Team USA Eagles - Victorious

By Terry Blake Photos by Phillip Kitts / Avid Visual Imagery

The 2020 edition of the PBR Global Cup has come and gone but it was full of highs and lows as some of the world’s best bull riders donned the jersey of his home country. Each team was comprised of six riders who had the opportunity to ride one bull in the long round. Each team then had two bonus round bulls where the coach was able to draft a bull and which of his riders would compete against that animal. This format was played out in Round 1 on Saturday night and again in Round 2 on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

As the first day came to a close, Team USA Eagles lead the field by one bull with four qualified rides and a total of 346.75 points. Team Canada was in hot pursuit with three qualified rides and 259.75 points. Team Australia was third with two scores and 169.75 points. Somewhat surprising was the fact that three teams, including the reigning Global Cup Champions – Team Brazil, Team Mexico, and Team USA Wolves only posted one qualified ride.

As Round 2 began, eight second rides did not come easy for most of the teams. Team Australia, however, came out firing on all cylinders and quickly fought their way to the top of the leaderboard after riding four out of six bulls. After the strong start by the Aussies, it seemed like it was nip and tuck all afternoon between Team USA Eagles and Team Australia. As the long round came down to the final rider for each team, the Australians were in the lead by one bull with six rides and 514.5 points while the Americans had five rides and 435.5 points. With the final ride in the long round, the Eagles’ Cole Melancon showed up and showed off. He covered Monkey (Cooper / Scruggs Bucking Bulls) for 88.25 points. This gave the Eagles a slim 9.25-point margin which would not be relinquished.

The final two bonus rounds were dominated by the bull power as there was only one qualified ride out of twelve attempts. Jose Vitor Leme scored one more for Team Brazil with 89.5 points on Jive Turkey (Dakota Rodeo/ Chad Berger/ Clay Struve/ MAGA Cattle/ Roper Angus).

The Global Cup is a fabulous way to enjoy bull riding while also combining the pride one has in his or her own country. What better way to celebrate the international appeal of the world’s greatest sport.