DENVER – Jordan Hupp was calm and collected for most of Saturday afternoon during the final two rounds of the Touring Pro Division event at the National Western Complex.

Despite never seeing or hearing of his championship-round bull, Venom, he simply shrugged and went on to ride the bovine for 85 points to win the bull riding title at the Denver Rodeo All-Star.

“In the shootout round, I did get a good seat on him, and he did feel pretty good, and it was easy as it could be, I suppose,” Hupp said. “I would like to get on that bull just about anytime I have the opportunity to. He seemed to fit me to a T. He’s a good one.”

More importantly, the championship-round ride capped off a 3-for-3 performance and guarantees Hupp a spot in next weekend’s draw for the Built Ford Tough Series event in Des Moines, Iowa.

He began the weekend ranked 34^th in the world standings and has been jumping between BFTS and TPD events for most of the season. The 29-year-old has competed in 10 BFTS events and is coming off a 2-for-4 performance in Billings.

“This is exactly what I needed,” Hupp said. “I have been on and off the tour this year and even the last few events of the tour, I feel like I have been riding good, but it wasn’t all coming together. To take an off-week and kick butt and really ride some good bulls is excellent.”

Plus, Hupp can now enjoy his week just a tad bit more than normal knowing he will be headed to Des Moines.

“Man, it was sketchy if I was going to get in or not – just, who knows?” Hupp said. “It feels good because honestly it is a part of the sport and guys get cut so you try not to take it too personal, but it’s a really bad feeling when you don’t get that call for the weekend. It is a big letdown.

“To know I get to go, I am ready for it.” 

Hupp began his Saturday by riding Shrimp for 82 points, before picking up an additional 82 points on Big Papa Pump to advance to the shootout final against Ben Jones. The Australian had ridden Rattle Snake for 72 points to advance to the championship round, but was then bucked off by White Lie.

“This sport is humbling enough I know not to get too high with it,” Hupp said. “I am just happy with it and will roll on and try to do it again next week.”

Follow Justin Felisko on Twitter @jfelisko