The Masters Roping Tour Returns to Las Vegas: Ten Days of Roping Competition During NFR Week
Country Lifestyles
December 3–12, 2026 | Rio Las Vegas | Nevada
As the Western world gathers in Las Vegas for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the Masters Roping Tour brings ten days of competitive roping to the Rio Las Vegas. Running December 3–12, 2026, the tour features a diverse schedule of breakaway roping, youth competitions, High Roller team roping, qualifying events, and specialty truck ropings, giving competitors multiple opportunities to test their skills during one of the busiest weeks on the Western calendar.
The Masters Roping Tour is built around the dedication, horsemanship, and precision that define competitive roping. From young athletes gaining valuable arena experience to seasoned competitors pursuing major wins, the schedule brings together ropers across a variety of divisions and classifications. Each event offers its own challenges, requiring competitors to rely on preparation, timing, and the partnership they have developed with their horses.
With competition scheduled across ten days, the tour offers more than a single opportunity to enter the arena. Participants can plan around their divisions, follow the events that interest them, and connect with fellow competitors who share their passion for the sport. For those traveling to Las Vegas during NFR week, the Masters Roping Tour provides an extended schedule of Western competition centered on the skills and traditions that keep roping thriving.
The Masters Roping Tour: A Schedule Built Around Competition
Roping requires a combination of athletic ability, sound horsemanship, quick decision-making, and countless hours of practice. Competitors must learn to read the action, communicate with their horses, and execute their throws under pressure. In team roping, success also depends on the partnership between the header and heeler, with both competitors needing to perform their roles in coordination.
The Masters Roping Tour brings these elements together through a schedule that includes breakaway roping, youth divisions, team roping classifications, qualifying competitions, and specialty events. This variety gives competitors opportunities to pursue different goals throughout the tour while allowing spectators to experience the range of skills represented in Western roping.
The daily schedule is an important part of planning a visit. Competitors should review the official event flyers for division eligibility, books-open times, entry requirements, fees, payouts, and event rules. The following overview highlights the events listed for the 2026 tour.
Masters Roping Tour Schedule: December 3–12, 2026
December 3: The Masters Open to the World Breakaway
The tour opens December 3 with The Masters Open to the World Breakaway, a ladies-only competition that puts speed, accuracy, and timing in the spotlight. Breakaway roping requires a competitor to make a precise catch before the rope breaks away from the saddle. With fractions of a second often making the difference, competitors must combine a well-timed throw with a responsive horse and consistent technique.
The opening event sets the pace for the days ahead, showcasing the concentration and athleticism required in the discipline. Competitors will have the opportunity to put their preparation to the test against fellow ropers while spectators watch the precision that makes breakaway roping such an exciting event. Books are scheduled to open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 8:30 a.m. Competitors should consult the official flyer for complete event details.
December 4: Masters Elite Breakaway Invitational and Youth Competition
December 4 highlights the next generation of Western athletes alongside the tour’s elite breakaway competition. The listed schedule includes the Masters Elite Breakaway Invitational for youth competitors ages 19 and under, a Youth 15 & Under Breakaway Jackpot, and a Youth 19 & Under Tie-Down Roping division.
Youth events provide developing ropers with valuable opportunities to build confidence, strengthen their technique, and gain experience in a competitive setting. These divisions also recognize the time and commitment young athletes invest in their horses and their sport, helping create a foundation for continued growth in Western competition.
The listed books-open time is 8:30 a.m. Competitors should verify the individual division requirements, eligibility, and event order through the official flyers.
Official event flyers:
- Youth Breakaway and Invitational Information
- Youth 15 & Under Breakaway Jackpot
- Youth 19 & Under Tie-Down Roping
December 5: PWR and BPI Breakaway Qualifiers
Breakaway roping continues December 5 with the PWR Breakaway Qualifier and BPI Breakaway Qualifier. The listed PWR divisions include Limited, Challenger, and Pro, while the BPI program lists #2, #4 with three-increment notation, #5, and Open divisions.
