OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. – Clay Guiton kicked off Wildcatter Days with a hot start, continuing his qualified ride streak for the Carolina Cowboys.
The 2025 PBR Camping World Team Series is off to a red-hot start, with Guiton leading the charge for the Cowboys. After a summer of bulls and hard work, he extended his streak to six consecutive qualified rides, including an impressive performance on Dana White's Playmate. This also marked his first ride in Carolina blue since being traded from the Oklahoma Wildcatters.
At the Paycom Center, Guiton took on Dana White's notorious bull. Known for his composure under pressure, he became the second rider to stay on for the full 8 seconds, joining Sage Steele Kimzey as the only other rider to do so. The 87-point ride was another testament to Guiton’s confidence and consistency, especially considering Dana White's Playmate's 82% buck-off streak prior to the ride.
“I’ve been pumped about that since Tuesday,” Guiton said, reflecting on the build-up to the ride. “Jerome [Davis] called me and told me I had one of the harder bulls to ride, so I was excited. I’ve seen the bull a few times, and yeah, Dana White posted about me today, so that gave me a little extra motivation.”
The path to victory wasn’t without its challenges. Guiton had a slight bobble early on when Dana White's Playmate, unusually, came out going right before quickly switching back left. But Guiton’s confidence and trust in his preparation kicked in, and he recovered, staying locked in and on track. Just as the buzzer hit and his grip slipped, he was stomped hard, stumbling toward the chutes. The first words out of his mouth were, “Did I hold on?” With his knee already sore, he was worked on afterward but shook it off like a true cowboy. It’s that focus and grit, even when the odds are stacked against him, that sets Guiton apart.
“I feel like me personally, if I get on one that everybody rides, it’s a little more pressure. I like it when the odds are stacked against me, and it fires me up a little more, makes me feel like I’m a little more loose, a little more cool.”
Guiton’s ride on Dana White's Playmate was just one of the strong performances that helped the Cowboys claim victory on opening night. Carolina went on to win with 331.5 total points, dominating the Nashville Stampede in a commanding fashion. The victory was a statement from the Cowboys, and Guiton’s ride was at the heart of it.
“This was my first ride as a Cowboy, and it feels great,” Guiton said. “We had our training camp this summer, set expectations, and we all knew what to expect going into today. We executed it just how we planned. And I’m excited for this season with the Cowboys.”
It’s clear that Guiton’s success isn’t just about the bulls he rides, but the mindset he carries into each competition. Even with his six-ride streak, he knows the importance of staying grounded. For him, it’s all about remembering why he rides and making sure he enjoys every second of it.
Guiton’s confidence is contagious. “Just riding bulls and having fun, remembering why I do it.” With every ride, he’s proving that he belongs at the top of the PBR ranks. As the Cowboys march on in Wildcatter Days, Guiton’s quiet determination is setting the tone for the rest of the season. And with Guiton at the helm, the Cowboys are in a prime position to make a run at the title in Vegas.
As the 2025 season heats up, expect more from Clay Guiton. The six-ride streak is just the beginning, and with his team-first mentality and love for the sport, it’s clear that Guiton is only just getting started.
Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media