It’s the dream of every rodeo athlete — but an achievement reserved only for the elite. Qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas not only provides athletes with the opportunities to compete for life-changing money, but for the coveted gold buckles and world titles. Long known as the sport’s “Super Bowl,” the NFR represents the pinnacle of professional rodeo.
Now in its 40th year at the Thomas & Mack Center — and its 66th year overall, the NFR has produced generations of unforgettable moments. This year, a select class of NFR rookies will achieve their dream and pick up their first NFR back numbers.
Here’s a look at the athletes making their NFR debut in 2025.
Bareback Riding
Jacek Frost of Browns Valley, Calif., surged late in the season to earn his first trip to Las Vegas. A pivotal ride on “Side Show” at the Pendleton Round-Up delivered one of the biggest wins of his career and pushed him inside the top 15. Frost entered Pendleton just outside the cut line after a key win in Puyallup, Wash., making every point in the final performance crucial.
“This is unbelievable,” Frost said with a wide grin. “With the win in Puyallup and now here [Pendleton], I can’t even describe the feeling.”
His strong finish proved that two late-season wins can change a cowboy’s year in a matter of days.
Waylon Bourgeois, a Louisiana native, will also make his NFR debut following a consistent season highlighted by home-state victories at the Springhill (La.) PRCA Rodeo and the Mid Winter Fair & Rodeo.
Steer Wrestling
Oklahoma cowboy Chance Howard will step into the NFR arena for the first time after decades dedicated to refining his craft. A season marked by steady performances and a standout win at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo secured his spot.
Gavin Soileau clinched his first NFR qualification in dramatic fashion. With the race coming down to the final days of the season, Soileau earned a crucial $2,644 in San Bernardino at the Sheriff’s PRCA Rodeo — enough to push him inside the top 15 in a thrilling finish.
Team Roping – Heading
Former Canadian Pro Rodeo Champion Dawson Graham qualifies for his first NFR on the strength of key wins across the Maple Leaf Circuit, including the Medicine Hat (Alberta) Stampede. He enters the NFR in 10th place with $131,934 earned in the regular season.
Team Roping – Heeling
Lane Mitchell makes his NFR debut after nearly doubling his 2024 earnings, finishing the season with $143,032 and major wins including the Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup Rodeo.
Roping alongside his brother, Dawson, Dillon Graham also secured his first NFR qualification after standout performances on both sides of the border.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Weston Patterson will make his first trip to Las Vegas after an impressive third PRCA season. Joining him is Q Taylor of Alberta, who adds his name to the growing list of elite Canadian saddle bronc riders. Patterson and Taylor earned $173,735.41 and $157,561.67, respectively, during the regular season.
Tie-Down Roping
Missouri native Tom Crouse enters his first NFR in eighth place with $147,808.43 earned, highlighted by a major win at the Cinch Roping Fiesta. He is joined by Canadian Pro Rodeo Champion Kyle Lucas, who qualified with $129,298.
Barrel Racing
Nearly half of the 2025 barrel racing field will consist of NFR rookies, promising one of the most competitive lineups in recent history. Leading the pack is Anita Ellis, whose breakout season included a Calgary Stampede victory.
Other first-time qualifiers include Tayla Moeykens, Tricia Aldridge, Hayle Gibson-Stillwell, Katelyn Lide-Scott, and Halyn Lide, all of whom secured their spots after an intense season-long battle.
Bull Riding
PRCA rookie Hudson Bolton headlines the class of first-timers with a historic season that brings him to Las Vegas ranked sixth with $179,478 earned.
Joining him are: Qynn Andersen (Australia), Bryce Jensen (Texas), Mason Moody (South Dakota), Rawley Johnson (Idaho), Jesse Petri (Texas) and Luke Mackey (Colorado).
For more than a year, these storylines have been unfolding — and now the fate of the 2025 PRCA world champions will come down to 10 rounds inside the Thomas & Mack. The action kicks off Dec. 4. Fans can follow every moment on The Cowboy Channel and the Cowboy Channel+ app.