Records are being shattered at the 2025 National Finals Rodeo, particularly in the team roping event, as participants thrill the crowd with astonishing performances. The excitement reached new heights during Round 6, where the competition led to a buzzing atmosphere in the arena.
Touted as a highlight of the event, Clint Summers and Jade Corkhill initially set the bar high with an impressive 3.5-second run, securing their position at the top of the leaderboard early in the round. However, the excitement escalated when Tanner Tomlinson and Travis Graves took to the arena and delivered a breathtaking performance, completing their run in just 3.4 seconds. This lightning-fast time not only secured them a mighty $36,668 check but also broke the round record that had stood since 2011, originally set by the legendary Trevor Brazile and Patrick Smith.
Tomlinson and Graves have proven to be a formidable team in this year’s event, consistently piling up earnings. They kicked off their performance with a solid 5.7 seconds in the first round, serving as a warm-up that set the stage for their increasingly rapid times. Round Two saw them clock in at 4.2 seconds, followed by a 4.4-second run in Round Three, although a leg penalty marred their tally, pushing their total to 9.4 seconds. Despite a setback in Round Four, where they recorded a no-time, the duo bounced back stronger than ever, claiming second place in Round Five with a blazing 3.8-second run, thereby adding $28,980 to their earnings.
With their latest win on Tuesday evening, Tomlinson and Graves have amassed a total of $82,799 in just six rounds, which is expected to bolster their pursuit of the coveted gold buckles—a goal as thrilling as the rides themselves.
Heading into the finals, Tomlinson entered ranked No. 2 with earnings of $193,807, while Graves stood in fifth with $159,518. However, the unpredictability of rodeo means that these rankings remain in flux, particularly with several split teams throughout the season affecting potential outcomes. The average time will ultimately be a determining factor for the World Champions, and currently, Tomlinson and Graves are not in a position to claim that title.
As the competition continues, the excitement is palpable, with fans left eagerly awaiting what’s to come in the unfolding saga of this year’s National Finals Rodeo. And with the phrase “the night is young,” aptly fitting for the ongoing NFR, spectators can expect anything to happen as the contest progresses.
