Watch: Bull Riding Champion Ignites the Arena as Lone Star Takes Center Stage

The PBR-introduced Team Series was back for its second season this year, accumulating the best in the field from across the world. The three-month-long season provided not only compelling contests but also a ground for the best of the names in bull riding to stand out. From Joao Ricard Vieira, and Cassio Dias to Felipe Furlan, the riders knew how to captivate fan’s hearts. But the names check just a few on the list.

On the 22nd of October, the series witnessed the finale between 8 of its teams. Over the course of 3 days, bull riders contested for the final chance to claim the Championship title. While the results saw an interesting turn for the Texas Rattlers, the riders behind the stir found the spotlight. While Vieira found his way to the MVP title, The 32-year-old Statesville native took the ground during Round 2 to earn a solid lead.

Bull riding champ dominates the arena

On the 21st of October, Texas Rattlers went head-on against the No. 4 Oklahoma Freedom to tread their way further into the Championship weekend. The battle between the two was intense enough to have the audience on the edge of their seats. For the first round, Vieira gave the team an early lead. However, the Freedoms were quick to counter it by taking the lead. That is when one of the Rattlers’ best, Eli Vastbinder took the stage.

Following the compelling first round of the two teams, the second and third weren’t to yield eventful results as 4 consecutive rides washed out with buck-offs. With that, Eli stepped on the ground to take home the win. The 32-year-old rider went against Lone Star for round 4. Atop the animal athlete, Eli put up 86.25 gaining a comfortable lead over the opposing team and eventually proceeding to the next fight on day 3 with 170.75-87. Eli’s stellar performance forced the question of the ‘rightful decision to trade’ over the opposing team.

Oklahoma’s questioning trade

A few days ahead of the Championship finale in Las Vegas, the Texas Rattlers and Oklahoma initiated a trade of riders between the teams. Following the Thunder Days, the Rattlers brought over the Freedom’s captain, Eli Vastbinder in exchange for youngster Dawson Gleaves and a 2024 second-round pick and future considerations. The trade was an interesting one considering the role Eli has held in the bull riding industry. The rider was chosen with the first pick in the inaugural draft in 2022 besides being featured on PBR’s Amazon Prime docuseries; “The Ride.”

Also Read: “Good Work Mate”: Cheers Erupt as Rodeo Champ Defies Odds, Clinching Top 3 Spot

“He will forever hold an important part in getting Oklahoma Freedom started. As team Captain, he was so valuable in making Oklahoma Freedom what they are today, and building what we stand for. He played a great part, but we’re turning the page,” said Cord McCoy, Head Coach of Oklahoma Freedom; according to si.com.

Prior to his performance at the Team Series finale, Eli was also present at the Challenger Series finals over the past. The rider bested everyone on the field to take home the event title for the night. Eli rode atop It’s Cherry for 83 and atop Trump Train for the night’s only 90-point ride; excelling at his skill with every presence.

Watch this story: 39-Year-Old Bull-Riding Champ Creates Rodeo History Notching 100 Qualified Rides