The 2025 National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR) opened its first five rounds in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, at the historic Cowtown Coliseum, setting the pace for the second half of the world championship race.
In an unprecedented conclusion to a historic breakaway roping season, and in response to the recent Equine Herpesvirus (EHV/EHM) outbreak, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association postponed and relocated the 2025 NFBR from Las Vegas’ South Point Hotel and Casino to Cowtown Coliseum. The move brings the season finale to the Fort Worth Stockyards, where history will be made and the 2025 World Champion will be crowned.
The top 15 breakaway ropers in the world will back in the historic venue’s boxes for a total purse of $300,000 and the coveted gold buckle honors. Each go-round pays $6,197 to the winner, with $21,367 paid per round overall; while the average champion will earn $16,913, with $63,825 paid out in the average. The two-day showcase is poised to rewrite earnings records for the sport’s next generation of champions.
Hali Williams backed into Cowtown Coliseum’s historic boxes with a vengeance. She kicked off the 10-round competition by stopping the clock in 2.1 seconds to win Round 1. In a tightly contested field, that early momentum could prove pivotal in her 2025 world championship campaign.
Williams entered the NFBR fifth in the world standings, having earned $130,476 during the regular season. She trailed regular-season leader Taylor Munsell by $60,699 at the start of the finals.
Williams continued her dominance throughout the first day of competition, adding Round 3 and Round 4 wins with matching 1.9-second runs. Through the first five rounds, she has earned an impressive $18,591.
Round 2 belonged to Beau Peterson, who matched Williams’ opening-round time with a 2.1-second run to claim the victory. Peterson entered the NFBR ninth in the world standings and is aiming to etch her name into history in Fort Worth.
Rounding out the first day of competition were Round 5 co-winners Josie Conner and Kinlie Brennise, who each posted 2.1-second runs to split the round win and collect $5,662 apiece.
Similar to the National Finals Rodeo, the average title looms large in the world championship race. With $16,913.63 on the line, the average could be decisive. At the halfway mark, California’s Rylee George leads the average with a total time of 14.6 seconds on five head, positioning herself firmly in the world title conversation.
Unofficially, Taylor Munsell maintains her season-long lead in the world standings, holding a slim $2,924 advantage over Josie Conner heading into the final five rounds. Former world champion Shelby Boisjoli-Meged also remains in close contention as she looks to secure her second gold buckle.
With a world title within reach, the championship will come down to the final five rounds of the NFBR. Competition resumes Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. CT at Cowtown Coliseum and will air live on The Cowboy Channel.