Since 1955, the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, housed inside the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, has stood as the premier home for honoring the legends of rodeo. This November 7 and 8, 2025, the Museum will host its 70th Anniversary Induction Weekend, presented by the Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation, marking seven decades of preserving rodeo history and the names that built the sport.
A Weekend of Honor
The two-day celebration will include the Champions’ Dinner, Induction Ceremony and Benefit Auction, Inductee Panel Discussion and Rope ’N’ Ride Cocktail Reception. Fans, families and fellow competitors will gather to recognize this year’s class of Hall of Fame inductees and honorees.
“For 70 years, the National Rodeo Hall of Fame has been the iconic home for honoring and preserving the great names and traditions of rodeo,” said Pat Fitzgerald, president and CEO of the Museum. “Induction into the Hall remains the sport’s highest honor, a recognition that transcends age, background and discipline.”
2025 Class of Inductees
Living Inductees
– Chad Berger, bull riding competitor turned 12-time PBR Stock Contractor of the Year, known for producing world champion bulls and major rodeo events.
– Larry Allen Clayman, rodeo clown, bullfighter, producer and entertainer whose career spanned decades including work at the NFR and Canadian Finals.
– Joel Edmondson, 1983 World Champion Steer Wrestler and five-time NFR qualifier, a lifelong ambassador for the sport.
– Monty “HP” Evetts, 1974 World Champion Team Roper with nine NFR appearances, also a Hollywood stuntman and lifelong roper.
– Bobby Goodspeed, 12-time NFR qualifier and calf roper from a legendary rodeo family with wins at Cheyenne, Denver and Albuquerque.
– Charlie Throckmorton, PRCA announcer for nearly 40 years and known as a walking repository of rodeo history.
Deceased Inductees
– Neal Gay (1926 to 2022), founder of Rafter G Rodeo and Mesquite Championship Rodeo, a pioneer producer who changed the sport’s landscape.
– Wiley McCray (1916 to 1977), trick rider, bullfighter and clown who entertained crowds across North America for over four decades.
Special Award Honorees
– Ben Johnson Memorial Award: Mike “Hud” Hudson, rodeo cowboy, promoter and longtime leader in rodeo boards and charities.
– Tad Lucas Memorial Award: Lari Dee Guy, eight-time WPRA World Champion and global advocate for women’s rodeo, founder of Rope Like a Girl.
– Directors’ Choice Award: Jon Taylor, PRCA clown and barrelman, three-time NFR performer and lifelong ambassador of rodeo entertainment.
Why Membership Matters
The National Rodeo Hall of Fame relies on the support of Rodeo Historical Society (RHS) members. Each year, RHS members submit nominations, vote on inductees, and ensure that rodeo’s greatest names are remembered. Membership is open to anyone who wants to take part in preserving rodeo history.
By joining the RHS, members become directly involved in shaping the legacy of rodeo, gaining voting rights in the selection process, special access during induction weekend and year-round museum benefits.
The Legacy Lives On
The 2025 ceremony is not just about honoring individuals, it is about celebrating rodeo as a way of life. From producers and announcers to cowboys and cowgirls who paved the way, this year’s class reminds us of the grit, talent and community that defines the Western tradition.
As rodeo continues to evolve, the Hall of Fame remains the place where its past and future meet. Induction into the Hall is the sport’s highest recognition, one that ensures stories and legacies live on for generations.
For details on tickets, sponsorships or to become a member of the Rodeo Historical Society, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/national-rodeo-hall-of-fame.
