Throwback to the NFR 2018

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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 who has spent many hours in the rodeo arena. Having grown up barrel racing, serving as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and as a member of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn is passionate about her western heritage and all things rodeo. When she’s not on horseback, Taryn can be found playing her bass guitar, painting, and performing around Phoenix with her band. Taryn is a graduate of Arizona State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. Taryn is proud to combine her love of the arts with her love of rodeo and has been honored to sing The National Anthem at various rodeos across the beautiful state of Arizona. Alongside her love for art and music, preserving her western heritage and promoting the sport of rodeo are just two of Taryn’s many passions. Taryn is so honored to share her love of rodeo with Cowboy Lifestyle Network’s wonderful audience.