TACOMA, Wash. – In a premier series campaign littered with rookie success, it could be easy looking past budding Nashville Stampede superstar Kaiden Loud as the likes of No. 1 Cassio Dias, No. 2 John Crimber and the tour’s endless list of standout first-year riders continue to put on a top-tier show ahead of the 2024 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast.

But after resurfacing to the ride column Sunday evening with his first Top 5 effort since the tour invaded Los Angeles, California, two months back, the talented 19-year-old managed a fifth-place effort courtesy of his hot start inside Tacoma Dome.

Able to build some momentum early in the contest, he exited his Round 1 showdown against Nitty Gritty scored a quality 85 points as the rowdy audience could practically see the monkey leap off the youngster’s back

With one of the taller, leaner frames amongst the rookie riders …

… when Loud rides, he looks good doing so, often compared to No. 4 Dalton Kasel when he’s showing his flashes of greatness.

And while the 85-point isn’t anything to write home about, it serves as the start of a late-season surge for the cowboy.

“It feels really good. I’ve been kind of on a cold streak, so it feels really good to get two down,” Loud shared Sunday.

Bringing a nagging 13-out buckoff streak into the second of two showdowns hosted within the Pacific Northwest, Loud was just 2-for-19 since recording his fourth-place finish inside Crypto.com Arena.

Knowing he’s got the skills to get the job done, ever-apparent dating back to his summer series breakout during last season’s epic 5-on-5 action, he tapped some of his yellow-and-blue resources.

Specifically, a two-time World Champion by the name of Justin McBride.

Never a bad guy to have in your corner. Especially with the camaraderie-driven series set to resume here in less than three months’ time.

And while McBride’s time to cross the T’s and dot the I’s will come in due time, there’s plenty of wisdom to go around until then.

“He’s been giving me some tips. He wants me to start working on my feet a little more,” Loud shared.

“We’ve been talking throughout the season and anytime he has something to say, we’re all ears, for sure.”

Putting some of those pointers into play during Sunday’s second round, Loud teamed up with Brown Bomber for a sincere 86.25-point strike as he doubled down in Tacoma.

Proving that he’s not just “hearing” what his legendary mentor has to say, but rather “listening”, envisioning and then bringing it all to life, Loud was locked in.

And while he may have bucked off his short round opponent to spoil the fairytale ending, it’s still a bit of a win for a rider looking to better position himself for the season-ending gauntlet next month.

“That’s kind of what I’ve been trying to accomplish, to get into that Top 15,” he said.

“Really, I just want to have my spot at AT&T Stadium clinched, but I’m looking forward to riding some bulls inside Cowtown, too. Yes, sir.”

Taking home a welcomed 41.5 UTB points despite coming up one spot short of a podium effort, he successfully defended his No. 20 ranking, the same spot he occupied entering the event.

Which is both a testament to the many skilled riders giving it their all as the season winds to a close and just how few points separate competitors ranked No. 11 (Kaique Pacheco: 389.33 UTB points) and No. 20 (Kaiden Loud: 320 UTB points).

Picking up his fourth Top 10 finish of his rookie campaign (second, fourth, fifth, eighth) on his way to advancing to a sound 14-for-52 on the year, he really could’ve used one more ride Sunday.

Knowing he needs to ride a few more bulls next weekend in Louisville after coming up one conversion short Sunday (which, with a win, would’ve lifted him right into said company), he’s not going to overthink anything during the regular season finale.

Just sit back and let his body do the work. Quite the treat for a 19-year-old who, for the most part, has avoided the injury bug in 2024.

Noting a slight agitation in his wrist, he’s going to give it all he has April 26-27 when the circuit travels to KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. That’s for sure.

“I have to rebound here next weekend and make sure I make the most of this final opportunity.

“It helps to be young, and I’m not trying to jinx anyone, but I haven’t had too many injuries yet. Some of the older guys have had some bumps and bruises, but I’m thankful to stay healthy. I just want to stick to the basics and let the rest sort itself out.”

Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media