Consistency carried the California cowboy from fifth in the standings to his first career gold buckle.
The steer wrestling world championship closed a season that has been marked by hard earned consistency, and a big career defining performance inside the Thomas & Mack Center.
Tucker Allen arrived in Las Vegas ranked fifth in the world standings. Ten rounds later, the California cowboy left with his first gold buckle at just his second National Finals Rodeo appearance, capping an impressive year.
Allen’s 2025 season began with a statement win at RODEOHOUSTON, setting the tone for a year that would only gain momentum. Riding Banker, the Horse of the Year, Allen developed one of the most consistent partnerships in the steer wrestling field. Banker is owned by Justin Shaeffer, who also hazes for Allen throughout the season, a team that proved critical as the pressure mounted.
While Allen entered the NFR outside the top spot, he quickly asserted himself. Over the 10 rounds in the Thomas and Mack, he won Rounds 2, 4, and 8, repeatedly positioning himself near the top of the leaderboard and steadily climbing the standings.
By the time Round 10 arrived, Allen had separated himself from the field. Tucker is leaving Vegas with the average title and world championship.
Round 10
Round 10 was as exciting as expected. Stetson Jorgensen won the round with a fast 3.4-second run, followed by Rowdy Parrott at 3.8 seconds and Will Lummus at 3.9. Jesse Brown finished fourth in 4.1, with Justin Shaeffer placing fifth in 4.3, and Bridger Anderson rounding out the top six at 4.5 seconds.
Allen’s final run was not his fastest of the week, but it was enough. He clocked a 5.8-second run, keeping his steer down and protecting the lead he had built over nine rounds.
“I knew that was a decent steer, and that is the worst run I have made all week. But, this is something you dream of as a kid. I should of made a better run tonight but it was just a block and tackle situation. I owe everything to Teddy Robinson and Luke Branquinho to get me here. I am frateful to God that they were placed in my life.”
When the average was over, Allen stood atop with a total time of 46.4 seconds on 10 head, earning $94,036 and securing the gold.
Consistency Wins the Race
Allen finished the season with $398,913 in earnings, outpacing Will Lummus, who entered the Finals as the season leader and finished second in the world standings with $334,833. Lummus, also a California native, battled through tough luck with several steers during the finals but remained in contention through the final night.
At just 26 years old, Allen has quickly rose to become one of the greatest. His 2025 NFR performance showcased a competitor comfortable with pressure and committed to minimizing mistakes. This is an approach that paid off when it mattered most tonight in Round 10.
The championship also highlighted the importance of teamwork in steer wrestling. Allen repeatedly credited the amazing horse Banker and Justin Shaeffer for all of his success.
With the amazing Horse of the Year underneath him, friends and family beside him, and a gold buckle now on his résumé, Allen closed the 2025 NFR taking big opportunity into gold. This marked a big moment in a career that is only beginning to take shape.
Round 10 Winner -
2025 Average
Jackie Jensen Photography