Marcos Costa Eyes Calf Roping Title at Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
By Megan Hanchey

Thousands of men started out, 15 moved on, but only one will stand above the rest at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

This year's calf roping standings are tightly packed heading into Las Vegas, Nevada, on Dec. 1-10. Three NFR rookies made the final cut along with 12 NFR veterans, two of whom are previous tie-down world champions.

Watch the 2016 WNFR International Stream LIVE Dec. 1-10 (not available in the U.S.)


Marcos Costa, who is the first Brazilian cowboy to qualify for the NFR in tie-down roping, sits atop the world leaderboard heading into the Thomas & Mack Center with $125,523.11 in earnings this year.

Timber Moore is second to Costa and has the honor of owning the Tie Down Roping Horse of the Year MFO Harvey, aka "Colonel." Hunter Herrin is sitting in the third place and is coming off big wins at San Antonio and Reno this year. Shane Hanchey kicked his season off by breaking the record for most money won during Cowboy Christmas by a single event cowboy and hasn't slowed down since. Tyson Durfey came down to the wire to qualify for his ninth NFR by capitalizing big time at the end of the season. Caleb Smidt is the reigning world title holder and plans to add a second championship to his accolades.  

While the ropers outside of the top 15 are not able to vie for the title, 15th-place cowboy Marty Yates is still within striking distance of Costa and trails by around $62,000. With each round paying a little over $23,000, wins in three rounds can put them neck and neck.

The talent level of each cowboy combined with the quality of the cattle that will be brought in sets the stage for an unpredictable end result, and the No. 1 position could easily change each night.

One thing is for certain, though. The end of the 10th round will usher in a life-changing victory for one of these cowboys.

Tie Down Roping World Standings
1. Marcos Costa, $125,523.11
2. Timber Moore, $108,539.17
3. Hunter Herrin, $93,399.86
4. Cory Solomon, $87,392.01
5. Shane Hanchey, $85,932.14
6. Cade Swor, $81,739.09
7. Reese Riemer, $78,499.69
8. Caleb Smidt, $76,469.08
9. Riley Pruitt, $74,547.32
10. Ryan Jarrett, $73,399.73
11. Matt Shiozawa, $71,601.83
12. Blane Cox, $70,127.25
13. Ryle Smith, $67,321.96
14. Tyson Durfey, $64,733.92
15. Marty Yates, $63,847.09

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