Throwback to the NFR 2018

Written by

Each year the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo returns to Las Vegas, Nevada to rock the rodeo world with 10-days of jaw-dropping action celebrating all things cowboy. From the best-of-the-best rodeo athletes, concerts, after-parties, galas, fundraisers, shopping and much more, the NFR is the one-stop-shop for all things rodeo.

The 2018 Wrangler NFR was nothing short of fantastic as it boasted 10 full days of rodeo thrills and spills. With well over 100,000 visitors walking through the doors of Thomas & Mack Center alone, and an estimate of over $113 million in economic impact, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo increased its numbers since the 2017 NFR. While the 2019 NFR is still months away, at CLN we are proud to celebrate the success of the NFR and are throwing it back to 2018s celebration!

For the days between December 6^th-15^th, 2018, Las Vegas became home to the best rodeo athletes and their 4-legged team members. Whether you love watching the bulls, broncs, or cowboys and cowgirls kick up dust in the arena, the stakes were high with a total $10 million-dollar payout over the course of the rodeo and the coveted gold buckle. If you didn’t catch the overall results, we have them!

Bareback: Tim O’Connell

Saddle Bronc: Wade Sundell

Steer Wrestling: Tyler Waguespack

Tie-Down Roping: Caleb Smidt

Barrel Racing: Hailey Kinsel

Team-Roping (Header): Clay Smith

Team-Roping (Heeler): Paul Eaves

Bull Riding: Sage Kimzey

All-Around: Trevor Brazile

Need we even mention that Trevor Brazile’s 2018 NFR All-Around win earned him his 24^th world champion title? Now that is some serious cowboy power!

The Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel & Casino was the hub for all things NFR including the 2018 Bull Fighters Only Championship. Competition was next level and concluded with the overall win of 2018 BFO Vegas Champion Weston Rutkowski.

During the NFR, America crowned their new spokeswoman of rodeo, Mississippi’s very own Taylor McNair. This 23-year old cowgirl has been traveling the country since as your 2019 Miss Rodeo America. During the pageant, Taylor earned awards in Personality, Appearance, Written Test. She also won the Chap Award, the Sherry Smith Memorial Scholarship, and placed 3^rd in the scrapbook competition.

With various competition going on, the 2018 NFR was also home to various fundraisers, charitable events, and events for children. From the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation to the Exceptional Rodeo, the NFR continued to make a positive impact in the community.

Photo Courtesy of the Official NFR Experience Facebook Page

With a successful 2018 rodeo in the books, it is time to mark your calendars for this year’s NFR experience! From Dec. 5^th-14^th, PRCA action will return to its Las Vegas home for another year of professional rodeo.

Keep up to date with all things NFR at Cowboy Lifestyle Network!

Taryn Cantrell

Taryn Cantrell is an Arizona native with a lifelong connection to the rodeo arena. From her roots in barrel racing to her role as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and her involvement with the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn celebrates her western heritage with enthusiasm and authenticity. Taryn holds a degree in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University, allowing her to merge her passion for music with her love of cowboy culture. As a singer and bassist, Taryn performs with bands across Phoenix and beyond including Great American Regret, Honey Marie Knight, and Sareena Dominguez. Taryn is passionate about blending her diverse interests to offer an authentic and engaging perspective on journalism. Her goal is to connect readers to the events, concerts, and celebrations that matter most, bringing them closer to the experiences she treasures. Whether you’re attending your very first rodeo or adding another to your collection of memories, Taryn is here to guide you every step of the way!