Brazilian riders earn record prizes at PBR Sorriso and European show jumping events

The PBR Sorriso 2026 rodeo opened at the GAFF arena in Sorriso, Mato Grosso, featuring a record R$500,000 prize pool – the largest ever for a regular PBR Brazil stage. Twenty‑year‑old João Paulo Velasco, national ranking leader, delivered the night’s highest score of 87.7 points on the bull Durox and earned more than R$10,000 in the opening round. The event attracted international competitors, including riders from the United States, and distributed a total of R$23,070 to top performers. The competition also counts toward the national finale in Barretos and the global series in Las Vegas.

In Europe, Brazilian show‑jumpers competed in the Copa das Nações Agria and CSI 4* events in the Netherlands. The national team placed fourth with 24 points, while individual riders collected prize money: Marlon Zanotelli, Luiz Felipe de Azevedo Filho and veteran Rodrigo Pessoa each secured earnings. Pessoa finished seventh in the 1.5‑metre competition at Valkenswaard, receiving €1,128. Other team members posted varied individual results across 1.45‑metre and 1.5‑metre classes.