KENNEWICK, Wash.— As the opening round of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Challenger Series concluded on Friday night at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Kyle Eaton (Chico, California) was victorious.

The 26-year-old cowboy had Washington fans on the edge of their seats as he twisted and turned through the air aboard Zeus for an 85-point ride.

The crowd-pleasing ride clinched the Round 1 win, earning Eaton 28 Challenger points as he heads into Saturday night leading the charge.

With only a handful of PBR Challenger Series events remaining after this weekend in Kennewick, the top athletes are competing for crucial points.

The PBR Challenger Series holds more than 60 events from May through October, culminating with its championship in late October in Las Vegas. The PBR Challenger Series provides additional competitive opportunities for bull riders who are both affiliated and unaffiliated with a PBR Teams league team.

Eaton’s fellow Californian Andy Guzman (Oakdale, California) secured second place in Round 1 courtesy of his action-packed matchup with Draw the Line for 81 points on Friday night.

In addition to sailing into Saturday’s second round, Guzman earned 18 Challenger points.

The animal athletes of the PBR prevailed throughout the night, showcasing their agility and innate talent.

The PBR Challenger Series in Kennewick will continue at the Toyota Center on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. PT with Round 2, immediately followed by the championship round.

Photo Courtesy of Andre Silva