The Nashville Stampede etched their name into Professional Bull Riders history Sunday night in Las Vegas, defeating the upstart Arizona Ridge Riders to capture the PBR Teams Championship. The victory marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as they become the first team in PBR history to win the championship buckle twice. The result underscores the unpredictable nature of the season-ending event, which has increasingly become a graveyard for top seeds and pre-tournament favorites.
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The second-seeded Austin Gamblers advanced to the four-team championship round but ultimately fell short of the title. However, the weekend was defined by the continued dominance of star rider Jose Vitor Leme. Leme delivered a 90.25-point ride aboard Walk Off during Saturday’s win over the Texas Rattlers, adding another elite performance to his already historic resume. His consistency has been a primary driver for the Gamblers’ success throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.
Leme’s latest feat cements his status as the premier bull rider in the sport. He surpassed Chris Shivers’ long-standing PBR record for career 90-plus point rides in late October, reaching the 95th milestone. Speaking on the CW broadcast, Leme emphasized his drive to push boundaries, stating, “This is what I am here to do: make history.” As the Gamblers sign him to a four-year extension, the team remains a powerhouse, even as the Stampede celebrate their unprecedented double victory in Las Vegas.
Source: Yahoo Sports
