Current and Former World Champion Bull Riders Agree: Vegas Changed the Rodeo Game

Through the Gold Buckle Buzz series, writer Brian Hurlburt dives into the hearts and minds of PRCA World Champions who clinched titles during the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo®. As part of the 40th anniversary of the Las Vegas NFR, several 1985 PRCA and WPRA World Champions are also featured in this special 2025 series.

By Brian Hurlburt

Ted Nuce would’ve ridden bulls anywhere for $8,000 go-rounds, but looking back, he’s thrilled that place was Las Vegas. Nuce won the PRCA Bull Riding Championship in 1985 at the inaugural National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, held inside the new Thomas & Mack Center.

In fact, it was the increase in go-round payouts from $4,000 to $8,000—along with other added money compared to the previous year in Oklahoma City—that helped Nuce capture his first and only PRCA world title. What also helped? Riding nine of 10 bulls over the 10 nights, including a clutch 89-point score in Round 10 that secured the gold buckle over the legendary Tuf Hedeman and Lane Frost.

Nuce earned $52,924 during that NFR and finished the season with $107,872. Hedeman finished with $102,327.

“That was a very exciting time for rodeo, and the money doubled overnight,” Nuce said. “Before we left, they interviewed me in Oklahoma City and asked, ‘Man, what about that small arena out there?’ I said, ‘For $8,000 a go-round, I’ll ride a bull in a box stall.’

“In Vegas that first year, I placed on my first three bulls. We could all feel the enthusiasm of the crowd. It felt like they were right on top of us because the building was small. It was a great feeling. These days, a lot of people ask, ‘What do you miss about rodeoing?’ I tell them, ‘I miss making a great ride in the Thomas & Mack Center and throwing my hat. I’ll never experience that again.’”

Nuce shared his memories during a 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® promotional event held in June at the legendary South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. Each of the living 1985 world champions returned, joined by the 2024 world champions and the 2025 Miss Rodeo America.

Fittingly, Josh Frost was the 2024 PRCA Bull Riding World Champion. The late Lane Frost, who finished second in the 1985 NFR standings and third in the world standings, is Josh’s cousin. Though they never met, Josh has heard many stories about that first NFR in Las Vegas.

“I know that year changed the game,” Josh said. “I think Tuf was leading going in, and he and Lane had great NFR performances. They won more money than they ever imagined possible at the Finals. But Ted ended up winning the world because there was just so much more money available. I remember hearing how Tuf and Lane won big in Vegas, more than ever before during the Finals, but still didn’t win the world title.”

Josh was thrilled to spend time with Nuce in Las Vegas ahead of the 40th Anniversary celebration of the NFR, set for Dec. 4–13.

“This has been awesome. Ted is a guy I’ve looked up to my whole life,” Josh said. “I remember watching videos of him growing up. I’ve met him once or twice before, but getting to really spend time with him has been fun. We had some great conversations. He is very vocal on social media about staying positive and how that mindset helps your bull riding. He is someone I consider a hero and a mentor. I was excited when I found out that the 1985 world champions were coming—I knew I’d get a chance to spend time with Ted Nuce.”

Nuce appreciates Frost and the current generation of bull riders—and how much the sport has evolved.

“Bull riders today are very athletic, and they probably have to work harder than we did,” Nuce said. “There are so many rank bulls now. In my day, I could go all year and not get on a bull like Bodacious or Red Rock because there just weren’t that many bulls like that. Today, that’s not the case. These guys have to get on that caliber of bull almost every weekend. That is why it is so hard for them to stay healthy.”

Both Nuce and Frost are looking forward to the anniversary celebration in Las Vegas. They know the show will be something special—just like it always is with the Vegas razzle-dazzle.

“I love what Las Vegas has done for rodeo,” Nuce said. “It’s put a spotlight on it that it never would have received if it hadn’t moved here.”

Frost hopes to return and defend his 2024 title, but an injury has him on the outside looking in through July 23, 2025. Earlier in the season, he tore up his shoulder – the supraspinatus and labrum, specifically. As of June, he was back bull riding … and on the road back to Vegas with $14,000 in earnings as of this post.

“It’s going to be impressive in December,” Frost added. “There is no better place to rodeo than Vegas. The NFR is the Super Bowl of rodeo. People come from all over the country for it. The NFR is what everyone waits all year for—from the athletes to the fans.”