Junior National Finals Bareback and Saddle Bronc (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Bareback & Saddle Bronc Riding
Junior, Senior, and Novice Divisions
The 2026 Junior National Finals Rodeo (JNFR), produced by Las Vegas Events, will take place December 3–13, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Held in conjunction with the world-renowned National Finals Rodeo, the JNFR brings together talented young rodeo athletes from across the country.
The Junior Roughstock Association (JRA) proudly serves as the official qualifying system for rising bareback and saddle bronc riders—young athletes who dream of someday competing under the bright lights of the Thomas & Mack Center at the National Finals Rodeo.
Throughout the JNFR, contestants will compete for their share of more than $1 million in combined cash and prizes, along with the prestigious honor of earning a Junior National Finals Rodeo Championship title.
The JRA’s featured competition will run December 3–7, 2026, showcasing the Junior, Senior, and Novice divisions in bareback and saddle bronc riding.
Information About the Junior Nations Finals
When will the 2026 Finals be?
Schedule Overview (SCEDULE IS TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
The 2026 Junior National Finals Rodeo will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from December 3-12, 2026
- BACK NUMBER AND WELCOME CEREMONY WILL BE DECEMBER 2ND TIME/LOCATION TBD
- DECEMBER 3RD 2PM-4PM (JUNIOR BAREBACK RIDING-SENIOR & NOVICE SADDLE BRONC)
- DECEMBER 4TH 9:30-11:30 (SENIOR & NOVICE BAREBACK- JUNIOR SADDLE BRONC RIDING)
- DECEMBER 5TH 2PM-4PM (JUNIOR BAREBACK RIDING-SENIOR & NOVICE SADDLE BRONC)
- DECEMBER 6TH 9:30-11:30 (SENIOR & NOVICE BAREBACK- JUNIOR SADDLE BRONC RIDING)
- DECEMBER 7TH "SHORT ROUND" BAREBACK/SADDLE BRONC RIDING 9:30-11:30
Join us throughout the week as the nation’s top youth roughstock athletes compete for championship titles and carry forward the proud tradition of rodeo.
Where will The event be held?
Venue Information
The 2026 Junior National Finals Rodeo – Junior Roughstock Association Finals will be hosted at Wrangler Arena, located in the Platinum Lot, directly adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall.
This prime location offers convenient access for contestants, families, and fans, placing all the action in the heart of Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo.
Detailed maps and additional venue information will be released closer to the event to assist with parking, entry points, and overall navigation..
Where Do we Park?
Parking Information
Parking will be available directly adjacent to the Wrangler Arena, providing convenient access for contestants, personnel, and guests. Adequate parking has been arranged to accommodate the needs of all participants throughout the event.
Detailed parking maps and additional information will be included in contestant packets, which will be distributed prior to the event or provided at check-in. Along with the maps this information will be shared closer to the event.
How Do You Enter ?
Entry Process Overview
The entry process consists of two required steps:
Step One – Junior Roughstock Association (JRA) Entry ENTRIES WILL OPEN AUGUST 10TH
Qualified contestants will receive an email from the Junior Roughstock Association (JRA) containing links to:
- Complete entry
- Submit required documentation
- Pay applicable fees
- Purchase additional items, if applicable
For Step One, contestants must submit the following:
- High-quality headshot (chest-up only; full-body images will not be accepted)
- Contestant’s insurance card
- Contestant’s birth certificate
Step Two – Las Vegas Events Entry
After successfully completing Step One, contestants will receive a follow-up email from Las Vegas Events "POSSIBLY" requeting additional required information or confirming your entry.
- Step Two will only become available after JRA entry is fully completed
- This step must be completed by the designated cutoff date provided in the email
Important Notice
Contestants will be notified of this two-part entry process via email.
Failure to complete both Step One and Step Two by the designated deadlines will result in forfeiture of entry.
How do we get tickets to the Junior National Finals Rodeo
Admission Information
Tickets for the 2026 Junior National Finals Rodeo – Junior Roughstock Association Finals will be available for purchase at the arena entrance.
