Coming Full Circle: A Look at the NFR Through the Years as it Returns to Texas for 2020

On the eve of the National Finals Rodeo coming to Texas, where it was first held in 1959, we take at look back the evolution of the “Super Bowl of Rodeo” — with help from rodeo greats such as Joe Beaver, Trevor Brazile, and Kaycee Feild.

The first NFR was held in 1959 in Dallas, where it remained until 1961. Los Angeles took over as host to the Finals, from 1962-1964, before it moved to Oklahoma City. OKC served as host through 1984, and from there, it moved to the CIty of Lights. Las Vegas has been of the National Finals Rodeo ever since, growing the event into more than just the grand finale of the PRCA season but also an extravaganza of shows, expos, and flashy parties in Vegas fashion.

The NFR is now a bucket list event for rodeo fans and a meaningful milestone for the athletes, who dream from childhood of one day getting to nod their heads in those iconic yellow bucking chutes.

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The 2024 season is complete, here are the full standings
With a payday north of $86,000 for the winner in each event, the importance of the NFR Average was unmatched in 2024
Mowry won the RAM Top Gun Award with nearly $300,000 in Las Vegas
After three straight second place finishes, Frost finally got his moment in 2024
Wright put an exclamation point on his 2024 season with 89.5 points on his final horse
Wade/Thorp were 3.8 as the last pair out to seal their Gold Buckles
Struxness entered Round 10 projected No. 4 and walked out with his first career Gold Buckle
Thompson did just enough to squeak out his first career Gold Buckle