Qualifying events bring another level of focus to the schedule, giving competitors opportunities to demonstrate their abilities within their respective programs. Every run demands accuracy and composure, with ropers working to make the most of their opportunity when the rope leaves their hand. Preparation is essential, particularly in a discipline where a small difference in timing can change the result.
Books are scheduled to open at 8:30 a.m. Competitors should review the official flyer for the complete division descriptions and entry requirements.
December 6: High Roller Roping and World Championship Competition
December 6 brings a full day of team roping action, with the listed 13.5 and 12.5 High Roller Roping divisions and additional World Championship Roping competition. The schedule also includes Open, 10.5, PWR Team Roping Qualifier, Pro, and Challenger divisions.
Team roping is built on the partnership between a header and a heeler. The header makes the initial catch, while the heeler works to catch the steer by the hind legs. Both ropers must coordinate their movements and respond quickly to the developing run, relying on timing, communication, and the ability to work with their horses under pressure.
The High Roller divisions give competitors another opportunity to challenge themselves in a competitive setting, while the additional listed divisions expand the day’s program. For spectators, the schedule offers a look at the different classifications and skill levels represented in team roping.
Books are scheduled to open at 8:30 a.m. Competitors should consult the official flyer for the complete schedule and eligibility information.
December 7: High Roller Roping Continues
The High Roller program continues December 7 with the listed #11.5, #10.5, #9.5, and #8.5 High Roller Roping divisions. The variety of roping numbers provides opportunities for competitors to enter divisions that align with the applicable classification requirements.
Team roping requires both partners to understand their responsibilities and trust each other to execute when the opportunity develops. Competitors must anticipate the steer’s movement, maintain control of their horses, and make quick decisions without losing the timing needed for a successful run. These skills are developed through practice and experience, making every competition an opportunity to put that preparation to work.
With several divisions on the schedule, December 7 continues the tour’s focus on team roping and gives participants another opportunity to compete during NFR week.
Books are scheduled to open at 11:30 a.m. Competitors should review the official flyer for additional details.
December 8: #9.5 Truck & Trailer Roping
The December 8 schedule features #9.5 Truck & Trailer Roping, adding a specialty competition to the tour’s lineup. Truck and trailer ropings combine the familiar demands of team roping with the added incentive associated with a featured prize, creating another opportunity for competitors to test their skills.
Participants must still rely on timing, accurate catches, and teamwork with their partners. The ability to perform under pressure comes from consistent preparation, making every run a chance to demonstrate the work invested before arriving in Las Vegas.
The listed schedule references a 9:30 a.m. start and directs competitors to Flyer #5 for additional information. Participants should confirm entry details, division requirements, and event timing with the official organizers before attending.
December 10: #7.5 Buckle Roping, #9.5 Cash Roping, and #8.5 $100,000 Roping
After a break in the supplied daily listings for December 9, the schedule resumes December 10 with three featured events: #7.5 Buckle Roping, #9.5 Cash Roping, and #8.5 $100,000 Roping.
These divisions bring different incentives to the arena, from the recognition associated with a buckle event to the financial stakes of cash and major-purse competition. For competitors, each event presents a different opportunity to pursue a goal, test their abilities, and compete against other teams within the applicable classification.
The listed $100,000 Roping adds a notable highlight to the schedule, while the buckle and cash divisions offer additional competitive opportunities. Participants should consult Flyer #5 for complete rules, entry information, payout details, and confirmed start times, as the supplied schedule does not specify a start time for these divisions.
December 11: #8.5 Truck Roping
The competition continues December 11 with #8.5 Truck Roping. As the tour approaches its final days, competitors have another opportunity to participate in the Rio’s extended schedule of roping events.
Truck roping combines the familiar teamwork of the discipline with the incentive associated with the featured prize. Competitors and their horses must work together, with each partner responsible for executing their role when the opportunity develops. Success depends on preparation, timing, and the ability to remain composed throughout the run.
The schedule directs participants to Flyer #6 for complete event details. Competitors should verify the start time, entry requirements, and additional rules before making their plans.
