WATCH: Two-Time PBR World Champion Jose Vitor Leme Delivers Epic Comeback Ride After Injury Break

Fans are already preparing for a plethora of bull riding action at PBR Los Angeles. Even though the 2024 season has plenty of time to go until its finals, the sport is always unpredictable. After sitting out most of the PBR season with a groin injury, two-time PBR world champion Jose Vitor Leme made a comeback at the Salt Lake City event. Even if the cowboy couldn’t pull off any significant stint, in Utah, things were different in Los Angeles.

The Brazilian who has won the championship title twice demonstrated his skill on Mud Rain. Jose Vitor Leme had a lot of riding on this stint, which occurred in the first round of the Los Angeles event.

A thrilling ride from the PBR world champion

Jose Vitor Leme was well aware of the stakes going into the Los Angeles event. After Rafael Jose de Brito won the 2023 UTB title for the first time, the cowboy narrowly lost out on a third title by a few points. The Brazilian cowboy’s heart broke, but he returned to the 2024 UTB season more prepared more than ever. Unfortunately, he had to abruptly put his season to a halt after a groin injury he suffered in Round 1 of the St. Louis event. But this time in Los Angeles, the cowboy had just one goal: to win.

As the first round of the PBR Los Angeles event got underway, the sold-out audience was welcomed by Jose Vitor Leme’s ride aboard Mud Rain. The commentator called out Leme’s name as the metal chutes were removed, and the audience went completely berserk. Even when the announcer shouted, “Come on!” Leme remained fixated on the magnificent beast. The seconds ticked past, and despite Mud Rain’s best efforts, the two-time world champion remained unbeatable. Leme rode the bull to an incredible 88.50 points and then walked to the stadium seats to celebrate with the audience by taking his signature victory stance. With his big win, he topped the Round 1 leaderboard and is now being chased by Cassio Dias, the current world number one.

So close yet so far for Cassio Dias

The PBR event standings don’t move much, sometimes just by a few points. After an intriguing 88.50 ride, Jose Vitor Leme emerged as the event’s top contender. But this time it was Cassio Dias on the bull, Hell Storm, to take the crowd in a frenzy by his performance. With a yell of “Los Angeles, here we go!” the commentator brought the metal chutes open.

ALSO READ – “Go Win It”: Fans Cheer as Jose Vitor Leme Returns to 2024 PBR UTB Season After Saddening Injury

For as long as the cowboy stayed on Hell Storm, the audience went absolutely crazy. After the eight-second buzzer, Cassio Dias proved once and for all who the best cowboy of the season is. In order to commemorate his ride, the cowboy walked to the center of the arena and danced. But Dias finished with 87.25 points, while Leme came out on top with 88.50. At the end of Round 1 of the Los Angeles event, Dias had finished just behind Leme, and the crowd now have to wait for Round 2 to commence.

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