Antez wins the 25th Annual Bull Riders Challenge
VERNAL, UTAH – As the 25th Annual Bull Riders Challenge stormed back into Utah, this year’s competition was more exhilarating than ever. Featuring fierce bull riders from across the nation and some of the toughest bulls on the circuit, this championship event showcased the true heart and soul of bull riding–bravery, perseverance, and raw skill.
We were thrilled to see some familiar faces return to the Bull Riders Challenge and place high, showing that past champions are still a force to be reckoned with.
Ty Pinnt, the 2022 and 2024 Bull Riders Challenge Champion, made a strong showing this year, claiming 4th place with his trademark grit, determination, and gratefulness to God. We always love seeing Ty praise his Savior after a successful ride. Pinnt has proven time and again his talent in this crazy sport we call Bull Riding, and his performance this year was a reminder of why we know he’s going places.
Clayton Savage, who won the Championship back in 2008, made his long-awaited return to the arena at the age of 38 and placed 7th. After many years away from the competition, Clayton’s return was a testament to his enduring talent and passion for the sport.
Let’s take a look at the top riders who made their mark this year!
First Place: X-man Antez
Xavier, known to his friends and fans as “X-man” is a rising star in the world of bull riding. With over $50,000 in earnings over the last 4 years, X-man has been grinding hard since he got serious about bull riding in 2021. When asked how his nickname came to be, he joked that he was introduced to his “cousin/brother” back home who shares the exact same name, first and last. He decided to take one for the team and claim an alias which some might say is the better name of the two.
X-man proved his dominance at this year’s Bull Riders Challenge, claiming the top spot with two strong rides. On Friday, he started the event with a solid 77.5-point ride on “Gangsta John” from P S Bucking Bulls. He ended the final nights Championship round with an even more impressive 80-point ride on “Flight Risk” from R&R Bucking Bulls giving him a total score of 157.5-points, securing his first-place title. His two strong rides demonstrated his consistency and skill, ultimately earning him the coveted BRC Gold Buckle.
X-man’s approach is simple but powerful–he works hard every day, strives to dominate in and outside of the arena, and always puts his trust in God. “I work hard every day and try my best every time I can,” X-man said. “I like to do what I do. It’s fun, and I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.” Before each ride, he focuses, prays to God, and asks for guidance. “I keep Him my #1 and He leads me wherever I go.”
Second Place: JB Galvin
JB brought fierce competition to the arena, securing the second-place spot with impressive skill and determination. When asked about his pre-event routine, he said, “I stay focused. I always make sure to practice with all my 16 bulls in the weeks leading up to the competition. The more practice with more bulls, the better your rides will be.”
JB fought hard for his second-place finish at this year’s competition. On Friday, he earned a 71-point ride on “Cig Bitty” from Whitley Buckers. His real momentum came on Saturday during the Championship Round, where he rode “Goofy” from P S Bucking Bulls to an 82-point ride, moving him up in the rankings. JB’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure were key factors in his strong showing.
Galvin shared that he looks up to bull riding legend JB Mauney and hopes to build a legacy just like his. I think it’s fair to say this second-place finish is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.
Third Place: Wyatt Bowman
Wyatt Bowman had a solid performance at this year’s event, finishing in third place with a pair of steady rides. He kicked off the event on Friday with a 74.5-point ride on “Peanut” from P S Bucking Bulls followed by his second ride on Saturday for 78.5-points on “326” from Rockin B Rodeo. Bowman’s final bull of the competition in the Championship Round was quite a memorable one as we watched him lie motionless on the ground with his bull actively bucking nearby, unable to get up. After being knocked unconscious in the last round, Bowman joked, “It’s not the first time, surely won’t be the last” showing his seasoned attitude toward the sport.
Bowman got his start in bull riding at just 15 years old, thanks to his dad’s friend who was a rodeo athlete. Ever since that first ride on a practice bull near his home in North Ogden, he’s been hooked. When asked how he prepared for this event, Bowman shared that “being in shape for bull riding isn’t just about lifting weights. You’ve got to stay loose and get on practice bulls as much as you can, because riding shape is a whole different thing than weightlifting shape.” With a 3rd place BRC Bronze Buckle on his belt and a PRCA permit now in hand, Bowman is focused on continuing his career and making his way to the circuit finals.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we reflect on the many years of incredible competition and thank God for allowing us to continue putting on such a thrilling event for our fans and athletes. As we look ahead to the next 25 years, we are more grateful than ever for the opportunity to bring this incredible event to Utah. We couldn’t have done it without the support of the riders, fans, sponsors, and our amazing set of volunteers who continue to show up for us every year.
As we move into the future, we remain committed to providing the best bull riding competition in Utah, where riders can showcase their talents and fans can witness the raw emotion and the thrill of man versus beast.
Ride on!



