How much is the prize money for the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo? Record payout

Every December, the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding qualify to compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The 2023 edition takes place in the city of Las Vegas as thousands of rodeo enthusiasts decked out in Wrangler jeans, Justin boots and cowboy hats fill hotels, casinos, restaurants, shopping malls and showrooms. In addition, hotel marquees are splashed with the names of the brightest stars in country music.

Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Ryan Bingham and Mark Wills are just a handful of the star studded artists who will be performing at various events in Vegas during the duration of the event.

Last year alone, the event attracted more 170,000 rodeo enthusiasts to the city over the ten day period of the competition.

Increased prize money

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Las Vegas Events recently confirmed that the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will see an increase in the payout for the third consecutive year.

The 2023 NFR will have a record-setting payout of more than $11.5 million amd this amount includes guaranteed prize money of $1.2 million for NFR qualifiers.

Based on the updated purse in 2023, the increase will see round winners take home $30,706 per round and average winners earn $78,747. Each go-round will pay a total of $99,053, while the average total will pay $297,159 per event.