The 25th PBR: Unleash The Beast, Ak-Chin Invitational hosted a record sold-out crowd for this year’s competition from March 23-24 at Gila River Arena in Glendale. This event showcases top athletes from the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) association.

PBR athlete Eduardo Aparecido from Gouvelandia, Brazil won the overall competition, going 3-for-3 and executing a 90.75-point ride in the championship round. Aparecido earned 590 world points, moving him from number 8 to number 5 in the world standings.

The 2017 Rookie of the Year, Jose Vitor Leme from Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil, finished second with a 3-for-3 performance, including an 87-point ride in the final round.

The top bull riders will continue to compete, ultimately vying for a spot in the 25th PBR World Finals, held from November 7-11 in Las Vegas.

While PBR action was the main event during the hugely successful Ak-Chin Invitational, it wasn’t the only game in town. Other fun included a meet and greet with top PBR athletes held at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, a memorial team roping event held in Wickenburg, and fan pre-parties held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Westgate entertainment district.

Pre-parties featured live music, vendors, and a beer garden, along with the chance for visitors to take photos with a live bull. The “Rodeo Days” event for younger kids happened Friday morning at Tanger Outlets Westgate. Kids got the opportunity to ride a pony, pet a goat, and do a Wild West craft. The entire weekend offered fun for rodeo fans of all ages!

In addition to hosting record crowds and showcasing thrilling bull riding action, the Ak-Chin Invitational also benefited the community. PBR graciously donated $2,000 to the Ak-Chin Indian Community during the weekend’s final awards ceremony.