ALBANY, N.Y. – As the PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) elite Unleash The Beast returned to Albany, New York, Thursday night for the first time in more than 14 years, 18 riders delivered scores in the opening round of the PBR Albany Invitational, and none was more dominant than Rafael Jose de Brito (Potirendaba, Brazil). Reaching the requisite 8 for a commanding 88.25 points, Brito won the opening round of the event and solidified his rank inside the Top 5 in the race for the 2023 PBR World Championship.

As one of the final riders to leave the chutes inside MVP Arena, Brito was tasked with J&M’s Yukon (Hookin’ W Ranch). Matching the powerful animal athlete jump-for-jump, Brito reached the whistle for 88.25 points to claim the Round 1 win.

The golden effort garnered Brito a crucial 28 Unleash The Beast points. While he remained No. 4 in the standings, he climbed within 82.5 points of the top position.

Current No. 1 and 2016 PBR World Champion Cooper Davis (Jasper, Texas) added to his lead courtesy of an eleventh-place finish in Round 1 of the PBR Albany Invitational.

Davis bested Cousin Eddy (Shuler Bucking Bulls) for 86.25 points to net 9 points in his quest for his second gold buckle. After beginning the event 21.5 points ahead of Daniel Keeping (Montague, Texas), Davis will begin Championship Friday with a 30.5-point lead.

Keeping was unable to gain on Davis after being bucked off by Pneu Dart’s Black Label (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls).

Fresh off his career-first Unleash The Beast event win at the most recent tour stop in Manchester, New Hampshire, Andrew Alvidrez (Seminole, Texas) logged his fourth consecutive ride to finish second in Round 1.

The charismatic Texan earned the podium finish after making a business decision. While he made the 8 aboard Red Scorpion (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), Alvidrez accepted a re-ride after being marked just 71 points.

The golden effort garnered Brito a crucial 28 Unleash The Beast points. While he remained No. 4 in the standings, he climbed within 82.5 points of the top position.

Current No. 1 and 2016 PBR World Champion Cooper Davis (Jasper, Texas) added to his lead courtesy of an eleventh-place finish in Round 1 of the PBR Albany Invitational.

Davis bested Cousin Eddy (Shuler Bucking Bulls) for 86.25 points to net 9 points in his quest for his second gold buckle. After beginning the event 21.5 points ahead of Daniel Keeping (Montague, Texas), Davis will begin Championship Friday with a 30.5-point lead.

Keeping was unable to gain on Davis after being bucked off by Pneu Dart’s Black Label (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls).

Fresh off his career-first Unleash The Beast event win at the most recent tour stop in Manchester, New Hampshire, Andrew Alvidrez (Seminole, Texas) logged his fourth consecutive ride to finish second in Round 1.

The charismatic Texan earned the podium finish after making a business decision. While he made the 8 aboard Red Scorpion (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), Alvidrez accepted a re-ride after being marked just 71 points.