{"id":777738,"date":"2026-05-06T17:30:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T17:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/777738\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T17:30:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T17:30:16","slug":"2026-pbr-world-finals-the-race-for-the-gold-buckle-begins-in-fort-worth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/777738\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 PBR World Finals: The race for the gold buckle begins in Fort Worth"},"content":{"rendered":"

WHY FORT WORTH MATTERS<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is no more fitting stage for the World Finals than Fort Worth\u2014a city built on Western heritage, grit, and tradition. From the dirt of Cowtown Coliseum, where the opening rounds demand precision and survival, to the electric atmosphere of Dickies Arena, where champions are crowned, every moment carries weight.<\/p>\n

This is not just another stop on the Unleash The Beast schedule. This is the finish line. Everything riders have worked for all season\u2014every mile traveled, every injury battled through, every eight-second effort\u2014comes down to these final outs. The margin for error disappears, and only the toughest, most consistent riders will still be standing when it\u2019s over.<\/p>\n

WHAT FANS CAN EXPECT<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 33rd PBR World Finals isn\u2019t just a competition\u2014it\u2019s a full-scale Western experience. From the opening rounds at Cowtown Coliseum to the championship showdown at Dickies Arena, fans will witness the very best bull riding in the world, paired with a packed schedule of events happening throughout Fort Worth.<\/p>\n

That includes the American Heritage ABBI event showcasing the next generation of elite bucking bulls, live concerts, fan experiences, and exclusive opportunities to get closer to the sport than ever before.<\/p>\n

For ticket information, event schedules, special packages, accommodations, and everything happening around Fort Worth during World Finals week, click HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

HOW TO WATCH<\/strong><\/p>\n

Can\u2019t make it to Fort Worth but don\u2019t want to miss a second of the action? Every ride, every moment, and every championship-deciding out from the 33rd Professional Bull Riders World Finals will be available live on Paramount+.<\/p>\n

From the opening rounds at Cowtown Coliseum to the final ride inside Dickies Arena, you can follow the entire journey as the world\u2019s best battle for the gold buckle and a $1 million bonus.<\/p>\n

For the complete broadcast schedule, start times, and viewing information in your local time zone, click HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

THE RACE FOR THE GOLD BUCKLE<\/strong><\/p>\n

If the opening rounds are about survival, the final days are about separation. This is where the gold buckle is won\u2014or lost.<\/p>\n

Unlike any other event on the Unleash The Beast schedule, the World Finals rewards consistency, dominance, and the ability to rise under relentless pressure. Every qualified ride carries weight, and every buckoff creates opportunity for someone else to capitalize. With multiple rounds split between two venues, riders must navigate not only the toughest bulls in the world, but also the mental grind of performing on the sport\u2019s biggest stage night after night.<\/p>\n

What makes this race so compelling is the scoring structure. Riders aren\u2019t just competing to win rounds\u2014they\u2019re building toward the aggregate, where the most consistent performer across all rounds earns a massive points boost that can ultimately decide the World Championship. It\u2019s entirely possible for a rider to catch fire late, stack points quickly, and make a dramatic push up the standings when it matters most.<\/p>\n

KEY MATCHUPS: ROUND 1 \u2014 COWTOWN COLISEUM<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the 33rd Professional Bull Riders World Finals get underway inside Cowtown Coliseum, Round 1 will immediately test the field with a slate of matchups that could set the tone for the entire event. Early momentum matters\u2014and these opening outs will be critical for riders looking to position themselves in the race for the gold buckle.<\/p>\n

No. 1 John Crimber vs. Wreck It Ralph<\/strong><\/p>\n

This bull has a short track record in the PBR. He\u2019s 2-0 on the UTB tour in the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

No. 2 Brady Fielder vs. Cherry Shot<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a rematch from Outlaw Days last October, where this bull found a way to get Fielder on the ground. This bull has been ridden twice during the 2026 UTB season for scores of 86.30 and 86.95.<\/p>\n

No. 3 Sage Steele Kimzey vs. Short Fire<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sage was 90.5 on this bull back at Rattler Days last September, and Kimzey is the last man to ride this one. Re-ride fouls are a concern with this bull, but the potential for a big score is there.<\/p>\n

No. 4 Leandro Zampollo vs. Jameson<\/strong><\/p>\n

This bull has been ridden for 88.5 and 89.30 points in his last two UTB trips. Short track record for the bull\u2014he only has three UTB outs.<\/p>\n

