The NFR Open is back and with it come some standouts and champions from circuit finals across the country.
BAREBACK RIDING
Rookies Kade Berry’s matchup is Andrews Rodeo’s Wrap It Up. Earlier this season, veteran Tanner Aus went for 90 on this same horse at Rodeo Austin.
| Kade Sonnier | Sweet 16 |
| Tim Kent | Pow Wow Nights |
| Weston Timberman | Sheriff Bart |
| Daniel Jones | Rylee’s Rasin Cane |
| Donny Proffit | Bad Onion |
| Nick Pelke | You Never Know |
| Kade Berry | Wrap It Up |
| Dylan Riggins | Bishop |
| Gauge McBride | Rebel Yell |
STEER WRESTLING
Dalton Massey has proven time again why he is the No. 1 man in the World and a win in Colorado would further his lead significantly.
| Jacob Talley |
| Seth Peterson |
| Clay Harp |
| Trisyn Kalawaia |
| Dalton Massey |
| Jaret Whitman |
| Fenton Nelson |
| Justin Shaffer |
| Stephen Culling |
TEAM ROPING
Andrew Ward and Buddy Hawkins made multiple trips to the National Finals Rodeo together before switching partners for the 2024 season. They will be back together in Colorado Springs.
| Calyton Van Aken | Cullen Teller |
| John Cameron | Scot Brown |
| Shawn Bird | Kaitlyn Taylor |
| Bobby Green | Justin Yost |
| Grady Quam | Denim Ross |
| Manny Egusquiza | Evan Arnold |
| Cooper Bruce | Wyatt Kanan |
| Garrett Rogers | Tyler Worley |
| Andrew Ward | Buddy Hawkins |
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
Oregon cowboy Jack Bentz will nod on the veteran Andrews Rodeo horse, Trophy Wife. Of the four outs the horse has had this season, Riggin Smith’s 85.5 is the highest score.
| Byron Gililand | Pyro Lite |
| Ira Dickinson | Red Foley |
| Williams Stites | First Class |
| Ean Price | Harry Rocks |
| Jack Bentz | Trophy Wife |
| William Rinehart | Two For Time |
| Sterling Crawley | Dolly’s Rocker |
| Sawyer Eirikson | Dignity |
| Tanner Butner | Quality Control |
TIE-DOWN ROPING
John Douch is the No. 4 man in the World and this is his first time at the NFR Open. An 8.3 won the First Round in 2023 and Douch is going for gold.
| John McCuistion |
| Booker McCutchen |
| Paul Tierney |
| Zane Kilgus |
| Benjamin Ayre |
| Joel Harris |
| John Douch |
| Cody Huber |
| Stran Dunham |
BREAKAWAY ROPING
Legenday World Champion Jackie Crawford is backing in the box in Colorado Springs. A 2.3 won Round 1 in 2023.
| Jenna Dallyn |
| Jackie Crawford |
| Bethany Ferguson |
| Joslynn Masters |
| Jessie Letzelter |
| Devan McAdow |
| Bailey Patterson |
| Christi Braudrick |
| Anna Callaway |
BARREL RACING
It is a loaded night in the barrel racing. Emily Beisel will be flying in for the evening performance from Canada while Ashley Castleberry and Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi have been staying sharp.
| Taylor Manning |
| Emily Beisel |
| Ashley Castleberry |
| Ronda Casey |
| Jodi Colton |
| Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi |
| Erin Wetzel |
| Tayla Moeykens |
| Megan McLeod-Sprague |
BULL RIDING
Coy Pollmeier will face Generations Pro Rodeo’s Cool Out. This bull has a few qualified rides in his career and only one this season that is courtesy of Brady Turgeon with an 82.5 in Cave Creek, Arizona.
| Cody McElroy | Warpath |
| Michael Caruso | Molly’s Game |
| Coy Pollmeier | Cool Out |
| Jacob Gardner | Black Heart |
| Wyatt Phelps | Speed Test |
| Cody Teel | Checkmate |
| Cole Wagner | Sharp Dressed Man |
| Lucas Mooningham | Snap Shot |
