Reigning World Champion Bareback Rider Dean Thompson is heading into his third National Finals Rodeo with confidence. Currently ranked eighth in the world with $166,535 in regular season earnings, Thompson believes he is entering this year’s finals better prepared than ever before.
The Utah cowboy has made it a priority this year to improve both his physical and mental game ahead of the Finals. Thompson shares he’s been training everyday and with the evolution of his mental game over the last couple year’s, he’s ready to climb into those yellow bucking chutes.
The 2025 season has already been a strong one for Thompson. He captured titles at the Elk City Rodeo of Champions, the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo stops in Charlottesville and Columbus, and the Gem State Stampede.
Now, with the brightest lights of the sport ahead, Thompson is eager to face the best in the world once again. The competition at this year’s NFR promises to be intense, but the reigning champion is ready to meet the challenge head on.