BRAZIL – Winning the title of Iron Cowboy requires a heroic effort, and sometimes even the PBR’s elite riders fall short. Last weekend in Brazil, it was a young rookie who was flying high as João Augusto Cezere beat out the field to win Iron Cowboy at Brazil’s famed Americana rodeo.

Cezere (6.88 seconds) beat out Built Ford Tough Series rookie sensation Claudio Montanha Jr. (2.1 seconds) based on buckoff time for his first PBR Brazil victory during Round 4 of the head-to-head, bracket-formatted event.

"It's a mix of feelings,” Cezere told PBR Brazil’s Jorge Cardoso. “I cannot believe that I won my first event in PBR Brazil and even more in Americana, with the title of Iron Cowboy.”

Cezere, who is a massive fan of the comic book superhero Superman, emerged from a crowded field that featured many of the BFTS’ Brazilian superstars, including 2008 World Champion Guilherme Marchi and 2013 Rookie of the Year Joao Ricardo Vieira.

With the iconic Superman “S” symbol emblazed on his riding vest, the 22-year-old rode Different for 86.25 points in Round 2 on his way to the title.

Cezere has worn the symbol since he started riding five years ago, and has adopted “Superman” as a nickname in Brazil.

After his Iron Cowboy win, Cezere currently sits at No. 73 in the PBR world standings.  

Montanha eliminated Vieira, who is currently ninth in the world standings, during the semifinals.

Vieira finished fourth overall in the event for 20 world points after riding Gringo for 85.75 points in Round 1.

Meanwhile, Cezere reveled in his first big event win. It was a dream for Cezere to even compete in PBR Brazil, let alone alongside some of his biggest heroes.

"I've struggled a lot to be here and compete with competitors that I'm a fan of like Guilherme Marchi, Juninho dos Índios and João Ricardo among others,” Cezere said. “It's gratifying. Dream accomplished."

DIVINO CONTINUES TO SURGE

Lucas Divino won the PBR Brazil Iron Cowboy qualifying event earlier in the weekend by going 2-for-2. Divino moved to No. 44 in the world standings and is 80.41 points outside of the Top 35. 

To learn more about PBR Brazil, check out pbrbrazil.com