Bull riders head to Las Vegas for PBR Teams Series finals

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Professional Bull Riders Teams Series is set to be back at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas, bringing the world’s top bull riders to face off against powerful bucking bulls.

“The PBR Teams Series takes individual bull riding and turns it into a team aspect,” LJ Jenkins, a PBR stock contractor and retired rider, said. “You got five bull riders on each team. You got 10 teams battling it out for a world championship.”

In this championship, professional bull riders work together to master the beasts. LJ Jenkins is well aware of all the thrill, excitement, and even the dangers of the rodeo sport.

“It’s an adrenaline rush whenever you get on one. You can only imagine; you’re getting on an 1800 lb. bull that’s going to be trying to throw you off,” Jenkins said. “You got nerves because you want to do good. You got nerves because you don’t know what’s gonna happen.”

In the competition, both the rider and the bull are evaluated by a panel of judges who score each ride based on the challenge the bull presents. The more difficult the ride, the higher the points awarded. Riders receive no points if they touch the bull or themselves with their free hand. Additionally, if they fall off or let go before completing eight seconds, they also receive no points.

Over 100 bulls are carefully chosen from around the country for the competition, ensuring that the riders have the best opportunity to score maximum points. These bucking bulls are trained and treated like elite athletes

“With this being the World Championships, you’re going to want the best bulls in the world,” Jenkins said. “These bulls have traveled from the farthest east you can go to California, and without great bucking bulls you can’t have great bull rides.”

The bull riding event begins with the PBR Challenger Series on Oct. 17 at the South Point Arena, followed by the Team-Series Championship Ride-In Round. During the Ride-in-Round, the four lowest-ranked teams in the standings will compete. The top two teams will then advance to set the eight-team Championship taking place at T-Mobile Arena from Oct. 18 to 20.

For more information, visit the PBR Challenger Series .

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