Bull Riding: Dalton Kasel Inches One Step Closer to the World Title

The PBR circuit’s premier league, Unleash the Beast, reached Indianapolis, Indiana for a two-day showcase, 14 weeks into the season. Carrying 30 of the bull riding industry’s finest, the stop arrived for a battle of numbers as the race to the world title grows intense with every impressive ride. Amidst the fierce grapple, the Indianapolis stop proved especially favorable for Dalton Kasel after much fight.

Dalton Kasel sent waves across the bull riding realm as he arrived as an excellent rookie for the 2019 season; further winning the title. However, come the 2024 UTB, the 25-year-old had slipped from securing an event win despite the massive ride points. That was until he made his way to Indianapolis.

Dalton Kasel chases ambitious title

The Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday welcomed the fierce lot for a round 1 showcase. 30-year-old Alan de Souza bested the crowd to soar to the top with a whopping 87.25 ride. As Clay Guiton finished next for 86.75, Dalton Kasel completed the top three, with 86.25 aboard Dream Walkin. The set pace led the bull riding force to blaze through the next rounds on day 2 to ultimately claim his first event win for the 2024 season.

Dalton, in round 2, matched strides with Unhinged to clinch another 86.25-point ride and claim a comfortable lead. But it was on I’m Legit Too in the final round when Dalton needed at least 87 points for a win that he stunned the bull riding enthusiasts crowding the arena. In his first ride atop the said bull in six years, Dalton recorded 88.25 points for a walk-off victory and a rise in the standing. It was also the moment the youngster presented that his excellence was still in the run.

A needed comeback for the bull riding fame

Dalton Kasel last earned his UTB win in Las Vegas on 27th Feb 2023. Since then, the 25-year-old has posted impressive numbers, inclusive of 90-point rides only to miss out by an inch. Thus, with the nearing end of Unleash the Beast’s regular season, a propel in the points was what Dalton needed to hold down his fort. With 131.5 points earned on Sunday for his excellence, the champion ensured he remained prominent.

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“I’ve never seen Dalton so ready to get to the next bull and be so dedicated,” said Cooper Davis on the CBS Sports Network broadcast.  “He’s the guy to watch going forward. He’s a force to be reckoned with.” Following his second-place finish in Jacksonville, and the Indianapolis victory, the bull riding star now stands 4th on the standing with 517.50. Cassio Dias, John Crimber, and Austin Richardson lead the table before him.