2024 Canadian Finals Rodeo Back Numbers Announced

The 50^TH Anniversary edition of the Canadian Finals Rodeo is just 17 days away and the excitement continues to build as fans and athletes alike gear up for the CFR’s return to Edmonton and the first time the event will be staged in Rogers Place.

With the countdown well underway to opening night on October 2, one cowboy stands at the head of the class going in. That cowboy is Oneill, Nebraska’s Riley Wakefield, the three event specialist who will wear Back Number One, indicating that he is the high money earner of all of the 119 competitors who will be taking their talents to the provincial capitol in just over two weeks. 

• Back numbers are determined by the amount of money won at regular season CPRA rodeos. Ground money and money won at special events does not count in determining back numbers.

The 28 year-old tie down roper-steer wrestler-team roper will be competing at his first CFR in the tie down roping event. And in addition to earning the coveted #1 back number, Wakefield also leads the All-Around race and makes no bones about the fact, “That’s my number one goal, that’s the one I have on sticky notes on my bathroom mirror.”

His reaction to the news that his banner year means he’s the guy who will ride into Rogers Place with a big #1 on his back was part surprise and part pride at the accomplishment.

“It feels great. It means everything; I feel like I did my job, doing three events and taking pride in trying to do all three of them equally well.”

As Wakefield looks back on the regular season just completed, there’s a smile in his voice. “I made a lot of new friends along the way and that’s one of my favourite things about Canadian rodeo. Up here everybody kind of knows everybody–especially on the timed event end–and the people are great to be around so I had a great experience. And I get to go to the CFR and compete for an All-Around title.”

While Wakefield will wear number one, he’ll be one of 119 rodeo athletes who have battled all season long for the right to be in Edmonton for this history-making Canadian Finals Rodeo—CFR 50.

For further details about CFR #50, visit rodeocanada.com