National Finals Rodeo preparations underway with music and qualifying events

The 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is scheduled to take place from December 3 to December 12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The event, often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Rodeo,” will feature a wide array of country music performances at various venues across the Las Vegas Strip, including The Sphere, T-Mobile Arena, and the MGM Grand Theater. Featured musical artists include Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, and Dierks Bentley.

In preparation for the NFR, athletes are competing in qualifying rodeos to improve their world standings. At the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo in Missouri, several riders secured significant wins. Bareback rider Orin Larsen earned $7,896, potentially moving him into the top 15 world standings. Saddle bronc rider Logan Hay won $8,573, while bull rider Hudson Bolton took home $8,319. In timed events, Emmett Edler was crowned the steer wrestling champion, earning $4,297.