National Finals Rodeo kicks off in Las Vegas
The 2023 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association National Finals Rodeo began in Las Vegas on Dec. 8, a nine-day-long competition between 119 contestants from around the world, including steer wrestler Stan Branco, right.
Ian Bivona/Basin Business Journal
LAS VEGAS – The 2023 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s National Finals Rodeo began on Dec. 8, the start of a nine-day-long competition where contestants from around the world will engage in 10 rounds of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
This year’s NFR includes a record-setting payout of over $11.5 million, according to the PRCA.
Of the 119 contestants at this year’s NFR, seven hail from the Pacific Northwest; Kade Bruno of Challis, Idaho, Dalton Massey of Hermiston, Oregon, Tristen Hutchings of Monteview, Idaho, Jesse Brown of Baker City, Oregon, Jacob Less of Caldwell, Idaho, Dirk Tavenner of Rigby, Idaho and Sue Smith of Blackfoot, Idaho.
Utah native Stetson Wright is seeking his fifth-straight all-around cowboy title at this year’s NFR, as well as adding to his championships in bull riding (2020, 2022) and saddle bronc (2021).
Full results from the 2023 National Finals Rodeo will be included in the January edition of the Basin Business Journal.