The countdown has begun as the country’s toughest sport on dirt returns to Townsville in less than three weeks’ time for the highly anticipated 2024 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals on November 1 and 2.
It has not only been a staple event on Townsville’s event calendar, with 2024 marking 25 years of bull riding in Townsville, but also injects approximately $2.9 million in direct and incremental spending into the local economy every year.
Division 10 Councillor Brady Ellis said the PBR is an absolute winner for Townsville’s economy.
“The rest of the country wants this one, they can’t have it – Townsville deserves it, it’s earned it,” Mr Ellis said.
“This is our eighth year of PBR Grand Finals here in town, it celebrates 25 years of bull riding here in town and it’s going to go off like always.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the 2024 PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals is a key event for the Townsville region.
“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.
“The event has grown over its 25 years to attract thousands of people from all over the state, boosting the local economy by more than $3 million.
“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.”
Throughout the season, riders have had the opportunity to compete across Australia at more than 20 events, spanning the Monster Energy Tour and Touring Pro Division, to earn points towards the Australian National Standings, all to be the No.1 ranked cowboy at year’s end and earn the coveted PBR Australia Championship title.
Leading the pack of top contenders is Lachlan Richardson, who currently sits in the No.2 spot. Richardson, and captained Team New South Wales in this year’s PBR Origin Series, has had a standout season, placing in the top 5 in 10 of his events throughout the year.
Richardson said with one event left before the Grand Finals, he will be trying his best to secure the top spot, to put him in the best position for Grand Finals.
“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. Tamworth is definitely going to be a good warm up to be ready for Townsville,” he said.
“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.”
Richardson said the Townsville crowd is always loud and brings a great atmosphere to the event, and it is a favourite destination on the PBR Monster Energy Tour circuit.
“Especially being the finals, it’s the best bulls and it’s the best riders.
“It’s probably the best bull riding all year, you get more people stay on and a great crowd – it’s always been a favourite.”
PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young said the 2024 PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals is the richest bull riding event in the country, with this year set to see over $205K in Grand Finals payouts.
“The PBR Australia Champion will receive a year-end bonus of $75K, with an additional $15K for the Rookie of the Year. And let’s not forget about the bull bonuses, which add up to over $50K,” said Mr Young.
“We’re proud to be able to offer substantial prize money that enables athletes to make a career out of the sport. This year, we’re also excited to welcome the largest group of international riders we’ve seen in years, marking an impressive return of global talent to the competition.
“We’re just weeks away from all the action, and with both nights on track to sell out, we’re encouraging everyone to grab their tickets while they still can.”
PBR is more than just bull riding – there’s half time shows, in-arena entertainers and successful musicians, making a show-stopping event you won’t see at a rodeo.
Making his return this year is celebrated U.S In-Arena Entertainer (formerly known as rodeo clowns) Matt Merritt, renowned for captivating audiences worldwide with over two decades of experience at PBR’s biggest events.
On the musical front, Robbie Mortimer, who wowed the crowd last year, will take centre stage as Saturday night’s headline act. Mortimer’s rise on the PBR circuit, which has launched stars like James Johnston and Casey Barnes, led to his announcement as Feature Artist for the 2024 PBR Monster Energy Tour.
Also joining the PBR lineup, and headline act for Friday, night is ARIA #1 Country Album & Golden Guitar ‘Female Artist of the Year’ Finalist 2023 and 2022, Hayley Jensen.
The 2024 PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Main image: PBR Rider and current No.2 Lachlan Richardson, Councillor Brady Ellis and PBR General Manager Glen Young
