Tomlinson and Graves Shatter 14-Year-Old NFR Team Roping Record in Blazing 3.4-Second Run

A historic record fell at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. During Round 6 of the 2025 National Finals Rodeo, team ropers Tanner Tomlinson and Travis Graves stopped the clock in a blistering 3.4 seconds. The run broke a 14-year-old round record, sending shockwaves through the rodeo world and netting the duo a massive payday.

The previous record of 3.5 seconds was set in 2011 by legends Trevor Brazile and Patrick Smith. According to official NFR records, the achievement marks one of the fastest times in the event’s modern history at the finals. The crowd erupted as the time was announced, recognizing the magnitude of the moment.

Record-Breaking Run Caps Dominant NFR Week for Duo

The 3.4-second run was not an isolated flash of speed. Tomlinson and Graves have been consistently cashing checks throughout the 2025 NFR. Their week started with a solid 5.7-second run in Round 1. They then posted times of 4.2 and 4.4 seconds in the following rounds.

A no-time in Round 4 seemed to ignite a fire. The team responded with a second-place finish of 3.8 seconds in Round 5. That performance earned them $28,980. The record-breaking win in Round 6 added a whopping $36,668 to their total.

Their earnings for the week now stand at $82,799. This surge is critically important for the season-long world championship standings. Tomlinson entered the NFR ranked second overall. Graves was ranked fifth in the world.

Historic Run Reshapes World Championship Race

This record-breaking performance dramatically alters the dynamics of the world title race. The massive prize money from the round win provides a crucial boost. However, the overall world champion is not determined by round wins alone.

The aggregate average across all ten rounds carries the heaviest weight. Current standings in the average will ultimately decide the gold buckle winners. With four rounds remaining, the competition is far from over.

The victory secures their place in NFR history regardless of the final standings. It demonstrates a peak performance under the brightest lights in rodeo. Fans and analysts are now watching to see if this momentum can carry them to a world title.

The 2025 NFR team roping competition has been redefined by a legendary 3.4-second run. Tanner Tomlinson and Travis Graves have etched their names into the record books, proving that in rodeo, history can be made in a heartbeat.

Dropping this nugget your way-

What record did Tomlinson and Graves break?

They broke the NFR Round 6 team roping record. The old record was 3.5 seconds, set by Trevor Brazile and Patrick Smith back in 2011.

How much did they win for the record run?

Their 3.4-second run earned a first-place check of $36,668. This is the standard prize for a round win at the current NFR.

Are they leading the world championship now?

Not necessarily. While the win boosts their season earnings, the world champion is decided by the ten-round aggregate average. The race remains very close with four rounds left.

How many rounds have they won at the 2025 NFR?

They have won one round so far—the record-breaking Round 6. They also placed second in Round 5, making them money in four of the first six nights.

Why is this record significant?

It’s significant because it stood for 14 years, held by two of the sport’s greatest cowboys. Breaking a long-held record at the NFR is a crowning achievement for any competitor.