Miss Rodeo America Embraces Moments with PRCA World Champions in Las Vegas

Callie Mueller, crowned in December 2024 at age 24, may be young in years but is wise in her appreciation for the history of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® in Las Vegas. During a humbling, exciting, eventful, awe-inspiring, and memorable few days in Las Vegas this May to promote the Wrangler NFR, Mueller soaked in every moment.

“As long as I have lived, the rodeo has been in Las Vegas, and it is super exciting that we are celebrating the 40th year,” Mueller said. “Vegas has everything we need as rodeo supporters, fans, and contestants. It is the perfect place for it to be held. I feel so honored that I was asked to be a small part of this because this might be the closest I ever get to hanging out with world champions from 1985 and the current 2024 champions. It means the world to me. I can feel the history gathered during this event.”

The promotional event was held at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, a location that oozes rodeo history. It was also where the 2025 Miss Rodeo America pageant took place—when Emma Cameron, the 2024 Miss Rodeo America, passed the sash to Mueller, marking the start of her reign.

“There are so many memories here at South Point,” Mueller said of the resort created by the legendary Michael Gaughan. “With its beautiful equestrian center, it’s an amazing opportunity for Miss Rodeo America to have this great support and sponsorship. We’re very thankful. I’m excited to be back for a few days because my memories of competing for Miss Rodeo America were made right here. It was nine long days and nights—but super fun.”

Mueller entered her first pageant in 2019, the same year Jordan Tierney won the crown. For the first time in history, Tierney served two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Jordan Tierney had a legendary year—two years, actually—as Miss Rodeo America 2020 and 2021. It was inspiring to watch her be crowned and then take on the challenge of two years. I had a great role model to look up to, and she still inspires me today.”

Mueller proudly carries on the tradition of Miss Rodeo America, whose mission is to celebrate the Western lifestyle.

“The Western lifestyle means everything to me,” Mueller said. “I grew up in this industry and on the back of a horse before I could walk. I come from generations of farmers, ranchers, and military members. My family and previous generations have served as educators for more than a century, so teaching and serving my community are very important to me.”

Like fans and contestants everywhere, Mueller looks forward to Dec. 4–13, 2025, when the NFR marks its 40th year in Las Vegas.

“It’s going to be big, and I am super excited to see what Las Vegas Events has up its sleeve,” Mueller said. “This is a landmark year, and they’re making the most of it.”

Editor’s Note: As Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Mueller published Faith Over Fear to honor Evie, her best friend who lost her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mueller wrote: “Writing about her battle, I noted how inspiring she was to those around her and how she instilled in me the belief to put ‘Faith Over Fear’ every day. This story pays homage to friendship, resilience, and the power of faith.”