When the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) returns to Las Vegas this December, Rio Las Vegas isn’t just hosting a rodeo watch party; it’s bringing the heart of the West to life with the 2025 Rio Round-Up. From December 4–13, the Rio Event Stage transforms into your all-in-one cowboy sanctuary: big-screen rodeo viewing, live country music, late-night dance floors, and a meaningful Cowboy Church Service anchored by rodeo brothers of faith.
Rio Las Vegas
3700 W Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89103
At the forefront is Matt Merritt, the charismatic, world-renowned host who ties everything together with cowboy energy, warm commentary, and authentic connection. Whether you’re a die-hard rodeo fan, an aspiring cowboy, or just someone who loves the culture, Matt’s presence makes Rio Round-Up feel like home.
Matt Merritt: The Journey From the Arena Dirt to Behind the Mic
Bullfighter & BarrelMan
Matt Merritt is most famous for his long and decorated career in the rodeo world as a rodeo clown/barrelman/entertainer, which is a demanding role that involves both comedy and high-risk protective work.
- Early Career & Start: He was introduced to rodeo in his early teenage years in North Louisiana. After trying to ride steers, he quickly found his niche as an entertainer and clown, working his first event in the late 1990s.
- Role in Rodeo: His primary job is to entertain the crowd during breaks and slow periods with humor and skits. Crucially, as a barrelman, he is also a vital part of the bull riding event, getting inside a padded barrel to help distract angry bulls and provide an escape for bull riders.
- Major Accomplishments: His career took off quickly, and he began working with the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) in 2004. His long list of accomplishments includes being featured at major rodeos and events like:
- The PBR World Finals
- The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
- The Salinas Rodeo
- Multiple trips to the PBR Australia Grand Finals and PBR Velocity Tour Finals
- Style: He is known for his spontaneous, “off the hip” brand of humor and his willingness to use local flavor to tailor each show to the audience.
More Than a Host
If you’ve attended rodeos or PBR finals, you’ve likely seen or heard Matt Merritt in action. He’s more than a rodeo emcee; he’s a bridge between entertainment and the Western way of life. In 2025, during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), he continues to bring his signature style to the Rio Round-Up, serving as your nightly guide and host . Merritt’s exceptional charisma, deep rodeo knowledge, and spontaneous humor made him a perfect candidate for hosting live media events, capitalizing on his widespread name recognition.
- Rio Round-Up Watch Party: Matt Merritt hosts the nightly Rio Round-Up Watch Party at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This event is one of the premier fan destinations for watching the live NFR action on big screens. Merritt uses his signature high-energy style, often with celebrity guests, to keep the crowd engaged with commentary, giveaways, and non-stop rodeo excitement. Matt isn’t just about the party; he brings heart. He fosters a sense of community by sharing meaningful moments and championing the cowboy spirit. This role solidifies his position as a central fan personality outside of the competition arena.
- “Mic Drop”: He also hosts the show “Mic Drop” on the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage during the NFR’s Cowboy Christmas trade show. This platform features engaging interviews and content with athletes and figures from the rodeo community.
His dual roles at major NFR-related events, hosting both the live watch party and a prominent interview show, demonstrate a successful and comprehensive shift from being an arena performer to being a leading media personality in the rodeo world. He is the perfect host to lead both adrenaline-fueled celebrations and moments of reflection.
A Nightly Celebration! But It’s More Than Just a Party
Rio Round-Up isn’t only about watching the NFR on screens (though that’s a major highlight). With three 24-foot LED screens, a live announcer, and a full sound system, the viewing area offers fans a premium, immersive experience all at no cost with free admission and parking.
Then, as the live rodeo winds down, the Rio Event Stage ignites with live music every single night, featuring a lineup packed with country stars and emerging artists. And on December 11, Joe Nichols takes center stage in the Penn & Teller Theater for a headline concert that promises to be unforgettable.
Cowboy Church Service: Faith Rides Into the Round-Up
One of the most powerful and unique aspects of Rio Round-Up is the Cowboy Church Service, happening on the Rio Event Stage. It’s not just an add-on; it’s a gathering of rodeo faith, testimony, and inspiration woven into the heart of the celebration.
Here’s the Sunday Cowboy Church Agenda:
- 10:45 AM – Big Vinney kicks off the service with spirited songs
- 11:00 AM – Winston Quesenberry, with three guest speakers:
- Ryder Sanford, 2023 NFR qualifier and rodeo’s 2023 Rookie of the Year in saddle bronc riding
- Kyle Irwin, a seven-time NFR qualifier in steer wrestling
- Ethan Pittman, a PRCA bullfighter
- Ryder Sanford, 2023 NFR qualifier and rodeo’s 2023 Rookie of the Year in saddle bronc riding
- 11:30 AM – Former PBR bullrider, JC Navarro, leads a 30-minute service, offering a message of hope, faith, and rodeo-driven purpose.
- 12:00 PM – The gathering concludes with DJ Christian music, bringing the fellowship to a joyful, worshipful finish.
This isn’t your typical church service; it’s rodeo ministry on center stage, designed specifically for the cowboy community. Speakers like Winston Quesenberry and JC Navarro, alongside representatives from Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) rodeo ministry, connect faith with the grit of the arena.
Meet Winston Quesenberry: Rodeo Faith Leader
Winston Quesenberry’s story exemplifies the cowboy faith journey. Born and raised in Bedford, Virginia, he grew up on a family farm surrounded by rodeo athletes, from his uncles to his father. He started riding bulls at 14, rode professionally until his late twenties, and continued his passion into his early thirties. Winston’s favorite memories as a bull rider are competing on Team USA in Barretos, Brazil, as well as Costa Rico.
Winston’s spiritual calling transformed his life: at 18, he called on the name of Jesus, and by 24, he committed to living for Christ. He attended Bible college (graduated in 2021), launched a rodeo college bible study, and eventually became a full-time area representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Today, he serves as the Southwest Louisiana Area Director for FCA rodeo and recently launched Nod For Christ, a brand that merges his rodeo roots and ministry.
His faith-driven leadership, combined with his rodeo experience, makes him an ideal voice to moderate testimonies and lead spiritual conversations at the Cowboy Church Service.
“This is going to be epic! Matt is an incredible host. I witnessed him entertain the crowd in 2024 when he hosted the Rio Round-Up. Not only am I stoked to see him again in action in 2025, but I am even more excited to have a special Cowboy Church service to attend.”
Danny O’Donnell
CLN Chief Social Officer & Co-Founder
Let Matt Guide Your Nights During NFR
If you’re heading to Vegas for the Wrangler NFR, make the Rio Round-Up your home base. It’s not just a watch party or concert series; it’s a genuine cowboy celebration of sport, faith, and lifestyle.
Let Matt Merritt guide your nights with his fiery hosting. Let Winston Quesenberry and JC Navarro inspire your spirit at the Cowboy Church Service. And let the community of fellow rodeo lovers uplift and motivate you. Stay connected for the latest news and behind-the-scenes highlights by following Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN) on social media.
Photo Courtesy of Rio Las Vegas
Last Updated on 12/01/2025 by Fernando Rosas Suarez
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