LAS VEGAS – The National Finals Rodeo arena set up inside the Thomas & Mack Center is roughly the size of a hockey rink, so things get fast in a hurry in Sin City.

Nobody understands that any more than Kyle Irwin, a four-time NFR qualifier from Robertsdale, Alabama. He’s seen the good, the bad and the ugly that comes with ProRodeo’s grand championship; that’s why starting the 10-day finale on a good note was important.

“The first-round jitters are always there, but I feel like I was a little more prepared for it,” said Irwin, who wrestled his steer to the ground in 4.0 seconds Thursday night t...