LAS VEGAS – The conclusion of the PBR World Finals was not only the end of the 2018 season, but it was also the end of the career for one of the PBR’s most beloved cowboys.
2008 World Champion Guilherme Marchi hung up his bull rope on Sunday at the end of his record-tying 15th World Finals appearance.
During Round 5 in T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, PBR CEO Sean Gleason presented Marchi with a plaque commemorating his career and paid tribute to the veteran, who was brought to tears by the outpouring of support from the fans.
“More than all of his accomplishments in the arena, he has been a friend, a mentor,” Gleason said. “I couldn’t think of a better ambassador for the sport of bull riding and the Professional Bull Riders brand than Guilherme Marchi.
“He may be retiring from the arena, but you’re going to see him a lot more, because I’m not going to let him get too far away.”
Composing himself, Marchi took the mic to a raucous ovation from the crowd and left the fans with a few parting words of wisdom.
“I just tell you, if you have a dream, just believe in yourself,” Marchi said. “Never lose your faith. Make your dream come true, like my dream, my American dream, came true.”
Marchi is the PBR’s all-time qualified rides leader on the premier series with 635 and is tied with Mike Lee for most World Finals appearances with 15.
In 2008, Marchi completed one of the best seasons in PBR history. He rode 72.55 percent of his bulls (74-for-102), winning five events and posting 13 90-point rides en route to the world title. His title came after three consecutive runner-up finishes, which he would do once again in 2012.
He has earned more than $5.3 million in his career, which is the third most all-time.
Marchi announced his retirement at the Express Employment Professionals Classic, presented by Osage Casino & Hotel, in Tulsa in August. He has been at peace with his decision since the announcement, focusing on enjoying his final few months in the PBR.
At his last World Finals, Marchi finished 17th overall, going 3-for-6, and finished the season ranked No. 23 in the world standings. He was one of just five riders to begin the World Finals a perfect 3-for-3.
Following the World Finals, he plans to return to Brazil for the PBR Brazil Finals to say goodbye to his fans in his home country.
Marchi concluded his remarks in Las Vegas with words of gratitude.
“Thank you all, all my fans,” he said. “You guys are part of my family. I’m going to miss you guys. Every day I build my life, I build it on the back of bulls. Thank you to all the stock contractors, all the bull riders, all the bullfighters, the staff, the sports med team, the TV, all the sponsors. If you guys are not here, we’re not here. I love you guys. Thank God for everything He did in my career.
“And I tell the young guys, keep riding strong. Keep your head strong. And keep doing what you need to do. Never lose your faith, believe in yourself, because you can make your dream come true. Nobody else.”