No. 5 Alex Cerqueira vs. Cougar Uber<\/strong><\/p>\n

Short track record in the PBR for this bull. He\u2019s bucked off Dalton Kasel<\/strong> and Bob Mitchell<\/strong> in his two UTB outs.<\/p>\n

No. 6 Paulo Eduardo Rossetto vs. Nasubi<\/strong><\/p>\n

This bull is 7-0 since being ridden back at Madison Square Garden. He was marked 44.45 in his last outing back in Tallahassee.<\/p>\n

No. 7 Dalton Kasel vs. Turning Point<\/strong><\/p>\n

This bull bucked Dalton Kasel<\/strong> off back in New York City. Since that out, this bull has faced four left-handed riders and surrendered rides of 87.10\u201388.45, being ridden in all four of those outs. This is a great draw for Kasel.<\/p>\n

No. 8 Daylon Swearingen vs. Tacky Jack<\/strong><\/p>\n

This bull has only been ridden by Julio Cesar Marques<\/strong> for 88.85 points back in Sacramento. Since that out, he\u2019s 7-0 on the UTB tour in 2026.<\/p>\n

No. 9 Marco Rizzo vs. Sour Patch<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a rematch from Little Rock, where this bull bucked Rizzo off. This bull likes the left and is 4-1 during the 2026 UTB tour, giving up a 90.55-point score to Dalton Kasel<\/strong> back in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

No. 10 Cort McFadden vs. El Patron<\/strong><\/p>\n

This bull is 8-0 in PBR competition. He\u2019s bucked off some heavy hitters like Sage Steele Kimzey<\/strong> and Hudson Bolton<\/strong>. This bull was marked at least 43 points in his last three UTB outings, and he put up a 44.35-point bull score with Sage back in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Round 1 won\u2019t decide a World Champion\u2014but it can absolutely put one on notice. A strong start inside Cowtown Coliseum can build confidence, create separation in the standings, and apply immediate pressure to the rest of the field heading into the later rounds.<\/p>\n

WORLD FINALS POINTS BREAKDOWN<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Professional Bull Riders World Finals uses the most aggressive and impactful points structure of the entire season, designed to reward both round-by-round excellence and overall consistency across the event.<\/p>\n

GO-ROUND POINTS (PER ROUND)<\/strong><\/p>\n

1st \u2014 50
2nd \u2014 25
3rd \u2014 23
4th \u2014 20
5th \u2014 18
6th \u2014 15
7th \u2014 13
8th \u2014 10
9th \u2014 8
10th \u2014 6
11th \u2014 5
12th \u2014 4
13th \u2014 3
14th \u2014 2
15th \u2014 1<\/p>\n

WORLD FINALS AGGREGATE (BASED ON TOTAL SCORE ACROSS ROUNDS)<\/strong><\/p>\n

1st \u2014 500
2nd \u2014 325
3rd \u2014 225
4th \u2014 140
5th \u2014 120
6th \u2014 100
7th \u2014 80
8th \u2014 60
9th \u2014 25
10th \u2014 13
11th \u2014 5
12th \u2014 5
13th \u2014 5
14th \u2014 2
15th \u2014 2<\/p>\n

BONUS POINTS (PER RIDE SCORE)<\/strong><\/p>\n

70\u201379.99 \u2014 7 points
80\u201389.99 \u2014 8 points
90+ \u2014 9 points<\/p>\n

This is where the World Finals separates itself from every other stop on the schedule. With this much available in both the rounds and the aggregate, the standings can shift dramatically in a single night. Riders who stay consistent across both weeks\u2014and capitalize on high-marked rides\u2014put themselves in position to make a serious run at the gold buckle when it matters most.<\/p>\n

JESS LOCKWOOD’S RETURN TO THE WORLD FINALS<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most compelling storylines coming into this year\u2019s World Finals is the return of No. 21 Jess Lockwood<\/strong>. The youngest World Champion in PBR history when he won the gold buckle in 2017, Lockwood captured his second world title just two years later in 2019 before injuries, addiction and years away from the top of the sport nearly derailed one of bull riding\u2019s brightest careers.<\/p>\n

After battling through devastating physical setbacks, addiction and personal struggles, Lockwood has rebuilt himself mentally and physically, returning to the sport clearheaded, healthy and riding at an elite level once again. Now back inside the World Finals field, the two-time champion is chasing a third gold buckle that would tie him with some of the greatest riders in PBR history and complete one of the sport\u2019s most remarkable comeback stories.<\/p>\n

