Overview
- Jess Pope won back-to-back rounds with an 88 on Foxhole Gunner and an 88.25 on Deep Springs to take Round 7 and Round 8.
- After eight rounds, Pope leads the bareback average at 684.5 on eight head, with Sam Petersen at 681.75 and Wacey Schalla at 678.5.
- Sam Petersen finished second in Round 8 with an 87.25 and remains in striking distance in the average.
- Pre-NFR leader Rocker Steiner went a third straight night without a check, posted an 80 to stay in the average at 668.75, and still tops the world standings at $421,185.
- Two rounds remain in Las Vegas, leaving the gold buckle outcome dependent on final rides from Pope, Petersen, and a rebounding Steiner.