Thrilling Start at the National Finals Rodeo: Round 1 Highlights

The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) kicked off in Las Vegas, Nevada, with an electrifying first round that showcased the grit, skill, and sheer horsepower of some of the best steer wrestlers in the world. As the lights shone brightly in the Thomas & Mack Center, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Here’s a closer look at how the first round unfolded.

Tyler Waguespack Steals the Show

Five-time world champion Tyler Waguespack came into the NFR focused and ready to dominate. In a jaw-dropping 4.0-second run, he not only secured the top position on the leaderboard but also pocketed a hefty $36,668. Riding the 2024 AQHA Horse of the Year, Swamper, Waguespack’s victory marked a significant milestone—his 19th NFR round win. As he chases a sixth world title, this performance puts him in an excellent position to tie the legendary Homer Pettigrew for the most steer wrestling world titles if he emerges victorious this year.

The Cattle Set-Up

In this round, bulldoggers faced off against Jace Honey’s cattle from Honey Livestock based in La Junta, Colorado. This particular pen, noted to be the "softest" of the three available, still proved to be a formidable challenge. The unpredictable nature of steer wrestling means that even the “softest” cattle can lead to dramatic twists.

How the Round Faired for Other Big Men

While Waguespack took the spotlight, several other cowboys made strong impressions:

Ties for Second Place

Kyle Irwin, J.D. Struxness, and Ty Erickson tied for second place with solid runs of 4.2 seconds each, earning $22,080. Irwin’s run was particularly impressive as he had to switch his horse from the recently deceased Baby to Monroe, owned by Ringo Robinson. Monroe’s strong start was instrumental in helping Irwin secure his place among the top contenders.

Notable Fifth and Sixth Place Finishes

Canadian cowboy Scott Guenthner slid into fifth place with a commendable 4.7-second run, riding Eddie, owned by Tanner Milan. Meanwhile, another tie emerged for sixth between Dakota Eldridge and Jesse Brown, both clocking in at 5.0 seconds. Despite nursing a leg injury, Eldridge’s determination shone through, while Brown’s run solidified his standing as a top contender, coming into the finals ranked No. 2 in world standings.

Heartbreaking Loss for Will Lummus

The round, however, wasn’t without its heartbreaks. Will Lummus, who came in as the No. 1 contender for the finals, faced disappointment as a steer broke away from him during his run. Despite this setback, the record-breaking payouts this year keep his dreams of a gold buckle alive.

Round 1 Results

As the dust settled, the standings were as follows:

• 1st: Tyler Waguespack – 4.0 seconds, $36,668
• 2nd (tie): Ty Erickson, Kyle Irwin, J.D. Struxness – 4.2 seconds, $22,080 each
• 5th: Scott Guenthner – 4.7 seconds, $9,463
• 6th (tie): Jesse Brown, Dakota Eldridge – 5.0 seconds, $2,957 each
• 8th (tie): Chance Howard, Justin Shaffer – 5.4 seconds
• 10th: Rowdy Parrott – 5.5 seconds
• 11th: Tucker Allen – 5.9 seconds
• 12th: Stetson Jorgensen – 10.0 seconds
• 13th: Gavin Soileau – 14.2 seconds
• 14th: Bridger Anderson, Will Lummus – NT

A Knife Fight to the Finish

The competition is set to be intense as the NFR progresses, with bulldogging promising to remain a fierce and gripping battle until the final steer runs in Round 10. With top talent and incredible energy filling the arena, this 40th year at the Thomas & Mack promises to be unforgettable. The stage is set; all eyes are now on the next rounds as the excitement builds.