Cowboys compete against stiff competition from the bulls on the first night of the 2026 Touring Pro Division Queen Creek PBR.
Tonight was night one of the annual Queen Creek PBR in Arizona. The evening was filled with action, energy, and excitement as local PBR fans packed the stands to see their favorite local and touring professional bull riders. Cowboys traveled near and far to compete in this weekend’s event, featuring riders from Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, and Mexico.
Tonight, no cowboy was able to walk out of the arena with a qualified ride as the bulls managed to deliver a bull shutout. However, this does not mean there was a lack of action, grit, or memorable rides.
Section 1 of the long program featured rider Cody Bumpaous, a 43-year-old who recently recovered from both a broken arm and a separated sternum. Despite his age and injuries, he held his own against Boss Hoss and delivered an exciting show to the crowd.
Section 1 also brought the longest ride of the night from Vinicius Barbosa, who was able to secure a 6.78 second ride. This cowboy rode 4 bulls tonight alone, and is expected to compete again tomorrow for night two. The grit and determination of this cowboy is not to be overlooked, as he has recently been producing quality rides across Arizona.
Furthermore, he was competing tonight through an injury that severely impaired his vision; this, however, did not stop him from competing to the fullest of his abilities. Vinicius Barbosa is without a doubt a rider to watch as the event moves forward into night two.
As the night continued in Section 2 of the long program, there were still no qualified rides, but it did play host to one of the most impressive performances from the bull fighters serving tonight. Cole Benton, a 27-year-old rider from Redmond, WA, was thrown from his bull, Dirt Circus, directly in the path of Dirt Circus’s horns.
Bullfighter Connor Scott sprang into action, jumping onto Cole Benton to block him from the blow of the bull. Both men and the bull walked away unharmed and grinning ear to ear. The commitment and skill of bull fighters like Cody Scott are what help to keep riders safe as they battle the beasts on the dirt, and tonight was a clear reminder of that to all in attendance.
Overall, the Touring Pro Division Queen Creek PBR started the weekend with a memorable and energy-packed night leaving all local fans on the edge of their seats to see how the event will wrap up tomorrow night. As the bull riders rest and prepare to ride again tomorrow, the bulls will sleep happy knowing they won this round. But will they win the fight? Only time will tell.