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#InCaseYouMissedIt: After Two Years of Heartbreak, Leme Finally Wins his First World Championship

By: Darci Miller

The 2020 season was one unlike any other, and it was only fitting that it came to a close with a PBR World Finals unlike anything we’ve ever seen. In the first-ever World Finals in Arlington, Texas, Jose Vitor Leme clinched his first World Championship in eye-popping fashion, Smooth Operator stormed to a second world title, one buckle was not enough for Boudreaux Campbell, and so much more. Miss a moment of the action this weekend? Here’s what happened around the PBR.

At the PBR World Finals…

DAY 1

 
As the 2020 PBR World Finals kicked off, Dallas Schott, Julio Moreno and Spotted Demon prepared for the 12-year-old bull’s final outs.

In Round 1, Jose Vitor Leme extended his lead atop the world standings with an eighth-place finish.

Leme’s push for the world title was thrown an unforeseen curveball when it was announced that world No. 2 Joao Ricardo Vieira was unable to compete at the World Finals.

Round 1 was also a big moment for Smooth Operator, as the 10-year-old bull retook the lead in the YETI World Champion Bull race.

Derek Kolbaba took the Round 1 victory with a 92.75-point ride on Boogie Bomb.

The PBR said farewell to Sean Willingham, who retires after an incredible 17-year career and was on hand in Arlington to say goodbye.

DAY 2

 
Jose Vitor Leme and world No. 3 Kaique Pacheco continued their slugfest in Round 2, going ride-for-ride in pursuit of the world title.

A perfect 2-for-2, Pacheco had his eye on winning a second World Championship and a first World Finals event title.

Keyshawn Whitehorse, meanwhile, turned in the highest-scoring ride of his career to that point as he won Round 2.

Following a five-month layoff after hip surgery in May, Texan Tye Chandler made his World Finals debut in his home state.

DAY 3

 
After two consecutive runner-up finishes, Jose Vitor Leme wasn’t leaving anything to chance in 2020. Leme rode Woopaa for a staggering 95.75 points to win Round 3 and clinch that elusive World Championship.

With six 90-point rides, Round 3 was an electric night of bull riding, and one that Ryan Dirteater will never forget.

One year after tearing his ACL/MCL at the 2019 World Finals, Cody Teel was back in top form and ready to contend for an event win.

Boudreaux Campbell may have been competing in his first PBR World Finals, but he was thriving under the bright lights and on the biggest stage.

DAY 4

 
Campbell began the PBR World Finals ranked No. 33 in the world standings. He concluded the PBR World Finals ranked No. 3 in the world standings following a World Finals event win – oh, and the Rookie of the Year title.

No bull loves a big stage more than Smooth Operator, and the reigning YETI World Champion Bull added another world title to his stellar resume as Chad Berger earned his 10th Stock Contractor of the Year award.

The 2020 PBR World Finals shared the stage with the inaugural Women’s Rodeo World Championship, where five women became the first in history to win their respective world titles.

Through the lens with Andy Watson and BullStockMedia

Check out the best photos from day one, day two, day three and day four in Arlington.

Social spotlight

Nothing but love.

 

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A post shared by Fabiano Vieira (@fvieirapbr)

Anyone know how to speak bull and want to translate?

 

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Thank you for everything, Sean!

 

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From the world No. 2 to the world No. 1.

 

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A post shared by Joao Ricardo Vieira (@jrvieirapbr)

One last ride for the Cherokee Kid.

 

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A post shared by Ryan Dirteater (@ryandirteater)

© 2020 PBR Inc. All rights reserved.

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