History was rewritten across nearly every discipline as athletes shattered earnings records and redefined Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) expectations throughout the regular season and postseason finale at the 2025 National Finals Rodeo (NFR).
With the stakes raised on rodeo’s biggest stage, the 2025 NFR paid out a combined $13.5 million, including $1.2 million in guaranteed money and more than $12.3 million in competition earnings. Contestants competed for $36,668 per go-round win and up to $94,035 for first place in the average, with significant placing paychecks as well, creating massive incentives for the top 15 qualifiers in each event.
At the conclusion of the 2025 NFR, the coveted Top Gun Award belonged to bull rider T.J. Gray. The honor is awarded to the contestant who earns the most money in a single event at the Wrangler NFR. Gray also received a custom rifle from Horizon Firearms, a $20,000 certificate toward a new truck from Bill Fick Ford, and a PRORODEO truck package from AgTruck.
Gray shattered the NFR earnings record, collecting a staggering $295,655 over 10 nights at the Thomas & Mack Center. The 24-year-old Oregon native rode seven of 10 bulls to capture the NFR average title, win rounds seven, eight and 10, and placed consistently throughout the competition.
That record-breaking performance propelled Gray to a reserve world championship finish in bull riding, falling just $32,662 short of the gold buckle behind world champion bull rider and all-around cowboy Stetson Wright. Gray will look to carry that momentum into the 2026 season as he pursues his third consecutive NFR qualification.
Wright also rewrote the record books at the 2025 NFR, earning the all-around cowboy title with $817,088 won during the season in bull riding and saddle bronc riding. He surpassed his own previous earnings record of $758,828, set in 2023.
World champion bareback rider Rocker Steiner established both regular-season and year-end earnings records. He became the first bareback rider to surpass $300,000 during the regular season and finished the year with $507,532 following a highly lucrative NFR.
In additional bareback riding and bull riding milestones, Wacey Schalla became the youngest PRCA athlete to reach $1 million in career earnings, cementing his place among the sport’s elite and laying the foundation for a remarkable legacy.
Steer wrestler Tucker Allen wrote a storybook NFR, earning $248,045 en route to his first gold buckle. He also etched his name into history as the highest single-season earning steer wrestler.
In team roping, Andrew Ward and Jake Long rose to the occasion, setting earnings records of $373,838 and $372,091, respectively.
Tie-down roper Riley Webb continued to build his dynasty, breaking his own earnings records while capturing his third consecutive gold buckle. Webb earned $250,411 at the 2025 NFR and finished the season with $555,543, raising the bar for the event.
With history rewritten in nearly every discipline, the continued growth of professional rodeo is evident. Increased payouts, record-setting performances and sold-out crowds at the Thomas & Mack Center and beyond point to a thriving future, as athletes look to push the limits once again in 2026.
