FORT WORTH, Texas – Coming into the eighth iteration of the Monster Energy Team Challenge, presented by Camping World, fans around the world watched both the Arizona Ridge Riders and Missouri Thunder improve to 2-0 within their respective 6 vs. 6 series the past two weekends, doubling down on their inaugural wins by claiming the best-of-three series.

However, when Saturday’s showdown between a pair of East Coast contingents in the Florida Freedom and New York Mavericks concluded, bull riding supporters around the world understood the Battle for the Belt would rage on, as the Florida Freedom evened the series at one win per side after setting a new record within the 12-out spectacle.

Becoming the first team to produce a 5-for-6 performance, with both the Texas Rattlers and Missouri Thunder previously holding the record with matching 4-for-6 stints, the red, white and blue contingent made their home-state fans happy by showing up in a BIG way.

“I think the people sitting in the stands are responsible for a majority of them (rides),” Freedom Head Coach Paulo Crimber shared with Kate Harrison on the CBS Television Network broadcast.

“It’s a blessing to have a home base with a fanbase like that and we couldn’t do this without you guys. I think this is giving us the feeling, the vibe that we need. We have a whole team here now this weekend and it couldn’t be any better.” 

At the end of the night, a glance at the scoresheet wouldn’t have suggested this contest was too close.

But following the first six outs of the showdown, it was clear there would be some sincere conversions throughout the match. 

Alex Cerqueira (84 points) joined Yan Victor Cunha (75.75 points) in establishing some momentum for the home team, which only paved the way for Thiago Salgado (86 points) to rip off a productive effort of his own.

You could tell the guys were happy to have their 2024 PBR Teams MVP John Crimber back atop the chutes. But, as he mentioned, Head Coach Crimber was happy to have Cunha and Joao Lucas Campos back in the locker room just the same, as they officially had a full roster ready to ride.

“I think just the camaraderie of being together in the locker room with everybody tonight it feels good. It was better than New York because we had to get two players to cover for Yan and Campos,” Crimber said.

“Now they’re back and it feels like the vibe we were in during the season when we were just doing good.” 

Campos didn’t make the 8 – and Cunha’s unideal score wasn’t insane by any means. But sometimes having the whole family at the dinner table just makes the meal more enjoyable.

Crimber, who accepted a re-ride go after being scored 76.5 during his initial dance, would end up participating within the final ride of the night. But before his second chance dance rolled around, Elizmar Jeremias stole the show, serving up the game’s first 90-pointer via a rank effort atop Hoobastank. 

Serving as the Brazilian’s second-consecutive rank mark, he teamed up with the very bull he bested for a similar 90.75 points the weekend prior during Indianapolis’ short round. 

Which only set the table for the sport’s biggest star to put the finishing touches on Saturday’s slate.

Ranking within the Top 5 all season long, he’s been the dessert for many instances this season and continued to lead into the hero role despite not needing to pop off.

Scored a healthy 88 points aboard Feeds Red River, the phenom recorded his first ride since returning from injury. And you bet your ass it fired him up for the rest of the weekend! 

“It’s huge – it was a tough couple months. I wasn’t doing good then got hurt and came back not the way I wanted to. But I give all of the glory to God because he’s the one who put me in this situation. And I just have to thank him for allowing me to be healthy each and every weekend,” John Crimber shared on the CBS Television broadcast.

“Sometimes I don’t do good but I still leave it all in his hands because he’s got the plan for me. I’m just thankful for everyone – each and every one of y’all for coming out and supporting us – and hopefully see y’all tomorrow.” 

Mauricio Moreira (87.5 points) and Leandro Zampollo (82.25 points) represented the Mavericks’ two riders to find the 8 Saturday night as the squad combined for just a 2-for-6 slate. And while the scoreboard flashed a 424-169.75 final, the competition was much closer, as both Mason Taylor (7.77 seconds) and Marco Rizzo (7.86 seconds) nearly survived the requisite 8, albeit not able to finish the job. 

With Florida’s Cunha settling for a 75.75-point score as his coach elected to decline the re-re-ride suggests the Mavericks very well could’ve ended the series outright had both of said cowboys completed the close calls. But the dominoes fell in favor of Florida as METC officially had a meaningful Game 3 on its hands. 

The Battle for the Belt is officially tied up at 1-1 after seeing the New York Mavericks claim the first battle of the entire Monster Energy Tam Challenge, presented by Camping World, series back in New York City earlier this season.

Knowing the Freedom were able to take care of business on home dirt means the third and final game of the rivalrous showcase, set to take place in Tacoma, Washington, April 26 will decide who gets the belt and bragging rights heading into the fourth season of the PBR Camping World Team Series! 

Next up in Little Rock, Arkansas, March 8, the Missouri Thunder will look to complete a clean 3-0 sweep of the Kansas City Outlaws within the Show Me State Showdown inside Simmons Bank Arena. 

Photo courtesy of Josh Homer/Bull Stock Media