Idols & Influencers
The most dominant professional ropers of today were at one time the kids marveling at their heroes who paved the previous path. Now, they’ve taken the torch and are proud to lead the next generation. But who do they admire, and who set the standard for the young-guns of today’s team roping industry—the same way the Camarillo brothers did generations before?
PADEN BRAY
Hometown: Stephenville, TX
NFRs: 1 (2020)
Paden Bray is following up his first National Finals Rodeo appearance last December, where he and Erich Rogers won the NFR average title, by contending for the world title again in 2021. After their win at RFD- TV’s The American in March and a strong start to the summer run, Bray’s been in the world championship mix all year long.
“When I was 10 or 12 years old, I started hanging out with Marty Becker, and he’s still like my coach. He and my dad (Ken Bray) have had such an impact on my roping. Marty has been there for me forever, and I talk to him every day. He went to the Finals, and helped me last year. I send him every single video. It’s cool now,
