Official Wrangler NFR 2021 Recap: Day 2

Performance recap for December 3rd and event schedule for December 4th, 2021.

Night two is in the books and everyone is getting settled in for the Superbowl of rodeo, which we call the NFR 2021. Nowhere else in the country can the rodeo community come together in one place and celebrate our western heritage and lifestyle. The second performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada has come and gone and it is only just the beginning. Cowboy Lifestyle Network is excited to be able to give you the full day in review including the Round Winners for each performance, daily entertainment, and places you need to check out. Make sure to follow us on your favorite social media platform for all the behind-the-scenes fun.

Events Around Town

Junior World Finals

The Junior World Finals presented by YETI will host more than 850 contestants within the Wrangler Rodeo Arena over the 10 days in December. Located in the heart of Las Vegas each contestant competes at the Las Vegas Convention Center. These young athletes will compete for more than $1 million in combined cash and prize payout on their quest to claim a coveted Montana Silversmiths championship buckle. The Junior World Finals break their events into sections so starting yesterday and going until the 6th, you can catch all the young cowboys competing in the saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding.

World Series Team Roping

Starting today, you can experience the Ariat WSTR Finale, which is the second largest equestrian event in the world and is focused on the sport of amateur handicapped team roping. Held each year at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, “The Finale” has continued to be the premier team roping event since its inception in 2006. Currently, the Ariat WSTR Finale pays out over $13 Million Dollars to eight divisions over eight days. The event hosts over three thousand contestants and horses from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazile, and many other countries. The Finale is perfectly timed alongside the National Finals Rodeo so team ropers get to not only experience the life-changing money at the South Point but also enjoy watching the nightly performance of the top cowboys and cowgirls in the world down the road at the Thomas and Mack Arena.

Bullfighters Only World Championship

Bullfighters Only (BFO) is pleased to officially announce its new partnership with Resorts World Las Vegas.  Since 2015, Vegas crowds have been thrilled with the unmatched adrenaline-pumping action of Bullfighters Only, plus the fun party that accompanies the event.  On Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 9-11 at 1:30 PM, the bravest athletes in the world take on the most feared fighting bulls for over $75,000 in cash and the ultimate prize, the title of BFO World Champion. Eighteen (18) athletes will compete in a tournament-style format trying to earn their way to the Hooey Championship Round.

Cowboy Christmas

It wouldn’t be the WNFR without a trip to Cowboy Christmas. The Las Vegas Convention Center will host the grand scale shopping event again this year. With over 300 exhibitors the shopping and entertainment options have something for everyone. Cowboy Christmas is free admission and open all ten days from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. You can stop in for some food and drinks at the Coors Rodeo Saloon or get an autograph from your favorite athlete. Some of our favorites are Wrangler, Resistol, Total Feeds, Nutrena (upstairs), Boot Barn and so many others. For more information go to nfrexperience.com/cowboychristmas/.

Autograph Signings

Wrangler NFR 2021 Autograph Session — Tie-Down Ropers

• 12 p.m. — 2 p.m.
• MGM Grand — Main Lobby
• Free Admission/Open to the Public
• First come/first served; contestants depart at 2 p.m.

Recurring NFR 2021 After Parties

Gary Leffew’s Bucking Ball

• December 2 — 11
• 5 p.m. — midnight
• December 2 — 11
• 4:30 p.m.
• Live viewing party followed by Gary Leffew’s Bucking Ball
• Free live music on December 2 — 4 and 9 — 11
• Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
• Free Admission/Open to the Public

The Mirage Presents Rodeo Vegas

• December 2 — 11
• 5:45 p.m. — 12:30 a.m.
• Live viewing party followed by free concerts nightly from Country Music’s Biggest Stars.
• Daily drink specials and giveaways
• Must be 21+ to enter
• The Mirage Race & Sports Book
• Free Admission/Open to the Public
• For more information, click here

MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone

• December 2 — 11
• 8 p.m. — 2 a.m.
• Level Up
• Live entertainment featuring free concerts nightly!
• Free Admission/Open to the Public
• For more information, click here!

Wrangler NFR 2021 Go Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen

• December 2 — 10
• 9:30 p.m. (with live broadcast on The Cowboy Channel)
• Free Admission/Open to the Public
• South Point Showroom
• Free concerts to follow each night in the South Point Showroom: Aaron Watson, Dec. 2-5 / Chancey Williams, Dec. 6-8 / Randall King, Dec. 9-10

Concerts

There are plenty of great concerts in town, and a large number of them are free. But you can’t miss some of the legends that will be performing during this year’s WNFR. Shania Twain at Planet Hollywood, George Strait at T-Mobile Arena, and Gary Allan at Hard Rock are just a few of the artists that will be in Vegas during the rodeo. To see the full list and get more information go to nfrexperience.com. 

Concerts for December 3rd

• Reba, Brooks and Dunn | Caesar’s Palace
• Shania Twain | Planet Hollywood
• Foo Fighters | Park MGM
• Aaron Watson | South Point
• George Strait | T-Mobile Arena
• Brantley Gilbert | Cosmopolitan
• Josh Turner | The Venetian
• Devin Dawson | The Mirage

WNFR Round 2 Winners

Congratulations to all of the Round Winners for the second night of the Wrangler NFR 2021!

Bareback Riding: Brody Cress | 87.5 on C5 Rodeo’s Kitty Whistle

Steer Wrestling: Dirk Tavenner | 3.4 seconds

Team Roping: Derrick Begay and Brady Minor | 3.9 seconds

Tie-Down Roping: Shad Mayfield | 7.2 seconds

Saddle Bronc: Jess Pope | 89.5 on  Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Fired Up

Barrel Racing: Dona Kay Rule | 13.56

Bull Riding: Parker Breding | 90 point ride on Outlawbuckers Rodeo’s Lose Your Bones

A huge congratulations to all the winners from last night’s performance, we can’t wait to see what everyone brings to the table for night number three. See y’all there!

This NFR review is brought to you by the Navajo Nation. There are so many different aspects of the Navajo Nation that make it special and truly make it an experience in itself. From the casinos and wide-open spaces to some of the best beef in the west, there is so much to be discovered! Learn more by visiting discovernavajo.com.