The three-time World Champion will make his 2020 PBR debut at the Las Vegas Invitational this weekend.
By Darci Miller
PUEBLO, Colo. – For all the excitement the 2020 PBR season has delivered thus far, one thing has been missing: three-time World Champion SweetPro’s Bruiser.
Bruiser has yet to make his 2020 season debut, but that all changes this weekend at the Las Vegas Invitational, presented by Union Home Mortgage, at Lazy E Arena in Oklahoma, when he will buck in the championship round.
Fans can watch all the action on CBS Sports Network and RidePass on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET, and Sunday LIVE at noon ET.
Bruiser is coming off a 2019 season in which he finished the year ranked No. 5 in the world, and while he’s yet to be seen in the PBR in 2020, he hasn’t been idle. He debuted this season with a 47-point bull score at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo for bucking off Stetson Wright in 6.61 seconds, and followed that up with a 46-point score for a 5.87-second buckoff against Ruger Piva. One month later, Bruiser bucked off Boudreaux Campbell in 2.75 seconds for a 45-point score at The American.
The true test will come this weekend in Oklahoma: can Bruiser regain his championship form and win a record-setting fourth world title?
Tune in this weekend to find out, and read on to relive the Top 5 outs of Bruiser’s career.
1. 47.5 points against Ryan Dirteater (6.67 seconds), 2018 Ak Chin Invitational 15/15 Bucking Battle
In 2018, Bruiser was on his way to a PBR record-tying third consecutive World Champion Bull title when he headed to Glendale, Arizona, for the Ak Chin Invitational. In the 15/15 Bucking Battle, he earned the highest bull score of his career when he bested Ryan Dirteater in 6.67 seconds for 47.5 points. In an incredible show of bull power, Bruiser bested Pearl Harbor for the highest score by just a quarter of a point.
T2. 47.25 points against Brennon Eldred (4.71 seconds), 2018 Ty Murray Invitational
Just a week before Glendale, Bruiser bucked at the Ty Murray Invitational in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and tied what was then his career-high bull score. In the championship round, Bruiser spoiled Brennon Eldred’s bid for the event win, bucking him off in 4.71 seconds for a 47.25-point bull score and YETI “Built for the Wild” Bull of the Event honors.
In 2017, both Bruiser and Jess Lockwood would be crowned World Champions. But two months prior, the two champs faced off in the 15/15 Bucking Battle in Springfield, Missouri. Bruiser triumphed with thunder, delivering a brutal shot to Lockwood en route to a 6.06-second buckoff and 47.25-point bull score.
4. 47 points against Emilio Resende (1.91 seconds), 2017 PBR World Finals
In 2017, Bruiser won his second consecutive World Championship, capping an incredible season with a week of domination at the 2017 PBR World Finals. He earned the top bull score of the event when he dispatched Emilio Resende in 1.91 seconds for 47 points, taking the Bull of the Finals title in addition to the World Championship.
T5. 46.75 points against Stormy Wing (95.25 points), 2017 Ty Murray Invitational
In Albuquerque in 2017, Stormy Wing turned in the highest ride ever recorded on Bruiser, making the 8-second whistle for a huge 95.25 points and taking home the event win for his troubles. Bruiser earned a 46.75-point bull score, tying with Pearl Harbor for Bull of the Event honors.
Harkening back to Bruiser’s first World Championship season, the bovine bucked in Nampa, Idaho, a month before the PBR World Finals. In the championship round, Bruiser bucked off Mason Lowe in 2.56 seconds to earn 46.75 points and the Bull of the Event title.
