DENVER, Colo. – As night one of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour’s (PWVT) three-night Denver PBR Chute Out at the National Western Stock Show came to a close on Monday, 2024 event winner Cort McFadden (Novice, Texas) was again on fire in Colorado, taking the lead in Round 1.

The 20-year-old, who rode for the Oklahoma Wildcatters during the PBR Team Series, had fans inside of the Denver Coliseum roaring as the action concluded on Monday night. As the last man to ride McFadden fired out of the chutes paired with Down to Fly. Matching his bovine opponent’s determination, his effort netted the young Pennsylvanian the highest ride score of the night at 87 points.  

The three-night event in Denver showcases a unique format for PBR fans. The draw features 90 riders competing in Round 1, which will involve riders split into two groups across the first two nights of competition. 
On Monday night, 45 riders each attempted one bull. Round 1 will then conclude on Tuesday with the remaining 45 riders who did not compete Monday attempting one bull each.

For Round 2 on Wednesday, the Top 30 riders from Round 1 will return to each face one bull. The 15 bull riders with the top combined ride scores following the first two rounds will then advance to the final championship round on Wednesday night.

Eleven riders thus far have advanced to Round 2.

Not far behind McFadden in the chase to dominate Round 1 was Pennsylvania cowboy Grayson Cole (New Ringgold, Pennsylvania), now sitting in the second-place spot as the round advances. 

Cole was matched with Midnight Tiger and as the clock hit 8 seconds, he collected an impressive 85-point score to lead the round until McFadden rode. 

California’s Aaron Williams (Pismo Beach, California) and Brazil’s Guilherme Valleiras (Pirassununga, Brazil) tied for third place with matching 84.5-point rides. 

First up in the dynamic duo was Williams aboard Preston’s Pistol. With his notorious wild blonde hair flying as he sailed through the air, the 28-year-old bested the athletic bovine. 

Valleiras then followed suit aboard Danger Central. 

Rounding out the Top 5 of the night was veteran cowboy Scotty Williams (Salem, South Carolina). The 40-year-old confidently conquered Hi Times Butter Bean (H–H Bucking Bulls / Hadley Cattle Co.) to receive an 84-point ride score. 

Just two days after winning the PBR Unleash the Beast event in Chicago in front of a sold-out crowd, Australian Brady Fielder (Clermont, Queensland, Australia) tied for sixth place with Miguel de Jesus (Campo Alegre de Goias, Brazil). 

Having catapulted from No. 19 in the world standings to No. 3 in Chicago on Saturday night, Fielder was on the hunt for points as he bested Lil’ Bit in Denver. 

Jesus then followed suit aboard Semi Sober. 

The Denver PBR Chute Out will continue at the National Western Stock Show as another field of 45 riders compete in the continuation of Round 1 on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. MST.

Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media