Team Roping Highlights: Round 7 Showdown at the NFR
The energy at the Thomas & Mack Center was palpable as the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) unfolded its thrilling Round 7 of team roping. What initially started as a slower round quickly escalated into a frenzied showcase of skill and speed, capturing the hearts of fans and participants alike.
Early Competition Dynamics
The round kicked off with some hesitation, marking a contrast to the explosive energy typically associated with NFR. Teams such as Clay Smith and Coleby Payne steadily increased the pressure, making it clear that this round would not be without excitement. However, it was the Canadian duo of Dylan and Dawson Graham that would ultimately elevate the atmosphere, invigorating the audience with a display that resonated with passion and determination.
The Rise of the Graham Brothers
Dylan and Dawson Graham have established themselves as fierce competitors throughout the 2025 PRORODEO season. Their journey has been remarkable, with notable wins at events like the Medicine Hat Stampede and Caldwell Night Rodeo. This prepared them well for the spotlight at the NFR, where they faced both the pressure of expectation and their own ambitions.
This particular evening marked a significant milestone for the brothers. As they placed second in Round 2, they secured a check worth $28,980 each, further solidifying their status among the elite in team roping. The cheers from the crowd only fueled their confidence, as they roped before thousands of enthusiastic rodeo fans, creating a moment unforgettable for their family.
Round 7: The Thrill of Victory
Later in the NFR, the Graham brothers continued to impress. They took to The Gold Buckle Stage at the South Point Resort & Casino, stopping the clock at 3.8 seconds and adding another $29,177 to their Vegas earnings. The crowning moment arrived in Round 7, which promised a chance for redemption after a few less-than-stellar performances earlier in the week.
When they backed into the box for Round 7, it was evident that the Grahams were hungry for victory. They posted the fastest time of the round, clocking in at a blistering 3.5 seconds—just one one-hundredth of a second off the round record. Their precision not only secured them a victory lap but also set the pace for those who followed, showcasing their skill under pressure.
The Battle for Second Place
While the Grahams were tasting victory, the competition for second place was fierce. Luke Brown and Trey Yates, in dire need of a turnaround after a string of challenges at the event, managed to clock in at 3.7 seconds. This was a significant moment for the duo, as they had secured a check earlier in Round 5, earning $15,377 for their 4.5-second run.
In Round 7, Brown and Yates’s performance placed them in a tie for second with Clay Smith and Coleby Payne, showcasing their resilience. Securing $25,431 each, they proved that they could rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Results Overview
The results of Round 7 highlighted the prowess of the competitors, showcasing the talent at NFR:
- Dawson Graham/Dylan Graham – 3.5 seconds, $36,668 each
- (tie) Luke Brown/Trey Yates and Clay Smith/Coleby Payne – 3.7 seconds, $25,431 each
- (tie) Lightning Aguilera/Kaden Profili and Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord – 3.8 seconds, $12,420 each
- (tie) Riley Minor/Brady Minor and Andrew Ward/Jake Long – 3.9 seconds, $2,957 each
- Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira – 4.2 seconds
- Derrick Begay/Colter Todd – 4.4 seconds
- Kolton Schmidt/Jonathan Torres – 5.0 seconds
- Clint Summers/Jade Corkill – 5.8 seconds
- Tyler Wade/Wesley Thorp – 8.3 seconds
- Tanner Tomlinson/Travis Graves – 9.8 seconds
- Cyle Denison/Lane Mitchell and Jake Smith/Douglas Rich – NT.
The Road Ahead
As the NFR continues to unfold, the level of excitement only escalates. With more rounds to go, the stakes are high, and each competitor is eager to leave their mark on this prestigious event. The stories of brothers like the Grahams and the determination of teams like Brown and Yates serve as reminders of why rodeo is a beloved sport, embodied by skill, resilience, and the spirit of competition.