Relive the excitement of the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with highlights including record-breaking rides, Shania Twain’s performance, and the crowning of Miss Rodeo America.
The 2024 NFR has been full of unforgettable moments that have captivated fans both in the arena and watching live. From record-breaking rides to a star-studded performance by Shania Twain and the crowning of a new Miss Rodeo America, this year’s NFR has delivered high stakes and thrilling competition. These highlights represent just a glimpse of the rodeo excitement and tradition that define the NFR. Here are our top five moments:
1. Shad Mayfield secures first PRCA All-Around World Championship in thrilling finish.
Shad Mayfield, a 24-year-old cowboy from Clovis, New Mexico, captured his first PRCA All-Around World Championship with a dramatic performance. Mayfield clinched the title by excelling in tie-down roping, steer roping, and team roping, finishing the season atop the standings with $335,474 — a mere $675 ahead of second-place Coleman Proctor. A crucial 9.6-second run in the final round secured Mayfield’s fourth-place average finish, earning him a $40,751 check and the coveted all-around buckle. Mayfield, who battled hip injuries throughout the season, described the all-around title as PRCA’s most prestigious honor.
View this post on Instagram
2. Kassie Mowry claims first world title with record-breaking performance.
Kassie Mowry secured her first WPRA World Championship and the RAM Top Gun Award after an electrifying barrel racing showdown at the NFR in Las Vegas. Mowry’s 13.59-second run in Round 10 edged out Hailey Kinsel’s 13.97, capping off a back-and-forth battle for the gold buckle. With $457,809 in season earnings, Mowry also set a record for the most money won by a barrel racer at the NFR. Despite a year marked by personal loss, Mowry credited her horse, Jarvis, and her support system for pushing her forward. Winning five of 10 rounds, including two of the fastest runs in arena history, Mowry called the achievement an unforgettable bonus to an already emotional journey.
View this post on Instagram
3. Shania Twain’s clectrifying performance at the NFR.
The crowd at the Thomas & Mack Center erupted with excitement as fan-favorite country singer Shania Twain took the stage at the National Finals Rodeo, delivering a performance that blended her country roots with modern pop flair. A defining country star of the 1990s country music scene, Twain rose to fame by becoming a staple in both country and pop charts with her genre-blending music and dynamic performances. After a 25-year hiatus as a result of a weakened singing voice caused by Lyme disease and dysphonia, she returned in 2017, reaffirming her status as an industry powerhouse with her album, Now. Twain’s performance at the NFR was one of the defining moments of her long, successful career.
View this post on Instagram
4. Josh Frost wins first PRCA Bull Riding World Title after years of near misses.
Josh Frost captured his first PRCA Bull Riding World Title, breaking a streak of three consecutive second-place finishes. Frost clinched the championship by riding 7-of-10 bulls at the NFR, winning the Average and setting a career-high season total of $476,887. Though a dramatic final round left the title briefly in doubt, Frost’s preparation and consistency proved decisive. Over the last four NFRs, Frost has covered 26 of 40 bulls, solidifying his reputation as a top performer under pressure. Reflecting on his breakthrough, Frost credited his relentless work ethic and perseverance, which turned years of near-misses into a triumphant Gold Buckle victory.
View this post on Instagram
5. Callie Mueller is crowned Miss Rodeo America 2025.
The prestigious Miss Rodeo America pageant crowned its newest first lady, Callie Mueller of South Dakota, on December 8 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. After a grueling nine days of competition, Mueller stood out among state titleholders, excelling in horsemanship, speaking, and personality, among other categories. Earning the Black Hills gold crown marks the culmination of years of preparation and dedication, as Mueller now takes on the honor of representing the rodeo community across the nation in 2025.
View this post on Instagram
Header Photography: Shad Mayfield at the NFR Gold Carpet event. Photo credit: Western Edge Photography.
