2019 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Who Will Leave Round One Of the 2019 NFR As The World Standings Leader?

Who Will Leave Round One Of the 2019 NFR As The World Standings Leader?

There's a long 10 days ahead NFR, and the race could change in an instant, but we wanted to figure out just HOW instantly the lead could change.

Dec 5, 2019 by Katy Lucas
Who Will Leave Round One Of the 2019 NFR As The World Standings Leader?

There's a long 10 days ahead in Vegas, and the race for No. 1 could change in an instant, but we wanted to figure out just how instantly the lead could change in each of the world title races before round one kicks off tonight.

Of the seven events at the 2019 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, about half of the season leaders spots will be safe during round one, but the other half could see their positions change if some of the other contestants have anything to say about it. Before we kick off the first night of action in Las Vegas, Nevada, let's have a look at who could be emerging as the new world standings leaders after just one night of competition.

Who's Safe: Competitors That Are More Than $26K Ahead

There are six event leaders, including the all-around race, that are far enough ahead that they won't be able to be caught in just one night of competition. With a payout of $26,230.77 for first in each round, these competitors have the luxury of knowing that no matter what happens their lead will hold steady for at least one round - or in Sage Kimzey's case, over three rounds - of competition.

But don't count on any of these competitors to let off the gas. They know each of the contestants on the list below them will be gunning for that No. 1 spot in no time.

EventNameEarningsLead
All-AroundStetson Wright$192,999.49$31,635.61
Steer WrestlingTy Erickson$146,080.84$41,513.00
Team Roping HeaderClay Smith$150,512.22$32,056.92
Saddle BroncRyder Wright$224,488.39$47,496.92
Bull RidingSage Steele Kimzey$245,437.78$93,016.18


Who Can Get To No. 1 In One Round?

Any of the No.1 spots that don't have at least a $26,230.77 lead are in jeopardy on the very first night of competition in Vegas. Looking at the standings, that means we could see a leader change in the bareback, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and the team roping heeler standings that are so tight that eight competitors have a shot at being No. 1 on the first night of competition.

Check out what the competitors in No. 1 spot contention have to win in round one to surpass No. 1:

BarebackNameEarningsNeeded For Lead
1Clayton Biglow$181,952.17$0.00
2Kaycee Feild$176,205.08-$5,747.09
3Orin Larsen$173,442.41-$8,509.76


Team Roping HeelersNameEarningsNeeded For Lead
1Junior Nogueira$115,774.66$0.00
2Ryan Motes$109,166.08-$6,608.58
3Jade Corkill$108,637.93-$7,136.73
4Jake Long$106,896.49-$8,878.17
5Travis Lee Graves$103,164.76-$12,609.90
6Kyle Lockett$98,729.83-$17,044.83
7Joseph Harrison$98,277.59-$17,497.07
8Brady Minor$97,648.95-$18,125.71


Tie-Down RopingNameEarningsNeeded For Lead
1Caleb Smidt$131,899.95$0.00
2Haven Meged$119,878.84-$12,021.11
3Tyson Durfey$112,878.31-$19,021.64


Barrel RacingNameEarningsNeeded For Lead
1Nellie Miller$154,610.50$0.00
2Hailey Kinsel$148,866.64-$5,743.86
3Lisa Lockhart$146,351.65-$8,258.85