Buckle up Townsville, the PBR Grand Finals returns

PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals hits Townsville on November 1 and 2 with top riders and global talent competing for championships and more than $204,000 in prizes.

PBR Lachlan Richardson on fig jam at 2023 PBR Grand Finals

A sea of cowboy hats and buckles will soon flood the city as the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals returns to Townsville next weekend, promising an action-packed spectacle across two nights.

Eight seconds might not seem like much, but for bull rider Lachlan Richardson, every moment counts. Originally from Gresford, New South Wales, and now a proud North Queenslander for the past six years, Richardson first rode a bull at just ten years old– and he’s been chasing the thrill ever since.

As a seven-time PBR World Finals qualifier with several seasons in the USA and Canada under his belt, 2024 has proven to be a standout year for the veteran rider.

He’s finished in the top five at 10 events and captained Team New South Wales in the PBR Australia Origin Series. Now, his sights are set on the ultimate goal: claiming the championship title at next weekend’s PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals.

“The Grand Finals is probably the best bull riding all year,” Richardson told NQ Weekend.

“You get more people stay on and a great crowd – it’s always been a favourite. It’s the best bulls, and it’s the best riders.”

Bull rider Lachlan Richardson. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Richardson, who first joined the PBR circuit back in 2012, will be one of 22 elite Australian riders competing on November 1 and 2 inside the Townsville Entertainment Centre, showcasing the toughest sport on dirt before a roaring crowd.

Joining him in the arena is his brother, Eric Richardson, a former bull rider turned protection athlete, whose job is to ensure the safe exit of both the rider and bull.

“Every ride in the year is important for me, and this time of year becomes even more important, but I do all the work I can at home and as much as I can to prepare myself and give myself a shot every single time.

“The person who stays on the most bulls is going to win, so if I just keep doing what I’m doing – having fun and taking it one bull at a time and doing my job – the rest all works out from there.”

Throughout the season, riders have been battling it out across more than 20 events in the Monster Energy Tour and Touring Pro Division, all vying to accrue crucial points to propel them to the top of the Australian National Standings.

With the final qualifying event wrapping up tonight in Tamworth, Richardson is determined to reclaim the No. 1 spot after being narrowly overtaken by Boston Leather, the younger brother of 2023 PBR Australia Champion Macaulie Leather, during the last event in Mackay.

PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young said the race for the title is tighter than ever.

“The 2024 season marks 25 years of bull riding in Townsville, with this year’s PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals being the eighth consecutive time the event has been held in the region,” Mr Young said.

“With over $204K in Grand Finals payouts up for grabs, riders will be giving it their all next weekend.

“The PBR Australia Champion will walk away with a year-end bonus of $75K, while there is an additional $20K bonus for the runner up, and $15K for the Rookie of the Year. And let’s not forget about the bull bonuses, which add up to over $50K.”

PRB PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young with current No.2 bull rider Lachlan Richardson

The competition will also see the return of several international riders, bringing fresh global flair back to the arena.

“We’ve got competitors from Brazil and New Zealand, along with top Canadian riders Weston Davidson and Chanse Switzer, who are part of our rider exchange program,” Mr Young said.

“They will compete here in Townsville, and our Australian riders Boston Leather and Ben Bode will represent us in the Canadian Grand Finals.

“Their participation not only raises the level of competition but also showcases the calibre of talent on the circuit.

“It’s exciting to see such a diverse lineup of riders heading into the arena."

Alongside the elite bull riding action, the Grand Finals will feature a special exhibition from the Junior Can-Am Academy, where fans will get a glimpse of the sport’s future stars.

“The top riders in our junior academy will also get the chance to demonstrate their skills and talent,” Mr Young said.

“These young athletes represent the next wave of champions, and it’s exciting to see their development so early on.”

It’s no secret that the PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals has solidified its place on Townsville’s event calendar, injecting about $2.9 million in direct and incremental spending into the local economy every year. But its appeal extends far beyond the numbers, offering a full-scale entertainment experience that draws fans from across the country.

Friday night will feature a performance by Hayley Jensen, ARIA #1 Country Album

artist and Golden Guitar finalist, while Saturday night will see the beloved Robbie

Mortimer take centre stage as the headline act.

PBR Robbie Mortimer 2023 PBR Australia Grand Finals performance

Mortimer’s rising star status on the PBR circuit, which has launched the likes of James Johnston and Casey Barnes, led to his announcement as Feature Artist for the 2024 PBR Monster Energy Tour.

Adding to the excitement, celebrated U.S. In-Arena Entertainer Matt Merritt will return again this year, ready to captivate the audience with his daring stunts and vast experience from PBR’s largest events worldwide.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan emphasised the importance of the PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals in strengthening the State’s reputation as a premier events destination.

“Queensland’s events calendar is world class and it’s through our regional events like the 2024 PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals that we can showcase our destinations,” she said.

“Events play a key role in fostering regional tourism and economic development and these events are an important part of our plan to build Queensland’s events calendar to $2 billion by 2032.”

The PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals will take place on November 1 and 2 inside the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

For more information, head to pbraustralia.com.au

Originally published as Buckle up Townsville, the PBR Grand Finals returns