Austin Gamblers Secure Top Seed For PBR Championship
The local team earns a first-round bye in the upcoming Las Vegas tournament.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Rodeo
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The Austin Gamblers have secured a coveted top-three seed for the upcoming PBR Teams Championship after a narrow win against the Oklahoma Wildcatters. The victory grants the local team a crucial first-round bye in the tournament.
Why it matters
The high-stakes win in Kansas City shifts the Gamblers' path to the title, providing a direct route through the championship bracket. As the team finishes a strong 21-13 regular season, the focus now turns to the post-season in Las Vegas.
The Gamblers finished the regular season with a 21-13 record, earning their top-three seed after a 90.55 to 89.10 victory. Star rider Jose Vitor Leme also reached a career milestone of 95 rides scoring at least 90 points, surpassing the previous record of 94.
The players
Austin Gamblers
The professional bull riding team representing Austin in the PBR Teams league.
Jose Vitor Leme
A standout rider for the Austin Gamblers who recently set a new league record for career 90-point rides.
Oklahoma Wildcatters
The opposing bull riding team that faced the Gamblers in the recent match.
The details
The Gamblers locked in their bye by defeating the Oklahoma Wildcatters in Kansas City. A key component of the win was Jose Vitor Leme, who successfully rode the bull Moonlight Graham for 90.55 points. With this performance, Leme also captured his third career PBR Teams MVP award. The team now prepares to head to T-Mobile Arena for the championship event.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Austin Gamblers defeated the Oklahoma Wildcatters in Kansas City.
November 6-8, 2026: PBR Teams Championship in Las Vegas.
The Texas Context
Jose Vitor Leme surpassed the 94-ride career record set by Chris Shivers, a milestone that had stood for 14 years. This achievement cements a new standard in the league as the Gamblers head to the championship tournament.
Local fans now have a clear date to watch the Gamblers compete for the title in the postseason. The bye means the team skips the first round, significantly changing the viewing schedule for the championship weekend.
The takeaway
The Gamblers have secured a position that significantly improves their chances in the upcoming postseason. Supporters should keep an eye on the T-Mobile Arena schedule for the Nov. 6 start date to see how the team performs in the championship.
What happens next
The PBR Teams Championship is scheduled for Nov. 6-8, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Further reading
Follow the latest updates on our Rodeo page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KEYE.
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