Haven Meged finally broke through in Round 9 of the 2025 National Finals Rodeo, capitalizing on a good draw to earn his first go-round win of the week and the seventh of his NFR career.
The 2019 world champion and a two-time NFR average champion stopped the clock at 7.0 to win $36,668 in Round 9, pushing his total earnings at this year’s Finals to $74,801 and reminding the Thomas & Mack crowd why he’s made seven consecutive trips to Las Vegas.
“It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint”
“It feels amazing, honestly,” Meged said. “It feels like it’s been a grind just to get back here, mainly to the National Finals. It hasn’t been as good this week. I made a couple mistakes that cost me money. Haven’t drawn the best, but it’s all part of it. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
That grind defined Meged’s 2025 season. Unlike years past, when his NFR qualification came early, this one wasn’t settled until the final week of the regular season.
“It was tough,” Meged said. “I feel like usually I have the NFR made early in the year. I didn’t have it made until the last week of the rodeo season, so it’s awesome to finally get to be here. It was a battle, and it’s awesome to get to compete in front of all these amazing fans and rope with the best people in the world.”
Meged’s Round 9 opportunity didn’t come without a little doubt. While his calf had been labeled a potential spoiler, Meged focused on staying clean and letting the run develop.
“I drew a good calf and honestly thought I tore the barrier down,” Meged said. “I didn’t feel like I heard anybody yell until I had her flanked. I knew she was going to come up the rope a little bit, moved around, flanked her, put a fast wrap and hooey on her and got done. It was a great calf, and it’s awesome to finally win a round here.”
Adjusting Without Lil Punch
Throughout the week, Meged has been aboard Seven S Tomahawk, “Smoke,” the bay gelding who carried Meged to the 2025 Finals, whose style differs from Lil Punch, the longtime standout who isn’t in Las Vegas this year due to injury.
“It’s a different ball game,” Meged said. “I can’t even fault Smoke—he’s been amazing. Punch hits the ground a little faster, but Smoke is so honest. He jumps, really sucks back, and hits that ground the second my rope’s out of my hand.”
Meged acknowledged how fine the margins are at the Finals, especially when horsepower changes.
“Without those horses, it’s tough,” Meged said. “You’re roping against the best guys in the world. That horse is my best one at home, and he’s been great.”
Diapers, Not a Party Bus
When asked how much of his Round 9 earnings might be headed toward diapers, Meged didn’t hesitate.
“Probably all of it,” Meged laughed. “We’re so excited to welcome a little boy.”
As for celebrating the win, Meged plans to keep it low-key.
“No party bus,” Meged said. “Shelby is pregnant. Maybe a nice steak dinner. I’m just excited to finally get to go over to the South Point. It’s a grind, but it’s amazing getting to rope against the best guys in the world.”