Las Vegas Events announced that two Vegas NFR Icons will be honored at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The Vegas NFR Icons this year are Billy Etbauer and Cody Ohl.
During the December 8 and 9 performances, each of the rodeo champions will be honored at the Thomas & Mack Center. The presentation will include each receiving a 14-inch commemorative bronze statue and a ceremony to unfurl a banner in the rafters.
“Las Vegas Events (LVE) is committed to honoring the rodeo legends,” said LVE President Tim Keener. “Billy Etbauer and Cody Ohl are true icons of the sport and synonymous with the events they competed in at the Thomas & Mack Center. We continue this tradition that was launched in 2022 when we honored Trevor Brazile, Charmayne James, and Ty Murray.”
One of the most popular cowboys of his generation, Etbauer won five saddle bronc world titles: 1992, 1996, 1999, 2000, and 2004. He garners respect for both his go-for-broke style and his humility during his career that covered parts of four decades.
A native of Huron, South Dakota, Etbauer was the middle brother of three world-class bronc riders. Etbauer qualified for the NFR in his second year as a professional in 1989.
He went on to make the field a record 21 consecutive years, win an NFR-record 51 rounds and surpass $3 million in career earnings.
Etbauer still shares the NFR record with his 93-point ride on Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Cool Alley in 2003. He tied the record a year later on a 10th-round ride that clinched the last of his five gold buckles.
“It is an honor and blessing to be part of the Vegas NFR Icons,” said Etbauer. “I’m thankful to so many who helped me throughout and allowed me to make a living doing what I love.”
Ohl put his stamp on Pro Rodeo in 1994 by winning Rookie of the Year and earning his first trip to the NFR. It would take Ohl a few years to win his first gold buckle.
He edged out Fred Whitfield to capture the 1997 tie-down world title and roared through the 1998 season, capturing his second title. Ohl had another record-setting year in 2001 as he added steer roping and team roping in order to compete for the all-around title.
In the ninth round of the NFR, Ohl missed his calf on the first loop. A second loop caught the calf by the hind legs. As Ohl dismounted, he twisted his knee, tearing two major ligaments. He had to be carried out of the arena by the Sports Medicine Team.
However, Ohl had amassed enough money earlier in the week to secure both the tie-down title and the all-around title. He accepted both buckles from crutches on the 10th night.
Ohl went on to capture his fifth and sixth tie-down roping titles in 2003 and 2006. He still owns the record for the most NFR rounds won, 52.
“When you compete at this level, the world championship is what you shoot for,” said Ohl. “Being inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame was the icing on my career. But Vegas is where everything got started, so I’m so appreciative of this honor. There is no other town where you get a feeling like Vegas. That’s how much Vegas means to me.”
Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in each contest event to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted gold buckle.
In 2022, the NFR had a total attendance of 173,350 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center. It has sold out more than 350 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.
Founded in 1983, Las Vegas Events is a private, not-for-profit organization partially funded by hotel room tax. Since 1991, Las Vegas Events has produced, presented, or supported more than 800 events.
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