Round 5 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo delivered explosive action in Las Vegas on December 9, 2025, as Carlee Otero dominated barrel racing and John Douch captured the tie-down roping victory in a high-intensity showdown at the Thomas & Mack Center. The 2025 NFR continues to showcase the world’s best rodeo competitors battling through ten rounds for championship titles and significant prize money.
Otero Shines With Blazing Barrel Racing Victory
Carlee Otero posted a lightning-fast 13.43-second time to secure her second round win of this year’s NFR. Riding her standout mare AM Regina George, Otero executed a clean and aggressive pattern that left the field behind.
Halyn Lide and Lisa Lockhart tied for second place with matching 13.55-second runs, while four-time WPRA world champion Hailey Kinsel clocked 13.56 seconds to finish fourth. Tricia Aldridge rounded out the top five at 13.61 seconds.
| Rank | Competitor | Time | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlee Otero | 13.43 | $36,668 |
| 2 (tie) | Halyn Lide | 13.55 | $23,334 |
| 2 (tie) | Lisa Lockhart | 13.55 | $23,334 |
| 4 | Hailey Kinsel | 13.56 | $14,667 |
| 5 | Tricia Aldridge | 13.61 | $11,001 |
The win extends Otero’s season earnings and strengthens her position in the overall barrel racing standings heading into the remaining rounds.
Douch Edges Field With Lightning Run in Tie-Down Roping
John Douch of Huntsville, Texas delivered a decisive 7.4-second run aboard Tootsie Pop to win Round 5 of tie-down roping. His aggressive yet controlled performance was too strong for late-round competitors to match.
Joel Harris followed with a 7.6-second run to claim second place, earning $28,980. Kyle Lucas was third at 7.9 seconds, with several other competitors turning in sub-eight second times during a thrilling performance slate. Douch earned $36,668 for the round, boosting his momentum in the world championship race.
High Stakes and Tight Margins Define Round 5
Inside the packed Thomas & Mack Center, fans witnessed fractions of a second decide podium positions. Athletes balance precision with explosive speed as they chase both round wins and cumulative payout totals across the ten-round event.
The Wrangler NFR remains one of rodeo’s most prestigious competitions, where every night holds implications for world championship standings in each discipline. As competition intensifies approaching the final rounds, pressure mounts to convert every opportunity.
What Comes Next in the NFR Championship Race
With several rounds remaining, leaderboard movements are expected as riders and ropers fight for every dollar and every second advantage. Both rising stars and veteran champions remain in contention, keeping fans and analysts on edge.
Otero’s back-to-back round wins position her strongly heading into Round 6, while Douch carries valuable momentum into a tightly contested calf roping field. Each run raises the stakes as athletes chase their 2025 world title dreams in Las Vegas.
