João Paulo Velasco leads PBR National Final in Barretos

João Paulo Velasco, a 21-year-old athlete from Paranaíta, Mato Grosso, is positioned as the favorite to win the 2026 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) National Final in Barretos, São Paulo.

During the third round of the Barretos stage, Velasco secured a high score of 89.95 while riding the bull Frio da Madrugada. This performance brought his total to 1,456 points, extending his lead over competitors Warley Oliveira Silva and Gabriel Henrique da Silva.

The national championship, held at the 71st Festa do Peão de Boiadeiro de Barretos, features a five-round format. The top eight competitors from the initial rounds advance to a final round on Sunday. The season champion will receive R$ 500,000 and a new Mitsubishi Triton Katana pickup truck.