Official Wrangler NFR 2021 Recap: Day 9

Performance recap for December 10th and event schedule for December 11th, 2021.

This is it folks…the review before the performance that will make or break some contestants. Some of the athletes performing are pretty solid in the standings making it clear who will take home the title. You can catch below our thoughts on who is going to be taking home the win in each event. Make sure to follow us on your favorite social media platform for all the behind-the-scenes action.

Events Around Town on December 11

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. Today is the last day of the 2021 Junior World Finals, who will be crowned the Junior World Champions?

World Series of Team Roping Championship 2021

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. Today is the last day to catch all the action at South Point Hotel and Casino.

Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship Finals

Today is the last day you can catch our friends over at Bullfighters Only. 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 taking place tonight.

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 is 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. For more information go to nfrexperience.com/cowboychristmas/

NFR After Party

The party doesn’t stop after the rodeo ends. The MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone offers free live music and viewing parties every night. The Buckin’ Bash hosted by Justin Rumford also hosts a free party over at The Orleans starting at 9 p.m. But something you need to see at least once is an NFR buckle presentation. Every night you can go see the champions get their winning round buckles and then stay for the free concert at South Point Hotel.

Last Night of 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!

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 2021. 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 11th

• Reba, Brooks & Dunn | Caesar’s
• Journey | Virgin Hotels
• Shania Twain | Planet Hollywood
• Riley Green | Resorts World
• Rodney Carrington | MGM Grand
• Jason Aldean | Park MGM
• Dierks Bentley | The Cosmopolitan
• Randy Houser | The Mirage
• Randall King | South Point

WNFR Round 9 Winners

Congratulations to all of the Round Winners for the ninth night of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

Bareback Riding: Caleb Bennett | 88-point ride on Rafter H Rodeo Livestock’s Medicine Show

Caleb is currently sitting number six in the world standings and has been fighting for that spot even though he’s been battling injury after injury this week. Unfortunately, with Caleb battling injuries and about a $90K difference from the leader, he will need to regroup and come back stronger next year for a shot at the championship or average winner spot. As far as who is going to win it all tonight, we are pretty sure that Kaycee Feild has this year in the bag. Let us know what you think!

World Standings Results for Bareback Riding

1. Kaycee Feild | $279,912.08
2. Jess Pope | $244,267.84
3. Tim O’Connell | $192,907.91
4. Tilden Hooper | $192,417.55
5. Cole Reiner | $190,186.54

Steer Wrestling: Stetson Jorgensen, Jesse Brown, Stockton Graves and Tyler Waguespack | Tied with 3.9 seconds

I’m personally not sure if four steer wrestlers have ever won first place in a round, but their victory lap was something to get a chuckle from. As far as standings, the number one spot is really going to be between Jacob Talley and Tyler Waguespack. In the third position is Dirk Tavener but he’s behind by about $40K so he would need to be the round winner tonight if he wants to change that placing. And there’s a whopping $100 between the number one and number two spot, so the boys will need to be on their A-Game to secure a World Championship tonight.

World Standings Results for Steer Wrestling

1. Tyler Waguespack | $217,508.66
2. Jacob Talley | $217,391.47
3. Dirk Tavenner | $177,892.60
4. Will Lummus | $167,612.93
5. Riley Duvall | $148,132.04

Team Roping: Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp and Coleman Proctor/Logan Medlin | Tied with 3.5 seconds

We had two rounds winners tonight, which has been a pretty regular occurrence this year it seems like. Once again, this is such a tight race, there is only about a 20K difference in the top three in the world and one win (or loss) could change it all.

World Standings Results for Team Roping Headers

1. Kaleb Driggers | $218,812.30
2. Dustin Egusquiza | $200,406.13
3. Clay Smith | $190,675.24
4. Rhen Richard | $175,598.73
5. Clay Tryan | $174,573.08

World Standings Results for Team Roping Heelers

1. Junior Nogueria | $233,197.40
2. Jade Corkill | $190,675.24
3. Travis Graves | $179,759.47
4. Jake Long | $175,548.60
5. Jeremy Buhler | $$174,565.65

Tie-Down Roping: Haven Meged | 7.3 seconds

This is Haven’s second round win for this year’s NFR. He is currently sitting in the number three position in the standings with less than $10,000 between him and the number one spot. It’s only speculation but the World Champion is going to have placed at least first or second in order to secure that top spot. Your guess is as good as mine in this event!

World Standings Results for Tie Down

1. Shane Hanchey | $241,686.01
2. Caleb Smidt | $237,900.12
3. Haven Meged | $233,024.40
4. Westyn Hughes | $215,401.19
5. Shad Mayfield | $195,909.77

Saddle Bronc: Brody Cress | 91 Point Ride on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Kangaroo Lou

Brody is currently sitting third in the World Standings with $256,511 and leads the average with 772 points. There is currently only about $15000 between Ryder and Stetson for the first place position. If you have any guesses on who will take the win tonight, let us know below!

World Standings Results for Saddle Bronc Riding

1. Stetson Wright | $309,995.05
2. Ryder Wright | $295,962.68
3. Brody Cress | $256,511.39
4. Chase Brooks | $189,467.41
5. Zeke Thurston | $177,948.07

Barrel Racing: Stevi Hillman & Jordan Briggs | 13.49 seconds

Hillman’s win allowed her to cross the $1 million mark in career earnings. Hailey Kinsel still leads the number one spot in the barrel racing.

Bull Riding: Braden Richardson | 89-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Bouchon

Braden was able to snag an 89 on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Bouchon, making this his first round win this year at the NFR. Richardson is currently sitting 13 in the standings, making it a tough year but we are looking forward to seeing where this cowboy goes in 2022. As far as ideas on who will snag the number one spot tonight, it’s really between Stetson and Sage. Sage needs to ride tonight’s bull and Stetson also has to ride in order to keep their spots. It really depends on the draw tonight!

World Standings Update for Bull Riding

1. Sage Kimzey | $345,496.90
2. Stetson Wright | $310,331.48
3. Josh Frost | $264,291.11
4. Parker Breding | $237,248.28
5. Creek Young | $210,336.04

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 the final night here at the WNFR. See y’all there!