NFR Day 1 sees Brown tied for sixth

By Terry Murry on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

LAS VEGAS – The first day of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo got underway today (Thursday) in Las Vegas with an action-packed round of steer wrestling.

Baker City’s Jesse Brown finished in the money, tied for sixth place with a payout of $2,957. Both he and Dakota Eldridge of Elko, Nevada clocked a flat five seconds. The event gives Brown a total of $175,114 putting him in third place in the world standings.

The winner on Day 1 for steer wrestling was Tyler Waguespack of Gonzalez, La. With a time of four seconds. He pocketed $182,493, putting him second in the world standings.

Bull rider T.J. Gray of Dairy, Oregon on Dream Machine did not make the full eight-second ride.

The NFR will continue at the Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas until the finals on Saturday, Dec. 13.