YETI Junior NFR 2025: Ten Years of Legends in the Making

Rodeo News

If you’re like me, you spend most of the year counting down to the 10 most exciting days of rodeo in Las Vegas – and I’m not just talking about the NFR! The top youth rodeo competitors will once again get their chance to shine under the Las Vegas lights at the YETI Junior NFR December 4-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Previously known as the YETI Junior World Finals, officials from LVE made it a priority to re-establish the youth rodeo as the Junior National Finals Rodeo – marking a monumental tenth year of competition.

December 4-13, 2025
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall
Level 2, S219
3150 Paradise Rd Las Vegas, NV 89109

“The Junior World Finals actually started out as the Junior NFR in 2015, and we have made a commitment to building this event since that inaugural year. As we prepare for the 10th anniversary of the event in 2025, it seems only fitting to return to its original title. Our vision for this event was to create an opportunity for the next generation of rodeo contestants by hosting nine events in association with our event producers.”

Bo Gardner
General Manager of the YETI Junior NFR

Supporting the Next Generation

The YETI Junior NFR will host more than 800 contestants within the Wrangler Rodeo Arena over the 10 days in December. This premier event takes place in the heart of Las Vegas, where each contestant competes at the Las Vegas Convention Center. These young athletes will vie for more than $1 million in combined cash and prize payouts as they chase a coveted Montana Silversmiths championship buckle.

“Providing opportunities for youth to enter our sport is very important. Las Vegas Events has been successful in growing youth rodeo and providing an arena for up-and-coming rodeo athletes to experience an atmosphere that has hallmarks of the National Finals Rodeo. December is a time when the rodeo industry comes together, and we look forward to supporting the Junior National Finals Rodeo and the overall development of youth rodeo programs.”

Tom Glause
PRCA CEO

2025 Wrangler Rodeo Arena Schedule

December 04, 2025

• Breakaway (19 & Under Girls)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 4, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Breakaway (15 & Under Girls)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 4, 2025 – 10:30 AM
• Bull Riding (Ages 10-11) & (Ages 14-15)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 4, 2025 – 12:30 PM
• Bareback Riding (Junior, Senior & Novice)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 4, 2025 – 02:45 PM

December 05, 2025

• Bull Riding (Ages 12-13) & (Ages 16-18)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 5, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Saddle Bronc (Junior, Senior & Novice)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 5, 2025 – 12:00 PM
• Tie-Down (12 & Under)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 5, 2025 – 02:30 PM

December 06, 2025

• Breakaway (12 & Under Boys & Girls)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 6, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Breakaway (10 & Under Boys & Girls)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 6, 2025 – 10:30 AM
• Bull Riding (Ages 10-11) & (Ages 14-15)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 6, 2025 – 12:30 PM
• Bareback Riding (Junior, Senior & Novice)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 6, 2025 – 02:45 PM

December 07, 2025

• Bull Riding (Ages 12-13) & (Ages 16-18)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 7, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Saddle Bronc (Junior, Senior & Novice)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 7, 2025 – 12:00 PM
• Tie-Down (19 & Under)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 7, 2025 – 02:30 PM

December 08, 2025

• Tie-Down (15 & Under)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 8, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Bareback Riding (Junior, Senior & Novice) & Saddle Bronc (Junior, Senior & Novice)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 8, 2025 – 11:30 AM
• Bull Riding (Ages 10-11)(Ages 12-13)(Ages 14-15)(Ages 16-18)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 8, 2025 – 02:30 PM

December 09, 2025

• Team Roping – #10.5 Round 1 & 2
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 9, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Steer Wrestling
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 9, 2025 – 11:30 AM
• Pole Bending (17 & Under) & Barrel Racing (Senior)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 9, 2025 – 01:00 PM

December 10, 2025

• Team Roping – #10.5 Round 3 & 4
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 10, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Steer Wrestling
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 10, 2025 – 11:30 AM
• Pole Bending (17 & Under) & Barrel Racing (Junior)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 10, 2025 – 01:00 PM

December 11, 2025

• Team Roping – #10.5 Short-Go followed by Open Round 1
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 11, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Steer Wrestling
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 11, 2025 – 11:30 AM
• Pole Bending (17 & Under) & Barrel Racing (Senior)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 11, 2025 – 01:00 PM

December 12, 2025

• Team Roping – Open Round 2 & 3
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 12, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Steer Wrestling
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 12, 2025 – 11:30 AM
• Pole Bending (17 & Under) & Barrel Racing (Junior)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 12, 2025 – 01:00 PM

December 13, 2025

• Team Roping – Open Round 4 & Short-Go
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 13, 2025 – 09:30 AM
• Steer Wrestling
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 13, 2025 – 11:30 AM
• Pole Bending (17 & Under) & Barrel Racing (Junior & Senior)
  • Wrangler Rodeo Arena
  • Dec. 13, 2025 – 01:00 PM

For more information, visit nfrexperience.com/juniornfrlv

Stay and Play at The Rio

If you’re going to Vegas to support the best young athletes in rodeo, then you have to stay at the best hotel! Cowboy Lifestyle Network is once again partnering with Rio Las Vegas to bring you a one-of-a-kind experience with the annual Rio Round-Up, taking place in Masquerade Village near the casino floor. From December 4-13, 2025, you can watch every moment of the NFR in total comfort, with plenty of seating and multiple massive screens, all for FREE, including parking. Nightly family-friendly NFR watch party followed by live music performances and dancing. And don’t forget about the best views of Vegas from the VooDoo lounge.

For rodeo fans, making Rio Las Vegas your home base during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is about choosing a place that shares your sense of legacy and timeless appeal. As the city’s original all-suites hotel, Rio has long been a storied destination, and now it has been completely reborn. It has undergone a significant transformation under new ownership and management, with over 1,500 refurbished suites and new rooms in the Ipanema Tower inspired by its Brazilian roots. This December, the revitalized Rio is a vibrant hotspot ready to welcome you with new pools, lounges, and restaurants – the ideal place to connect with fellow fans and experience the comfort and class your WNFR trip deserves.

Cyber Sale at Rio Las Vegas

Rio’s biggest sale of the year is officially live, offering you 50% off rooms when booking two nights consecutively! Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a midweek retreat, experience suite-sized comfort, vibrant dining, and nonstop excitement at half the price.

Plus, your stay comes with added perks:

• Select half-priced show tickets • 2-for-1 drink specials at Luckley Tavern & Grill • 2-for-1 mimosas at Hash House A Go Go • Fitness center and seasonal pool access • Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi

Book now through December 3, 2025 for stays through March 31, 2026.

Last Updated on 11/16/2025 by Carly Billington