Watch Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is the premier championship event for professional rodeo athletes, featuring the top 15 contestants in each event who have earned the most money throughout the year-long qualifying season. The 2011 edition of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, broadcast on CBS Sports Network, showcased the world's best cowboys and cowgirls competing in 10 action-packed events over the course of 10 days, all vying for the title of world champion and a share of the $6 million purse.

The rodeo took place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was attended by tens of thousands of fans from around the world. The rodeo's opening ceremony featured a colorful parade of rodeo competitors and a stirring rendition of the national anthem, setting the stage for an unforgettable competition.

Over the course of the 10-day event, viewers were treated to non-stop rodeo action in events such as bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing. Each event showcased the skill, strength, and courage of the competitors as they rode, wrestled, and roped with precision and finesse.

One of the highlights of the rodeo was the bull riding event, in which cowboys attempted to ride a bucking bull for eight seconds. The event was marked by heart-stopping moments as riders were thrown from the bulls and narrowly escaped being trampled. The bareback riding and saddle bronc riding events were equally exciting, with athletes riding horses as they bucked and kicked with impressive athleticism.

Viewers were also treated to the thrills of the steer wrestling event, in which cowboys wrestled a steer to the ground as quickly as possible, and the team roping event, in which two cowboys worked together to lasso and restrain a steer in the shortest time possible. The tie-down roping event showcased the competitors' speed and accuracy as they lassoed a calf and tied its legs in the fastest time possible.

The rodeo also included women's events, such as the barrel racing event, in which cowgirls raced their horses around a cloverleaf pattern in the shortest time possible. The event required a combination of speed, skill, and precision as riders navigated the tight turns and sharp corners of the course.

Throughout the competition, viewers were able to learn more about the lives and backgrounds of the competitors, many of whom come from ranching families and have been involved in rodeo their entire lives. The rodeo also highlighted the importance of animals in the sport, showcasing the care and attention given to the rodeo animals to ensure their health and safety.

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was not just a competition, but a celebration of the rich history and culture of the American West. The event showcased the determination, bravery, and spirit of the rodeo athletes, as well as the fierce loyalty of their fans.

Whether you're a longtime fan of rodeo or a newcomer to the sport, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo from CBS Sports Network is a must-see event. With its high-energy action, compelling storytelling, and thrilling moments, the rodeo is a tribute to the enduring legacy of the American cowboy and a showcase of the best of the best in the world of rodeo.