From Queensland to South Dakota: Who to Follow at the NFR
The 2026 NFR field stretches from Brazil, Canada and Australia to South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. These are the international and regional names to follow.
By NFR Live Guide Staff ·
The Wrangler NFR is held in Las Vegas, but the 2026 field gives fans across North America and beyond someone to cheer for.
International contestants
- Junior Nogueira, Brazil: the Presidente Prudente native leads the team roping heelers with back number 14. See how to watch in Brazil.
- Zeke Thurston, Canada: a four-time saddle bronc world champion from Big Valley, Alberta, with back number 9.
- Kolby Wanchuk, Canada: from Sherwood Park, Alberta, in saddle bronc riding with back number 59.
- Jake Gardner, Canada: from Fort St. John, British Columbia, in bull riding with back number 69. See how to watch in Canada.
- Damian Brennan, Australia: from Injune, Queensland, in saddle bronc riding with back number 68. See how to watch in Australia.
Northern Plains and Rockies favorites
- South Dakota: barrel racer Lisa Lockhart of Oelrichs and heeler Levi Lord of Sturgis.
- Montana: barrel racer Tayla Moeykens of Three Forks, bronc rider Sage Newman of Melstone, bronc rider Chase Brooks of Deer Lodge, tie-down roper Haven Meged of Miles City and steer wrestler Ty Erickson of Helena.
- Wyoming: bull rider Hayden Welsh of Gillette, bronc rider Brody Wells of Powell and bareback rider Cole Reiner of Buffalo.
- North Dakota: steer wrestlers Seth Peterson of Minot and Bridger Anderson of Carrington.
- Hawaii: steer wrestler Trisyn Kalawaia of Hilo.
Hometowns come from regional press coverage of the qualifiers, so let us know if you spot a mistake. See the full list of 2026 NFR contestants.
