Junior NFR 2025 – officially the YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo – is where the best youth rodeo athletes in the world compete during NFR 2025 in Las Vegas. Formerly known as the YETI Junior World Finals, this 10-day youth championship runs alongside the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas.
In 2025, the Junior NFR celebrates its 10th anniversary in Las Vegas, bringing more than 700 contestants (ages 19 and under) to the Wrangler Rodeo Arena at Cowboy Christmas to chase over $1 million in combined cash and prizes and coveted Montana Silversmiths championship buckles.
Junior NFR 2025 Dates, Location & Quick Facts
- Event Name: YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo (Junior NFR)
- Former Name: YETI Junior World Finals
- Dates: December 4 – 13, 2025
- Daily Competition Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (PT)
- Venue: Wrangler Rodeo Arena at The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Platinum Lot – Las Vegas, NV
- Seating: Custom-built 65,000 sq. ft. tent with seating for 1,000+ fans
- Contestants: 700+ youth athletes (19 & under)
- Payout: More than $1 million in combined cash and prizes
- Tickets: Ticket required for Wrangler Rodeo Arena performances (typically affordable daily admission)
The Junior NFR runs during the day while Wrangler NFR 2025 performances take place in the evening at the Thomas & Mack Center, making it easy to catch both events in one trip.
What Is the Junior NFR (Junior World Finals)?
The event many fans still call the Junior World Finals has been officially rebranded as the YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo. The goal of the rebrand is to highlight its connection to the Wrangler NFR while showcasing the next generation of champions.
Junior NFR is rodeo’s “Next Up” stage, giving youth contestants from across the United States and beyond a chance to compete on a major platform in Las Vegas. Athletes qualify through a series of sanctioned events and qualifiers held throughout the year.
Just like at the Wrangler NFR, Junior NFR contestants compete in timed and roughstock events, win go-rounds, chase average titles and earn year-end championships in their division.
Junior NFR 2025 Events & Competition Format
Rodeo Events at Junior NFR 2025
Junior NFR 2025 features youth versions of the key PRCA and WPRA rodeo events, including:
- Bull Riding
- Bareback Riding
- Saddle Bronc Riding
- Steer Wrestling
- Team Roping
- Tie-Down Roping
- Breakaway Roping (girls and boys divisions)
- Barrel Racing
- Pole Bending
Different age groups and divisions run throughout the 10 days, with some events spread over multiple performances and others featured on select days.
How the Competition Works
Junior NFR runs similarly to the Wrangler NFR but tailored for youth:
- Contestants qualify at sanctioned events throughout the year.
- Each division typically has multiple rounds and a short round/finals.
- Athletes earn points and prize money based on round placings and overall average.
- Division champions are crowned at the end of the week and receive buckles, saddles and other awards.
This format gives young athletes a true “finals” experience and lets fans watch tomorrow’s NFR stars compete at a high level today.
Junior NFR 2025 Tickets & Admission
Unlike Cowboy Christmas (which is free), you’ll need a ticket to enter the Wrangler Rodeo Arena and watch the Junior NFR performances.
Key ticket details:
- Daily Admission: Historically around $10 per day for most Junior World Finals/Junior NFR years (final 2025 pricing may vary).
- Pass Options: Multi-day or family passes may be available depending on the year’s ticketing plan.
- Where to Buy:
- Official NFR Experience site (Junior NFR section)
- Las Vegas Events / event ticketing partners
- On-site ticket windows at the Las Vegas Convention Center during NFR week (subject to availability)
Because Junior NFR events can sell out on big days, especially weekends, advise your readers to purchase tickets early once the official 2025 ticket link goes live.
Daily Schedule & What to Expect at Junior NFR 2025
Junior NFR 2025 runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (PT) inside the Wrangler Rodeo Arena tent in the Platinum Lot outside the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall.
While the exact 2025 schedule will be posted on the official Junior NFR page closer to December, a typical day might include:
- Morning performances: early rounds of barrel racing, poles or roping events
- Midday performances: roughstock events such as bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc
- Afternoon performances: more timed events, short rounds or finals for specific age groups
Between performances, fans can walk directly into The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas inside the LVCC South Halls for shopping, live music, podcasts and more. This makes it easy to build a full day around Junior NFR, Cowboy Christmas and other NFR-related events.
How to Watch Junior NFR 2025 on TV & Online
If you can’t make it to Las Vegas, you still have ways to follow the Junior NFR action from home.
The Cowboy Channel & Cowboy Channel+
The Junior World Finals/Junior NFR has regularly been featured on The Cowboy Channel and streamed on Cowboy Channel+, often with dedicated coverage or highlight shows during NFR week.
To watch online:
- Subscribe to Cowboy Channel+ via its website or app.
- Look for Junior World Finals / Junior NFR content in the live and on-demand sections during NFR 2025.
- Replays of past Junior World Finals seasons are also available in the Cowboy Channel+ library.
Exact TV and streaming times for Junior NFR 2025 will be announced closer to December, so remind your readers to check The Cowboy Channel, Cowboy Channel+ and NFRexperience.com for the latest schedule.
Tips for Families & First-Time Visitors
- Arrive early: Morning performances can fill up fast, especially for popular events and finals rounds.
- Plan for walking: The LVCC campus is large. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are a must.
- Combine events: Watch a few hours of Junior NFR, then explore Cowboy Christmas, grab lunch at “Bites & Brews,” and catch Ariat Rodeo Live Stage shows.
- Bring the kids: Junior NFR is extremely family-friendly, and kids love seeing athletes closer to their own age competing.
- Check parking & transportation: Use NFR shuttles, rideshare, or Monorail options to avoid strip traffic where possible.
FAQ: Junior World Finals / Junior NFR 2025
Is the Junior World Finals the same as the Junior NFR?
Yes. What was previously branded as the YETI Junior World Finals is now the YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo (Junior NFR). The rebrand emphasizes its role as the youth companion event to the Wrangler NFR, but it remains the same high-level youth rodeo in Las Vegas.
When is Junior NFR 2025?
Junior NFR 2025 runs from December 4–13, 2025, with daily performances from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. inside the Wrangler Rodeo Arena tent at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Where is Junior NFR 2025 held?
The event takes place at the Wrangler Rodeo Arena in the Platinum Lot at the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall. It is directly connected to The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, so you can easily walk between the arena and the expo.
How much do Junior NFR tickets cost?
Daily admission has historically been around $10 per person, with some multi-day or family options available. Final pricing and ticket links for 2025 will be posted on the official Junior NFR/NFR Experience website, so always verify there before you buy.
Can I watch Junior NFR 2025 online?
Yes. Coverage of the Junior World Finals/Junior NFR is typically available on The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel+. You can watch selected performances and recap shows live or on demand by subscribing to Cowboy Channel+ and checking the NFR 2025 schedule.
Is Junior NFR good for kids and families?
Absolutely. Junior NFR is designed around youth competitors and is one of the most family-friendly events during NFR week. Many families spend the day watching the Junior NFR, exploring Cowboy Christmas, meeting contestants and taking photos, then head to the Thomas & Mack Center for the Wrangler NFR at night.