December 12: Final Day of the Masters Roping Tour
The Masters Roping Tour is scheduled to conclude its ten-day run at the Rio on December 12. The supplied schedule does not detail the specific events planned for the final day, so competitors should consult the official tour schedule for confirmation of the program, entry deadlines, and start times.
The final day marks the close of an extended stretch of competition that brings together ropers, horses, families, and supporters during NFR week. For competitors, the tour provides multiple opportunities to pursue individual goals, strengthen competitive partnerships, and share their passion for the sport with a community that understands the dedication required to compete.
Kenny Zamora and Sherry Hamilton: Behind The Masters Tour
Running a multi-day roping event requires extensive planning, coordination, and commitment to the competitors who make the sport possible. Kenny Zamora and Sherry Hamilton are the driving force behind The Masters Tour, which produces Western equestrian events and elite horse sales while creating competitive opportunities for riders across a range of ages and skill levels.
Producing a schedule of this size involves coordinating event logistics, communicating with competitors, and managing the details that support a successful competition. With multiple divisions taking place across ten days, organization is essential to helping participants understand their schedules and prepare for their events.
Kenny and Sherry’s work centers on providing competitors with opportunities to pursue their goals and put their abilities to the test. By bringing together ropers from different backgrounds and experience levels, The Masters Tour helps strengthen the connections within the Western community while giving competitors a place to challenge themselves.
Event presentation also plays a role in extending the reach of the tour. Through efforts such as live-stream coverage and event coordination, the team can help spectators and supporters remain connected to the competition beyond the arena itself. This gives the sport additional opportunities to reach people who may not be able to attend in person.
At its core, the Masters Tour is about creating opportunities for competition and continued development. Ropers spend years refining their technique, learning to work with their horses, and building the confidence needed to perform under pressure. The Masters Roping Tour provides a setting where that preparation can be put to the test and where competitors can connect with others who share their commitment to Western sport.
The Masters Roping Tour at the Rio During NFR Week
The Masters Roping Tour, sponsored by Karman Inc., is the centerpiece of Rio’s ten-day roping schedule, but it also takes place alongside other Western attractions during NFR week. Rio Round-Up provides a gathering place for rodeo fans to watch the National Finals Rodeo and enjoy live country music, while Stetson Country Christmas offers Western shopping and merchandise from a range of vendors. With FREE parking and FREE entry, you don’t want to miss a thing.
For ropers and their families, these additional attractions can complement a visit built around competition. However, the Masters Roping Tour produced by Group W Productions remains the primary draw for those looking to participate in or follow the scheduled roping events, with divisions spanning breakaway, youth competition, High Roller team roping, qualifying events, and specialty ropings.
For Official Schedules and Event Information
For the latest event details, official flyers, competition schedules, and additional information about the Masters Roping Tour, visit the official Masters Tour Las Vegas events page. Competitors are encouraged to check the website before traveling to confirm event times, division requirements, and entry information for the December 3–12, 2026, competitions at Rio Las Vegas.
Plan Your Visit to the Masters Roping Tour
The Masters Roping Tour returns to the Rio Las Vegas in Nevada, December 3–12, 2026. With a schedule featuring multiple breakaway divisions, youth events, High Roller team roping, qualifying competitions, and specialty truck ropings, the tour offers ten days of Western competition during one of the industry’s busiest annual gatherings.
Competitors should review the official event flyers linked throughout this article to confirm books-open times, entry deadlines, eligibility requirements, fees, payouts, and event rules. The supplied schedule references several numbered flyers and does not provide confirmed details for every event, so checking the latest information directly with the organizers is essential when planning entries and travel.
For spectators, the tour offers a closer look at the athleticism, preparation, and teamwork behind competitive roping. For participants, it is an opportunity to step into the arena, put their skills to work, and compete alongside others who share their dedication to the sport.
As Las Vegas prepares for another NFR season, the Masters Roping Tour will bring the focus to the arena, where timing, horsemanship, and preparation come together. From the opening breakaway competition on December 3 to the scheduled conclusion on December 12, the tour celebrates the competitors, horses, and Western traditions that keep the sport moving forward.
Last Updated on 11/15/2026 by Olivia Clements
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