.
- Lightning Aguilera/Kaden Profili took team roping with a 4.0-second run, moving up in world standings.
- Kassie Mowry set the barrel racing pace with 13.66 seconds, defending her top ranking.
- Stetson Dell Wright won both saddle bronc and bull riding, leading the all-around standings.
- NFR Round 1 results triggered shifts in multiple world standings.
Bareback Riding: Cooper Cooke Sets the Bar High
The 2025 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) launched its first go-round at the iconic Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on December 4, and right from the start, the energy was electric. In bareback riding, Cooper Cooke delivered a masterclass with 88.5 points on Legend Rodeo Stock’s Ramblin Man, pocketing $36,668 and sending a clear signal to his fellow competitors: he’s here for more than just the experience.
Cooke’s closest challenger, Waylon Bourgeois, rode to 86.8 points and earned $28,980, while Jess Pope, a familiar name in the standings, landed third with 86.5 points and $21,882. Rocker Steiner, however, remains on top of the world standings with a hefty $313,547, despite finishing further down the order this round.
Steer Wrestling: Waguespack Charges Ahead
Tyler Waguespack proved why he’s considered a force in steer wrestling, clocking an impressive 4.0 seconds and seizing the $36,668 winner’s purse. The race for second was tight, with Ty Erickson, Kyle Irwin, and J.D. Struxness all posting 4.2-second runs and splitting the next tier of prize money.
While Will Lummus holds the lead in the world standings ($205,116), Waguespack’s first-round victory has closed the gap and added intrigue to the remainder of the competition. With only fractions of seconds separating the top contenders, the pressure is palpable as athletes chase every advantage in subsequent rounds.
Team Roping: Aguilera and Profili Break Through
In a sport where precision and partnership reign supreme, Lightning Aguilera and Kaden Profili stormed to victory in team roping, posting a blazing 4.0-second run. Their first-round win not only awarded them $36,668 apiece but also triggered a leap in the world standings—Aguilera moved to No. 8, Profili to No. 7 (Team Roping Journal).
The pressure was on for the rest of the field: Andrew Ward and Jake Long finished close behind at 4.2 seconds, while Jake Smith and Douglas Rich followed with 4.8 seconds. The standings shuffled dramatically, especially for Aguilera and Profili, who entered the NFR as underdogs but now stand poised to shake up the leaderboard as the rodeo continues.
Saddle Bronc Riding: Stetson Dell Wright’s Commanding Performance
The saddle bronc event saw Stetson Dell Wright deliver an explosive 90-point ride aboard Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Renegade, capturing the round win and $36,668. Weston Patterson and Kade Bruno rounded out the podium with 88.5 and 88 points, respectively.
Despite Wright’s top score, Ryder Wright retains the world standings lead ($306,951), but the margin is shrinking. Every ride in Las Vegas is shifting the narrative, with emerging talent and seasoned veterans trading places in the rankings.
Tie-Down Roping: Shad Mayfield’s Precision Pays Off
Speed and accuracy define tie-down roping, and Shad Mayfield delivered both with a 6.8-second run—good for first place and another $36,668. Joel Harris (7.6 seconds) and a tie for third between Tom Crouse and Riley Mason Webb (7.9 seconds) kept the contest competitive.
In the world standings, Riley Mason Webb maintains the top spot ($333,762), with Mayfield’s victory ensuring the battle for supremacy will remain a central storyline as the NFR unfolds.
Barrel Racing: Kassie Mowry Defends Her Crown
Barrel racing is always a crowd favorite, and Kassie Mowry didn’t disappoint. A flawless 13.66-second run aboard CP He Will Be Epic secured her the win and $36,668, keeping her at No. 1 in the world standings (BarrelRacing.com). Hailey Kinsel (13.70 seconds) and Lisa Lockhart (13.79 seconds) rounded out the top three, proving that the division is packed with elite talent.
Mowry’s ability to defend her position with such consistency sets her apart, but as the rounds progress, the margins will only get tighter—and every split second will matter.
Bull Riding: Stetson Dell Wright Doubles Up
Stetson Dell Wright’s dominance extended to bull riding, where he scored 89.8 points atop Powder River Rodeo’s Big Shasta, earning another $36,668. Wacey Schalla followed closely with 88.5 points, keeping the world standings race heated—Wright now leads with $396,843, but Schalla is right behind with $391,576.
The stakes are high, and the drama is building as the world’s top riders push the limits of what’s possible in the arena.
All-Around: Wright’s Versatility Shines
The all-around standings are a testament to versatility, and Stetson Dell Wright’s $485,007 total earnings place him comfortably at the top. Wacey Schalla sits second, with Dylan Hancock, Brushton Minton, and Jake Clay rounding out the top five.
Wright’s ability to excel across multiple events underscores the relentless drive and adaptability required to thrive at the NFR.
Stock Contractors: Behind the Scenes
Rodeo’s unsung heroes—the stock contractors—supplied the high-caliber livestock that helped shape the night’s drama. Names like Calgary Stampede, Legend Rodeo Stock, Powder River Rodeo, Wayne Vold Rodeo, and over 50 others contributed to the action, ensuring that every ride and run was a true test of skill.
What’s Next: Looking Ahead to Rounds 2–10
The first round has set the tone for a fiercely competitive NFR in Las Vegas. With leaders already facing challenges and dark horses emerging, fans and athletes alike are bracing for more upsets, stunning rides, and championship-level performances as the rodeo rolls on through December 13.
Analysis: The opening round of the 2025 NFR didn’t just deliver standout performances—it set a new benchmark for intensity and unpredictability. With established stars defending their turf and fresh faces seizing opportunity, the stage is set for a rodeo where every second and every ride could rewrite the season’s narrative.