Excitement, Expectations Have Always Been Part of the NFR Thrill for World Champion Team Ropers

Through the Gold Buckle Buzz series, writer Brian Hurlburt dives into the hearts and minds of PRCA World Champions who clinched titles during the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo®. As part of the 40th anniversary of the Las Vegas NFR, several 1985 PRCA and WPRA World Champions are also featured in this special 2025 series.

In 1985, there was a cowboy hat full of uncertainty, excitement, and expectation as the National Finals Rodeo debuted in Las Vegas inside the brand-new Thomas & Mack Center.

Rodeo? Vegas? … What?

From Dec. 4–13, 2025, the NFR will celebrate its 40th Las Vegas anniversary. In June 2025, Las Vegas Events gathered the 2024 PRCA World Champions and invited each of the living 1985 gold buckle winners to the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa for a few days and nights of media and promotional interviews. The event served as the unofficial kickoff to what arguably will be the biggest and boldest NFR in history.

Right in the thick of the promo event were four of the best team ropers in rodeo history, who appreciated being among fellow champions. In 1985, Jake Barnes (header) and Clay O’Brien Cooper (heeler) won the first of their seven world titles, while in 2024, Tyler Wade (header) and Wesley Thorp (heeler) galloped to their second consecutive world title.

“There was a lot of excitement and expectation about the new city and new venue for the NFR in 1985,” said O’Brien Cooper. “I went to the four NFRs prior to Las Vegas, which were in Oklahoma City. I was happy with the move because Jake and I lived in Arizona, so the NFR was going to be close to home. Plus, the prize money was doubling, which was exciting for us. We were in a very good spot for a championship and way out in the lead that year, so all of that together created an excitement like no other.”

Barnes and O’Brien Cooper could sense that times were a changin’, but they admit there was no way to envision what the next 40 years of the NFR would look like—or how they were helping lay the foundation.

“We really couldn’t perceive the impact that Vegas and the NFR would have together,” O’Brien Cooper said. “You can only look at that in hindsight. We did know it was a good move for us, and I guess we hoped that going forward it would be a success. For it to continue to be here was great for us. We were just getting rolling in our careers, and Vegas was always a good spot.”

Part of the intrigue surrounding the 1985 NFR was the scale of the Thomas & Mack Center. It was a unique setting, unlike anything the competitors and stock had ever experienced.

“It’s a small arena and the people are right up on top of you. It creates its own atmosphere,” O’Brien Cooper said. “It’s loud and exciting. In the early days, the timed-event guys entered the arena about five to 10 minutes before the run, and that built the excitement for us. Now, they don’t come out until they are about two from being up. No matter what, when you ride into that box, your heart’s pumping.”

Sharing stories with other world champions—not just the team ropers—was very special to each competitor gathered in Las Vegas.

“We don’t really have the opportunity to see other world champions because we’re still competitive and participate in the World Series of Team Roping each year in Las Vegas, which coincides with the NFR,” Barnes said. “To spend time with champions like Ted Nuce, Charmayne James, and all of the others is very cool. Just sitting here at breakfast and hearing all of the stories—about hitting a moose while traveling the circuit, missing a flight, and so many other memories—is very special. We won’t forget this.”

Wade was in awe of the legends in the room and thought it was nice for the 1985 champions to get a taste of what the new generation is experiencing, given the massive popularity and growth of rodeo. Back in 1985, the NFR was a big deal, but nothing like it is today when the event takes over the whole city.

“The NFR is awesome for the whole week,” Wade said. “We get treated like celebrities. To get that support from the fans, hotels, and sponsors is special. We don’t take that for granted.”

The NFR has always been a family affair—especially for Thorp. He and his family can’t wait to experience the 40th anniversary and the festivities planned. As of this writing on Aug. 20, Wade and Thorp were fourth in the world standings and in great shape to be back at the Wrangler NFR to defend their back-to-back titles.

“The NFR is the coolest experience because I bring my whole family with me,” Thorp said. “I have two little boys, and my wife and I are gone for 14 days. We all love it. They look forward to coming. We pick out the places we want to eat. We have fun during the day in between the autograph signings and other responsibilities. You can’t beat it. And then as far as the rodeo is concerned, we get to run for that much money every single night, and that is something to look forward to for sure. The NFR is a highlight of our year.”