PUEBLO, Colo. – Sure, Austin Gamblers’ ace Jose Vitor Leme has continued to re-write the history books. Ever dominant over the past five years, he’s been able to rack up tons of high scores, records and accolades in creating a reputation as one of the best bull riders to ever do it.

Among those achievements: Dozens of event titles, a pair of World Championships and now thanks to PBR’s riveting 5-on-5 summer competition, two consecutive PBR Teams MVPs (as the rider with the highest aggregate score throughout the 2022 and 2023 PBR Camping World Team Series regular season campaigns).

While the talented Brazilian has likely already turned the page on the 2023 postseason as a whole, preparing to get the 2024 Unleash The Beast season started in just over two weeks after seeing his Gamblers exit the 2023 PBR Camping World Teams Championship as runners-up, it’s quite probable that he’ll still be thinking about the league’s top honors.

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Being crowned a PBR Teams Champion. And specifically, as a fierce individual competitor, the 2023 PBR Teams Championship MVP.

Both of which titles now belong to a fellow veteran. One who’s carved out quite the legacy of his own in more than a decade of competition.

Adding to his longtime World Finals qualification count and storied presence within premier series competition, Joao Ricardo Vieira is sitting on top of the world after being named the first-ever PBR Teams Championship MVP immediately following his Championship buckle-winning efforts with the Texas Rattlers.

Wasting no time in putting his top-tier talents on display, Vieira began his team’s lengthy run Friday night with a conversion. Facing off with the No. 8 Missouri Thunder, he stormed into the postseason with a rank 89.5-point trip aboard Mr. Excavator.

Seeing Brady Oleson record an 84.5-point effort later in the game, the duo teamed up to defeat the Tunder 174-84.5. Had Vieira not gone the distance, there’s a chance that the Rattlers could’ve found themselves in the first Last Chance Game of the weekend. But instead, they marched on to Saturday’s slate, with a matchup against the No. 4 Oklahoma Freedom looming.

Again, proving how important he is to the No. 3-ranked Rattlers, Vieira climbed aboard his bovine opponent as the first to ride. Besting Kodiac as he matched the bull's every move, JRV was scored a quality 84.5 points, now 2-for-2. Watching on as a different teammate sealed the deal, it was Eli Vastbinder who got some revenge against his former squad. Posting a nice 86.25 points, it was more than enough to get the job done but wouldn’t have been enough to win the game alone, as Texas posted a 170.75-87 win over the Freedom.

Had Vieira not continued his postseason ride streak, the Rattlers would’ve found themselves in Saturday’s Last Chance Game (and potentially even heading home), but instead, the experienced cowboy continued to put the team on his back.

With his team’s spot on Championship Sunday clinched, the nerves continued to build.

As did the stakes.

But after exiting last season’s inaugural tournament in fourth place, Vieira and crew didn’t have their eyes on Championship Sunday. They were eyeing the largest gold buckle in the world.

Eventually defeating the No. 5 Arizona Ridge Riders with ease, 175.25-0, the oldest rider competing in the contest whipped up another delightful treat.

Logging an 88.5-point strike atop Red Scorpion, Vieira stayed red-hot. Advancing to the organization’s first Championship Game in league history while sending Arizona to the Third Place Game, the Rattlers had all of the momentum in the world behind them.

And only one more team to defy.

That team, however, posted a league-record 19-9 slate during the regular season, and features a pair of pocket aces and several talented veterans. All of whom were on display in the seven-ride finale.

Firing up his team yet again in the first out of the night, Vieira completed his flawless 4-for-4 run, this time exiting a matchup against Outlaw with a sincere 88.75 points.

While the final game of the 2023 PBR Camping World Teams Championship featured a back-and-forth shootout, not even Jose Vitor Leme could will his team to victory, as Texas went 4-for-5.

One of the most serious and dedicated riders in his element, JRV is. But when the checks were broken out and champagne sprayed, the experienced veteran opened up, just a bit.

“It’s such a fantastic time and I deserve this time,” Vieira shared.

“I’ve waited for this for 11 years and it’s come true for me and my team, these young guys. I’m so happy to be with this team.”

At 39, Vieira has served as the team’s veteran presence for two seasons now. Before acquiring 32-year-old Eli Vastbinder midway through the 2023 campaign, the next oldest rider on the squad was Alvaro Ariel (29), who logged just seven outs as one of the team’s Reserve Roster members.

“I don’t believe this. It’s fantastic,” he added.

“I’m MVP with the youngest guys. It’s such a blessed week for me.”

Other than 27-year-old Brady Oleson, the rest of the team is 25 or younger, so it’s very much been JRV leading the way both on the dirt and in the locker room.

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Thankfully for Vieira, he’s had a rather talented rider turned coach around to bounce ideas off and continue to absorb knowledge from in Cody Lambert.

“I do it for him and I’ve tried to push him for it (advice, inspiration),” Vieira shared.

“We need to work every day if we want to do better, you know? I learn a lot the longer I’m around, every day that I stay with him. He’s such a fantastic guy and he’s teaching me a lot.”

Originally drafted by the Carolina Cowboys during the inaugural 2022 PBR Teams Draft, he was eventually sent to the Rattlers during a Draft-day trade. Dividends quickly paid off for Lambert and company, going 10-for-20 in year one en route to helping the Rattlers secure a Top 4 finish during the first postseason tournament.

Taking his riding to the next level during the 2023 iteration, Vieira racked up a team-best 16-for-28 record, including his impressive 4-for-4 slate within postseason play.

Just as teammate Daniel Keeping admitted, who clinched Texas the win courtesy of a rank 90.5-point conversion aboard Red River, the hardware is welcomed. But it’s the time spent, and memories made with those closest to him which stole the show.

RELATED: Texas Rattlers' Daniel Keeping concludes championship gauntlet with determination, family

“My family has supported me for many years now. It’s so fantastic to have my daughter and my wife here,” he concluded.

“I’m so thankful for my family, that’s the best part for me.”

Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media