PBR’s annual stop in “The Pit” is a proving ground where contenders separate from hopefuls—and where the world title race can shift dramatically in a single weekend.

With only three events remaining after this weekend, and just one more three-day event left before the regular season concludes, the urgency continues to build as the race tightens at the top of the standings, where No. 1 John Crimber and No. 2 Sage Kimzey are separated by just 33 points, and Brady Fielder rocketed from ninth to fourth with one big win to seriously enter the championship conversation.

Growing up, this was one riders circled. Not just because of the added opportunities, but because of what it meant to win here—the name attached to it, the history behind it and the respect that comes with winning a grueling three-day event.

And now, with the PBR World Finals looming at Dickies Arena from May 14–17, 2026, every point earned in Albuquerque carries championship-level significance.

Aggregate Points — Three-Day Event (Albuquerque)

The Ty Murray Invitational carries an elevated points structure due to its three-day format, giving riders a critical opportunity to gain ground in the standings heading into the final stretch of the season.
• 1st Place: 100 points
• 2nd Place: 63 points
• 3rd Place: 45 points
• 4th Place: 27 points
• 5th Place: 23 points
• 6th Place: 18 points
• 7th Place: 12 points
• 8th Place: 8 points
• 9th Place: 5 points
• 10th Place: 3 points
• 11th Place: 2 points

Go-Round Importance

Each round throughout the weekend presents an opportunity for riders to build their overall total. Success at this level is defined by consistency—stacking qualified rides, capitalizing on matchups and staying within striking distance of the aggregate lead.

Bonus Point Structure (All Events)

The bonus point system applies across every Unleash The Beast event, including the World Finals, rewarding riders for elite-level scores:
• 70.00–79.75: 7 points
• 80.00–89.75: 8 points
• 90.00+: 9 points

These points are added to a rider’s total and can play a decisive role in both round results and aggregate standings—especially in tightly contested events like Albuquerque.

What Else Can Fans Expect in Albuquerque?

Monster Energy Team Challenge Semifinals

The special PBR Teams showcase at the tail end of Round 1 in UTB events this season—the Monster Energy Team Challenge—is now headed toward determining a winner. Each team played four games, and the Missouri Thunder, Austin Gamblers, Kansas City Outlaws and Florida Freedom qualified for the playoffs.

When the final four semifinals begin in Albuquerque, the one head-to-head featured game will be dramatically different than the four-on-four contests that determined the four playoff teams.

In the Monster Energy Team Challenge playoffs, the games are seven-on-seven—a new experiment that may bring new drama to team competition.

The 7x7 format will also be followed when the Austin Gamblers take on the Kansas City Outlaws for the second semifinal matchup in Billings on April 17 and the Monster Energy Team Challenge title is decided in Tacoma on April 24.

Florida Freedom (3-1) vs. #1 Missouri Thunder (4-0)

Florida Freedom:
• Alex Cerqueira
• Eikson Pereira (must ride to advance)
• Jean Carlos Teodoro (must ride to advance)
• João Ricardo Vieira
• John Crimber
• Mason Taylor (must ride to advance)
• Thiago Salgado

Missouri Thunder:
• Andrew Alvidrez
• Elzisclay dos Santos (must ride to advance)
• Felipe Furlan
• Maverick Smith
• Paulo Eduardo Rossetto
• Trace Redd
• Vinicius Rodrigues Pereira (must ride to advance)

The riders highlighted above must ride to advance to Saturday night’s competition and beyond.

There are a few new names attached to the two teams.

Protected Rosters expanded to up to 10 Protected Roster Riders on Sunday, March 22 for the four teams that qualified for the METC semifinals, and for this game, the league office has approved the signings of Mason Taylor and Jean Carlos Teodoro to Florida and Trace Redd, Vinicius Rodrigues Pereira and Elzisclay dos Santos to Missouri.

Another significant—and often overlooked—factor in Albuquerque is the venue itself. The physical layout of The Pit creates a completely different challenge compared to most stops on tour. With a capacity of roughly 8,000 fans, the building places the crowd right on top of the action, generating an intense, high-energy environment.

Much like the historic atmosphere at the Thomas & Mack Center during the World Finals era, that energy carries directly into the arena and can influence both rider focus and bull performance.

Albuquerque tests riders in more ways than just the scoreboard. The structure of The Pit presents its own challenges. The long, steep walk to and from the locker room and SportsMed area becomes a factor over the course of a demanding three-day event, especially for riders managing injuries or fatigue.

Can I Still Get Tickets?

Tickets are still available—but availability is limited, and demand continues to build as the weekend approaches. This is one event fans won’t want to miss, live and in person.

To secure your seats, explore premium options and learn more about the Ty Murray Invitational experience, click HERE.

How to Watch

Not able to make it to Albuquerque—or simply couldn’t secure a ticket with all the excitement surrounding the championship race? Paramount+ will carry the action starting at 9 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday night and 4 p.m. ET on Sunday. The Monster Energy Team Challenge semifinals will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network at noon ET on Sunday.

For step-by-step instructions on how to subscribe, along with broadcast schedules and viewing times in your area, click HERE.

Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media