2019 PBR World Finals XXVI

History

Before we present the adrenaline charged action of the PBR 2019 World Finals, in T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, we ask our dear readers’ permission to give a very brief bird’s eye view of what is at stake by way of starters. For our regular followers, this will enhance the excitement and whet their appetite for the pleasures of the coming events, the awaited four-day main course to be followed by a fifth of announcement of winners & celebrations. For those who are new to the sport, it introduces a few pieces of necessary information.

This year’s PBR World Finals XXVI contests are number 26 as the Latin numerals indicate. Twenty-six years ago, in 1992 to be precise, twenty American Rodeo athletes provided $1000 each and set up the professional body that organized and arranged the bull-riding contests which evolved into to-day’s World Finals. $20,000 may seem little by to-day’s standards but, in its day, was a hefty sum not to be sneezed at. Nowadays professional bull-riding is a multi-million dollars sport drawing athletes and fans not only from the two Americas but from all over the world. The contests are watched by new and veteran fans who cross continents and oceans to attend in person. Millions more watch the action on tele, with many networks airing the events; others watch the action on tablets or other smart devices.

The Competition

Bull riders are usually clad in traditional cowboy outfits with protective vests made of special high quality foam to lessen the impact of a fall, if one occurs, and leather chaps to protect the legs and thighs. To protect against rope burn, a rider also wears a leather glove on the hand that holds the rope. Mouth guards are optional on the professional level. Cowboy hats are the norm but wearing helmets is on the increase among adult riders. Young riders, that is those under 18 years of age, have to wear helmets and facial ice hockey like masks for extra protection. The beast has only the 5/8″ flank strap which is made of soft cotton and is wrapped under its hind legs supposedly to encourage it to buck. This innocuous strap has, in the past, caused much wrangling as animal rights activists wrongly thought that it was tied round the animal’s testicles.

Four judges are entrusted with giving points to the riders and four judged give points to the bulls. Each of the four judges gives up to 25 points for the rider’s performance. The bull is also given scores of up to 25 points by each judge for its effort. Then all four scores are combined and the total divided in half; this becomes the official score.

Round 1 Results and Highlights

Eduardo Aparecido

Chase Outlaw

Dalton Kasel

Cody Teel

Jose Vitor Leme