2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Kicks Off with Thrilling First Round
After much anticipation, the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge officially kicked off on Dec. 8 at the Thomas & Mack arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
Despite the delay, the 10-round competition will continue through Dec. 16, determining the PRCA/WPRA World Champions and awarding the original prize purse of $11.5 million.
In the bareback riding, Rocker Steiner emerged victorious with an impressive 87-point ride on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos' Risky Business, earning $30,706. Clayton Biglow secured second place with a score of 85.5, taking home $24,268. Jess Pope rounded out the top three with a score of 85, earning $18,325.
In the steer wrestling event, Dalton Massey claimed the top spot with a swift time of 3.5 seconds, earning $30,706. Tyler Waguespack secured second place with a time of 3.8 seconds, earning $24,268. Ty Erickson and Don Payne tied for third place with times of 4.3 seconds, each earning $15,601.
The team roping event saw Clint Summers and Jake Long take home the top prize with a time of 4.2 seconds, earning $30,706 each. Jake Clay and Tyler Worley secured second place with a time of 4.3 seconds, earning $24,268. Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira, as well as Nelson Wyatt and Jonathan Torres, tied for third place with times of 4.6 seconds, each earning $15,601.
In saddle bronc riding, Kade Bruno and Zeke Thurston tied for first place with scores of 86.5 points, each earning $27,487. Ryder Wright secured third place with a score of 86, taking home $18,325.
John Douch claimed the top spot in the tie-down roping event with a time of 7.7 seconds, earning $30,706. Blane Cox secured second place with a time of 7.9 seconds, earning $24,268. Ty Harris and Westyn Hughes tied for third place with times of 8.4 seconds, each earning $15,601.
Sissy Winn emerged as the winner in barrel racing with a fast time of 13.71 seconds, earning $30,706. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi secured second place with a time of 13.75 seconds, earning $24,268. Kassie Mowry finished in third place with a time of 13.90 seconds, taking home $18,325.
In the thrilling bull riding event, Ky Hamilton topped the leaderboard with a score of 86.5 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo's Vitalix Theodore, earning $30,706. Josh Frost secured second place with a score of 85.5, earning $24,268. Creek Young finished in third place with a score of 84.5, taking home $18,325.
