And like all the previous rounds, he made a call to his mentor, Blaine Pederson, the 1994 world champion steer wrestler who lives in Amisk, Alberta, Canada.
Graves lived and learned from Pederson during a three-year period in the early 1990's.
"Blaine is such a winner,'' said Graves, the admiration rising in his voice. "I knew how to steer wrestle. He kind of polished me and showed me how to be a winner inside and outside the arena. Blaine, he installed all the factors what you saw the 10 days of the Finals.''
Graves was also quick to credit his hazer, fellow Canadian Curtis Cassidy, and Louisiana steer wrestler Bob Lummus for their help.
Graves won an NFR steer wrestling record $126,412 and finished with a PRCA single-season record of $206,415.
He also earned money in tie-down roping during the regular season and finished second in the world all-around standings to Jarrett.
"This is so big, so huge,'' Grave said of the world title. "I know I'm not better than a Blaine Pederson or Mark Roy (former Canadian world steer wrestling champions), but I can wear the same shoes they are.''
What's more, for the first time Graves was a participant in the awards ceremony.
"So many years, I came down in the stands and watched it,'' he said. "Most guys leave. Not me. I would watch and say, 'Someday, that's going to be me.'"
This year, they watched Graves and applauded.
