Quick Read
- Stetson Wright leads the all-around world standings at the 2025 NFR with $684,315.
- He is also first in bull riding world standings and a top contender in saddle bronc.
- Statler Wright won Round 7 in saddle bronc; Stetson tied for second.
- The Wright family occupies leading positions across events.
- With only a few rounds left, the all-around race remains tight but Stetson holds a strong lead.
The lights of Las Vegas are burning bright as the 2025 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) heads into its last three rounds, and the name on everyone’s lips remains Stetson Wright. Already a household name in rodeo circles, Wright is again at the center of the storm, leading the all-around world standings with $684,315 earned so far—a clear testament to his versatility and dominance in both saddle bronc and bull riding.
Wednesday night’s seventh go-round at the Thomas & Mack Center was a showcase of skill, pressure, and family legacy. While some competitors faltered under the weight of NFR’s demands, the Wright family—longtime rodeo royalty—proved once more why they are a force to be reckoned with.
Saddle Bronc: A Family Affair at the Top
Statler Wright, Stetson’s younger brother, took home the round win in saddle bronc riding with a dazzling 89.75-point ride on Flying U Rodeo’s Talk Derby 2 Me, securing a $36,668 payday. Not far behind, Stetson tied for second with Zeke Thurston, each marking 88.5 points. This result not only solidified Stetson’s place near the top in saddle bronc but also kept the Wright siblings squarely in the championship conversation.
Looking at the standings, it’s clear the Wrights’ presence is felt throughout the event: Ryder Wright, the eldest brother, currently leads the world standings with $392,017, while Statler and Stetson are close behind. The three brothers’ rivalry is as much about pride as it is about prize money, and each ride feels like a chapter in an ongoing family saga. According to Review-Journal, Zeke Thurston leads the average with 606 points on seven head, but the race is far from over.
Bull Riding: Stetson’s Edge and the Chase for the Crown
Bull riding has been another major stage for Stetson Wright in 2025. Despite not marking a score in Round 7, his overall season earnings in the discipline remain unmatched, with $499,158—making him the leader in the world standings for bull riding. In the average, however, Ky John Hamilton has the edge, tallying 433.50 points on five head, while Stetson sits second with 356.25 points on four head.
The seventh round belonged to T.J. Gray, whose 90.5-point ride on McCoy Rodeo’s Blue Duck netted him $62,986 and a surge up the leaderboards. Still, Stetson’s consistency across multiple events keeps him in the all-around driver’s seat. As Montana Sports notes, the NFR’s bull riding race is volatile, with each night’s results capable of reshaping the standings in dramatic fashion.
The All-Around Race: Stetson’s Historic Pace
All eyes are on Stetson Wright’s pursuit of yet another all-around world championship. His nearest challenger, Wacey Schalla, trails by over $100,000—a sizable gap, but not an insurmountable one given the prize money still at stake in the final rounds. Wright’s ability to remain competitive in both saddle bronc and bull riding is a rare feat, one that sets him apart even among rodeo’s elite.
In the Top Gun standings, which reward the highest-earning contestant in a single event, Stetson is also in the hunt, sitting just behind Wacey Schalla (bareback) and Joel Harris (tie-down roping). The next three nights will determine whether Wright can convert his lead into another gold buckle, or if a late surge from a rival will upend the script.
Pressure, Performance, and the Wright Legacy
The pressure cooker atmosphere of the NFR has produced both heartbreak and heroics. Statler’s Round 7 win was a reminder of the Wright family’s depth, while Stetson’s steady accumulation of points and dollars illustrates a champion’s mindset—resilience, adaptability, and a knack for shining when the stakes are highest.
The Wrights’ dominance isn’t just a matter of talent; it’s a testament to years of preparation, a relentless work ethic, and the competitive fire that only grows with each championship chase. For Stetson, every ride is an opportunity to carve his name deeper into the sport’s history, even as his brothers push him to new heights.
As the 2025 NFR enters its home stretch, the question lingers: Can anyone catch Stetson Wright? Or will this be another year that cements his reputation as the premier all-around cowboy of his generation?
With the final rounds ahead, Stetson Wright’s grip on the all-around lead is both a testament to his extraordinary consistency and a reminder of the razor-thin margins that define rodeo greatness. Every second and every ride could shift the outcome, but if recent history is any guide, the Wright name will be at the center of the story when the dust settles.