What Fans Can Expect

Fans can expect the most intense, most thrilling eight seconds in all of sports, but make no mistake, this weekend is no ordinary stop on tour. It is the final shot.

The pressure inside the arena will be unmatched, with riders fully aware that every score has consequences. The margin for error is gone. This is where preparation meets opportunity and where the best in the world are forced to perform when it matters most.

For those already near the top, the objective is clear — close the gap on No. 1-ranked John Crimber and carry momentum into Fort Worth with a legitimate chance at a gold buckle.

Monster Energy Team Challenge Championship Game

The Monster Energy Team Challenge reaches its final chapter this weekend in Tacoma, as the Austin Gamblers go all-in against the undefeated Missouri Thunder in a winner-take-all Championship Game. It is a season before the season coming to a dramatic close in a special 7-on-7 game — two elite teams, one title and no margin for error.

Below is a look at each team’s roster for the Championship Game. Riders identified in black within the official lineup are in must-ride positions to advance into Saturday night’s individual Unleash The Beast competition. They must convert their matchup to keep themselves alive for Round 2 and the Championship Round under standard UTB format. For those athletes, the stakes are doubled, impacting both their team’s championship push and their individual opportunity to compete deeper into the weekend.

Austin Gamblers roster:
Callum Miller
Dener Barbosa
Ednélio Rodrigues (must ride to advance individually)
Grayson Cole
Lucas Divino
Eric Novoa
Vinicius Pinheiro Correa (must ride to advance individually)

Missouri Thunder roster:
Paulo Eduardo Rossetto
Macaulie Leather
Ramon Fiorini (must ride to advance individually)
Mason Taylor
Vinicius Rodrigues Pereira
Trace Redd
Julio Cesar Marques

While the pressure is amplified in the team format, the scoring system remains rooted in Unleash The Beast competition. That means every qualified ride carries individual implications as well. A round-winning ride, especially in the 90-point range, can deliver critical world points, impacting the individual standings while simultaneously contributing to a team’s success.

Event Scoring Breakdown

As the final regular-season stop on the Unleash The Beast schedule, Tacoma operates under the standard two-day event format.

But make no mistake, the scoring structure this weekend has the potential to dramatically reshape the standings.

Riders will compete in Round 1 and Round 2, with the Top 12 advancing to the Championship Round. The event champion is determined by the highest cumulative score across all rounds, with aggregate points awarded based on final event placement as follows:

Aggregate (event) points — 2-day UTB event
1st – 80 points
2nd – 50 points
3rd – 36 points
4th – 21 points
5th – 17 points
6th – 12 points
7th – 9 points
8th – 7 points
9th – 5 points
10th – 3 points
11th – 2 points
12th – 1 point

In addition to the aggregate standings, riders earn points in each go-round based on their placement:

Go-round placement points (each round)
1st – 20 points
2nd – 10 points
3rd – 9 points
4th – 8 points
5th – 7 points
6th – 6 points
7th – 5 points
8th – 4 points
9th – 3 points
10th – 2 points
11th – 1 point
12th – 0 points

Beyond placement, bonus points are awarded based on ride score, rewarding riders who deliver at an elite level:

Bonus points (per ride score)
70.00-79.75: 7 points
80.00-89.75: 8 points
90.00 and above: 9 points

This layered system allows riders to stack points quickly. A competitor who performs consistently across both long rounds and advances to the Championship Round can generate one of the largest point swings of the entire season in a single weekend.

With Tacoma serving as the final stop before the World Finals, this format is not just important — it is decisive. Every ride, every score and every point earned could determine who advances to Fort Worth and who is left just short of the sport’s biggest stage.

Bubble Watch

If you are sitting on the edge of the cutoff heading into Tacoma, there is no margin for error — you have to show up, do your job and secure your spot.

With 35 riders advancing to Fort Worth and five additional invites still to be determined, every position matters. Those inside the line are fighting to stay there. Those just outside are chasing one final opportunity to break through before the door closes on the regular season.

Keep a close eye on the riders hovering around the bubble:

Kase Hitt (34th)
Trace Redd (39th)
João Ricardo Vieira (40th)
Mauricio Gulla Moreira (41st)
Andy Guzman (43rd)

These are the riders walking the tightrope this weekend — one qualified ride could lock in a trip to the World Finals, while a buckoff could open the door for someone just behind them.

And while the names above highlight just how tight the race has become, perhaps even more notable — and surprising — are a pair of riders not listed here who also find themselves squarely in the mix: Dener Barbosa and Eduardo Aparecido.

At this stage of the season, the reality is simple — if you are anywhere between 30th and 40th in the standings and entered in Tacoma, you are on the bubble. This is your last shot. The opportunity is there, but it will not wait.

This is where seasons are decided. This is where pressure either breaks you or defines you.

Key Matchups to Watch — Round 1

John Crimber vs. Level Up — Bob Mitchell was 89.5 points on this bull in Billings, the only blemish on his PBR record.

Brady Fielder vs. Sucker Punch — this bull was marked 44.5 points against fellow Australian Callum Miller in Billings. He is unridden in PBR competition.

Paulo Eduardo Rossetto vs. Real Deal — this bull has been ridden in six or seven UTB outs this season, with right-handed riders accounting for five of those qualified rides.

Alex Cerqueira vs. Bulldog — this bull has a short PBR résumé. He has bucked off Sage Steele Kimzey and Kase Hitt in his two 2026 appearances.

Keyshawn Whitehorse vs. Bad Bob — this bull bucked off Andy Guzman last week. Bad Bob faced left-handed riders in his seven PBR Teams appearances in 2025.

Tickets, Seat Upgrades and Event Information

For tickets, seat upgrades and additional event information, click HERE.

How to Watch

To watch the final regular-season event of the year and all other PBR events, click HERE.

Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media