PSN_Dec3 2028

40 YEARS IN VEGAS: NEW ATHLETES TO JOIN PRORODEO LEGENDS IN HISTORIC ANNIVERSARY By Zach Alvira

I n 1959, the top cowboys and cowgirls descended upon the Dallas State Fair Grounds in Texas, the site of the first-ever National Finals Rodeo. It was there that the likes of Jim Shoulder, Casey Tibbs, Duane Howard and Jane Mayo made names for themselves in PRORODEO. Since 1959, the NFR has only grown bigger and better. It’s move to Oklahoma City in 1965 was welcomed by athletes and fans. A 20-year run of success in the Sooner State, however, came to an end after 1984, when

Las Vegas courted the PRCA to move its biggest event to Sin City. The PRCA took a chance and appealed to athletes with bigger payouts. Now 40 years later, payouts have only increased, and more and more cowboys and cowgirls have etched their names in PRORODEO history. “Everybody was pretty much for it because the money was going to double. But we were also worried,” said Brad Gjermundson, the 1985 PRCA Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion. “There was skepticism about how

Roper Joe Beaver was one of many trailblazers for PRORODEO when the National Finals Rodeo moved to Las Vegas in 1985. (PRCA File Photo)

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DECEMBER 2025