FINAL THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is my favorite event of the year\u2014and it\u2019s not even close. Because as we saw just one season ago, when Jos\u00e9 Vitor Leme<\/strong> came from nearly the back of the pack to win the gold buckle, this event changes everything. With more than a thousand points up for grabs, it\u2019s not just a championship\u2014it\u2019s an opportunity. And when that much is on the line, it\u2019s literally anybody\u2019s ballgame.<\/p>\n

One of the most compelling storylines coming into this year\u2019s World Finals is the return of No. 21 Jess Lockwood<\/strong>. The youngest World Champion in PBR history when he captured the gold buckle in 2017, Lockwood did it again just two years later in 2019 before injuries and personal battles pulled him away from the top of the sport.<\/p>\n

For the last several years, Lockwood largely disappeared from the championship conversation as he battled through injuries and addiction. But now, he\u2019s healthy, clearheaded, and back riding at an elite level again\u2014and suddenly one of the biggest stars the sport has ever seen finds himself back inside the World Finals field with a chance to chase a third World Championship.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what makes the World Finals so dangerous. One rider can catch momentum, stack points quickly, and completely change the narrative of a season.<\/p>\n

Alex Cerqueira<\/strong> has already shown what consistency looks like, making 10 championship rounds in 18 regular-season events. That\u2019s why he\u2019s in the hunt. Then you look at the obvious contenders\u2014No. 1 John Crimber<\/strong>, No. 2 Brady Fielder<\/strong>, and No. 3 Sage Steele Kimzey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Fielder is the one I\u2019ve got my eye on. He\u2019s the kind of rider who can go 8-for-8, 9-for-9, and make it look effortless. I\u2019ve said it before, and I\u2019ll say it again\u2014he\u2019s the Australian version of Jim Sharp<\/strong>. Technically sound, fundamentally perfect, and so efficient that it barely looks like he\u2019s moving. That\u2019s because he doesn\u2019t have to. He does just enough, steps off, and says, \u201cGive me another one.\u201d<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t overlook the guys coming in from the back. The last man in the field still has a shot at this thing. With this many points and this much money on the table, anything is possible. Those riders fought their way through the Velocity Tour just to earn the right to be here. Nobody was handed anything. That\u2019s why it truly is anybody\u2019s ballgame.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the reality\u2014once you get into that Top 10, Top 15, those guys aren\u2019t going to give much away. They\u2019re too seasoned, too focused, and too close to the finish line. So if you\u2019re chasing from behind, you better capitalize on every single opportunity, because at the World Finals, there are no second chances.<\/p>\n

When it\u2019s all said and done, only one name will be etched in gold and forever have a place on the Robinson Cup.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"WHY FORT WORTH MATTERS There is no more fitting stage for the World Finals than Fort Worth\u2014a city…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":777739,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5138],"tags":[259779,5229,311359,137334,318537,318534,318539,137338,311356,318543,7371,7372,311354,94825,318532,318535,259771,137336,318533,259780,259778,318540,259773,137337,318538,318542,318541,358,118607,3187,67,586,132,5230,259767,68,2969,318536],"class_list":{"0":"post-777738","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fort-worth","8":"tag-alex-cerqueira","9":"tag-america","10":"tag-bob-mitchell","11":"tag-brady-fielder","12":"tag-cherry-shot","13":"tag-cort-mcfadden","14":"tag-cougar-uber","15":"tag-dalton-kasel","16":"tag-daylon-swearingen","17":"tag-el-patron","18":"tag-fort-worth","19":"tag-fortworth","20":"tag-hudson-bolton","21":"tag-jameson","22":"tag-jess-lockwood","23":"tag-jim-sharp","24":"tag-john-crimber","25":"tag-jose-vitor-leme","26":"tag-julio-cesar-marques","27":"tag-leandro-zampollo","28":"tag-marco-rizzo","29":"tag-nasubi","30":"tag-paulo-eduardo-rossetto","31":"tag-sage-steele-kimzey","32":"tag-short-fire","33":"tag-sour-patch","34":"tag-tacky-jack","35":"tag-texas","36":"tag-turning-point","37":"tag-tx","38":"tag-united-states","39":"tag-united-states-of-america","40":"tag-unitedstates","41":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","42":"tag-unleash-the-beast","43":"tag-us","44":"tag-usa","45":"tag-wreck-it-ralph"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/777738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=777738"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/777738\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/777739"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=777738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=777738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=777738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}