The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) hit the jackpot in Las Vegas with record-setting attendance numbers for its 40th anniversary. According to reports from 8 News Now, the 10-day event held at the Thomas & Mack Center brought in a total of 175,846 rodeo enthusiasts, surpassing last year's figures and setting a new high since 2014. This boost came in despite recent renovations that reduced the venue's seating capacity.
Since its Las Vegas debut in 1985, the NFR has been a major draw. This year, attendees enjoyed the extended NFR Experience, including more than 130 concerts at 32 locations across the Strip and downtown, alongside the NFR Live satellite feed.
Competitors won titles and shared the record $13.5 million purse, including Rocker Steiner in bareback riding, Tucker Allen in steer wrestling, and all-around cowboy Stetson Wright in bull riding. Total attendance at the Thomas & Mack Center for NFR events has now surpassed 6.8 million.
Not to be outdone, the Cowboy Christmas gift show drew considerable crowds, with 347,571 visitors exploring over 360 exhibitors at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Best Booth Contest winners, West of Texas and Crooked Horn Company, walked away with a commemorative plaque and a discount on their 2026 booth renewal, per News 3 LV.
