RODEO LEGENDS / ICONS CLASS 2025
Las Vegas rodeo supporter
A Las Vegas businessman and horseman whose support was important to the NFR’s move to the city.
| Las Vegas business milestone | Binion’s Horseshoe opened in 1951 |
|---|---|
| ProRodeo Man of the Year | 1985 |
| Vegas NFR Icons class | 2025 |
Texas-born Benny Binion combined a career in gaming with a longstanding interest in horses and rodeo. His stock became associated with prominent rodeo contractors, providing a connection to the sport beyond his casino business.
Binion established his Horseshoe casino in Las Vegas in 1951 and later founded the World Series of Poker. His influence and support also contributed to the effort to bring the National Finals Rodeo to Las Vegas, where the event first took place in 1985.
The PRCA named Binion its ProRodeo Man of the Year in 1985. He died in 1989 at age 85. His inclusion in the 2025 Vegas NFR Icons class recognizes the role a supporter and civic figure could play in establishing a lasting home for the championship.
Vegas NFR Icons recognition year: 2025. This identifies the honor, not a championship season or a scheduled 2026 competition appearance.
