Rocker Steiner

By Patrick Everson

It took until the sixth go-round, but media covering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo got something they’ve been waiting for all week.

A Rocker Steiner go-round win.

Because that meant a Steiner visit to the media room. Which is always a treat. This time was certainly no different. First, he apologized for taking six rounds to get to the media room, doing so in a way only the brash 20-year-old bareback rider could.

“Sorry I wasn’t hear any sooner. I got folded up. And by folded up, I mean knocked the [bleep] out.”

Steiner was referring to his Friday night ride aboard Right On Q, which upended his week a bit.

“Everything was going good. The horse was doing its thing. I was doing my thing. But I took a hip bone to the back of my head,” Steiner said.

And that was the end of that ride, for a no-score in the second go-round. Steiner rebounded the next two nights with fourth-place checks in Rounds 3 and 4, for $14,127 apiece. Then he split fifth in the fifth go-round for another $7,063.

But a go-round win continued to elude Steiner, who won three go-rounds at the 2023 Wrangler NFR.

Tuesday night fixed that. Steiner spurred Tator Tot to 89 points and a first-place check of $33,687.

“I feel like a million dollars. It’s only 33 G’s, but I guess it’ll work,” he said.

Over the past four nights, Steiner has racked up $79,004. Tuesday’s victory upped his season earnings to $312,323, moving him from second place back into first in the bareback world standings. Steiner overtook defending world champion Keenan Hayes ($298,359).

Steiner is hoping he can overcome that no-score, keep winning big go-round money and land his first world championship. His father, Sid Steiner, won the 2002 steer wrestling world title. Grandfather Bobby Steiner won the 1973 bull riding world championship.

For tonight, though, Steiner was satisfied in getting that first win of the 2024 NFR. He was raring to get out of the Thomas & Mack Center and get to the South Point for the go-round buckle presentation.

“I miss the South Point so much. I’m ready to go back.”