The pulsating atmosphere of the Thomas & Mack Center hosted the engaging 6th go-around of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The thrill of the competition was contagious, as swirling dust and the cheers of the crowd accompanied every successful ride. Let’s catch up on the results.

Bareback Riding

In the Bareback Riding department, competition remained intense. Jacob Lees rode Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Bronc Riding Nation and Tanner Aus skillfully managed Flying U Rodeo’s Lil Red Hawk. Both rode to perfection to share the first place, collecting 87 points and $27,487 apiece.

Not far behind, Clayton Biglow, Jayco Roper, and Mason Clements shared the third position, earning $13,042 each with an impressive 86 points. Keenan Hayes and Jess Pope, tied for 7th position with 85 points each, while at the bottom, Tim O’Connell and Dean Thompson shared the 14th spot with 80.5 points apiece.

Overall leaders in the Bareback Riding category:

1. Mason Clements took the top spot with 513.5 points on six attempts.
2. Keenan Hayes secured the second position with 510.5 points.
3. Jess Pope followed closely behind with 508.5 points.

Steer Wrestling

Steer Wrestling’s sixth round saw Dirk Tavenner leading the pack with an impressive 3.6 seconds, taking home $30,706.

Overall leaders in the Steer Wrestling category:

1. Dakota Eldridge brilliantly managed 27.7 seconds on six runs.
2. Nick Guy was a hairsbreadth behind at 27.8 seconds.
3. Don Payne rounded up the top three, finishing at 27.9 seconds.

Team Roping

In the Team Roping event, Erich Rogers and Paul Eaves exhibited seamless synergy to secure the top spot, managing 3.5 seconds and grabbing $30,706.

Overall leaders in the Team Roping category (Headers):

1. Clint Summers with $202,642.
2. Andrew Ward bagged the second spot with $201,531.
3. Nelson Wyatt rounded off the top three with $196,438.

The heelers category was equally competitive with Jake Long leading the pack.

Overall leaders in the Team Roping category (Heelers):

1. Jake Long with $216,143.
2. Wesley Thorp at second with $213,355.
3. Buddy Hawkins II closely followed behind with $201,531.

Saddle Bronc Riding

In Saddle Bronc Riding, Kade Bruno defied gravity on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Cat Walk to achieve a score of 88.5 points and substantial prize money of $30,706.

Overall leaders in the Saddle Bronc Riding category:

1. Sage Newman with $319,667 led the group.
2. Zeke Thurston was not far behind with a commendable $313,555.
3. Claiming the third spot was Kade Bruno with $306,330.

Tie-Down Roping

Tie-down roping also witnessed some intense competition. Caleb Smidt stole the show with a splendid 6.8 seconds, bagging $30,706.

Overall leaders in the Tie-Down Roping category:

1. Riley Mason Webb topped the ranking with $376,086.
2. Shad Mayfield followed close behind with $278,677.
3. Haven Meged made a strong show with $278,532.

Barrel Racing

In the Barrel Racing event, Emily Beisel led the pack with a scintillating 13.60 seconds, securing $30,706.

Overall leaders within the Barrel Racing category:

1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi topped the ranks with $372,683.
2. Emily Beisel with $233,797 stood strong at second.
3. Jordon Briggs followed in third place with $221,011.

Bull Riding

Josh Frost on Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Wild Time and Sage Steele Kimzey on Frontier Rodeo Co.’s County Jail tied for the first spot with a score of 86.5 points, earning $27,487 each.

Overall leaders in Bull Riding:

1. Ky John Hamilton led with earnings of $417,614.
2. Stetson Dell Wright was close behind with $378,630.
3. Josh Frost came third with $293,789.

All-Around Category

Stetson Dell Wright lead the pack here with impressive earnings of $479,621, cementing his position as a versatile and high-performing rodeo athlete.

RAM Top Gun Standings

The most anticipated RAM Top Gun award was dominated by Ky John Hamilton with remarkable earnings of $129,606, outpacing the other competitors with significant ease.

This precisely wraps up the highlights of the sixth round of the National Finals Rodeo 2023 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The participants will switch gears to prepare for the upcoming challenges and the excitement continues to intensify. This is what rodeo is all about!