- Single-Day Pass: $10
- Five-Day Pass: $40
Enjoy nightly rodeo action and special events with convenient, affordable access for the entire family.
When will Awards be
Awards & Recognition
- Round Champions: Awards will be presented daily at the conclusion of each performance.
- Short Go & Finals: Qualifiers and event champions will receive their prizes on December 7th.
(Location details will be announced once confirmed.)
Your support can make history. Sponsor the Junior Roughstock
Support the future
🌟 Sponsorship Opportunities with the Junior National Finals Rodeo 🌟
We are proud to offer premier advertising and sponsorship opportunities for companies across the globe through the Junior National Finals Rodeo (JNFR).
If your business is seeking to expand its presence in the western lifestyle and rodeo industry, this is the perfect platform. Sponsorship with the JNFR provides unmatched visibility, brand recognition, and the chance to connect with a passionate and growing audience.
We would love to welcome your company as a valued partner and create a customized opportunity for you to become an integral part of this world-class event.
How to qualify for the 2026 Junior National Finals
Region/Series
Direct Qualifier/Highschool Finals
Direct Qualifier/Highschool Finals
Contestants will have the opportunity to compete in a series and/or regional rodeo(s), each of which will culminate in its own finals event. From those finals, the top contestants in each division will advance to the next level of competition, ultimately earning the chance to qualify for the Junior National Finals Rodeo. The exact numbe
Contestants will have the opportunity to compete in a series and/or regional rodeo(s), each of which will culminate in its own finals event. From those finals, the top contestants in each division will advance to the next level of competition, ultimately earning the chance to qualify for the Junior National Finals Rodeo. The exact number of qualifiers allotted from each region is determined by the overall participation and number of contestants who competed within that specific series or region, ensuring a fair and proportional advancement process. This structure allows every region, regardless of size, to send its best competitors forward while rewarding areas with higher contestant participation with additional qualifying positions.
For complete details on the number of available qualifying spots in your area, contestants are encouraged to contact their regional or series director directly. Directors can provide guidance on entry deadlines, finals schedules, and advancement opportunities to help contestants navigate the path toward Las Vegas.
Direct Qualifier/Highschool Finals
Direct Qualifier/Highschool Finals
Direct Qualifier/Highschool Finals
Contestants will also have the opportunity to advance directly to Las Vegas through designated Direct Qualifier events, which will be listed in the Schedule section of juniorroughstockworld.com. By entering a Direct Qualifier, contestants can compete for the chance to secure a spot at the Junior National Finals Rodeo, with the champion o
Contestants will also have the opportunity to advance directly to Las Vegas through designated Direct Qualifier events, which will be listed in the Schedule section of juniorroughstockworld.com. By entering a Direct Qualifier, contestants can compete for the chance to secure a spot at the Junior National Finals Rodeo, with the champion of each division earning a coveted qualification to Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, invitations will be extended to the National High School Rodeo Association Champion as well as to top contestants from high school regions and states that committed to sanctioning prior to January 1, 2026. Organizations interested in co-sanctioning for the 2026 season are strongly encouraged to contact the national office no later than January 1, 2026 to be considered.
LAST CHANCE (WILD CARD) QUALIFIER
Direct Qualifier/Highschool Finals
LAST CHANCE (WILD CARD) QUALIFIER
Contestants will also have the opportunity to enter the Wild Card Qualifier (formerly known as the Last Chance Qualifier), a premier event designed to award the final available positions in each age division for both bareback and saddle bronc riding. This event serves as the ultimate opportunity for athletes who did not secure a spot thr
Contestants will also have the opportunity to enter the Wild Card Qualifier (formerly known as the Last Chance Qualifier), a premier event designed to award the final available positions in each age division for both bareback and saddle bronc riding. This event serves as the ultimate opportunity for athletes who did not secure a spot through regional qualifiers, ensuring that every remaining position is earned in the arena. The 2026 Wild Card Qualifier will be held in the Fall of 2026, bringing together talented riders from across the country to compete for their chance to advance to the Finals. More details regarding location, entry deadlines, and event schedule will be announced as the date approaches.