It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If they knew, or if you knew, the reward that is in the first row, you would obtain a place in it only by drawing lots."
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الصلاة / 5192