Bulls, buckles and bucking big dreams:
PBR Australia Townsville Grand Finals TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
Eight seconds, one ride, total glory or the dirt - this is the PBR Australia GRAND FINALS, held over a huge weekend across November 13 and 14 in Townsville and tickets are NOW ON SALE!
It’s the biggest event in Australian bull riding, where the best bull riders in Australia will buck it out for the most prestigious buckle in the country. IMAGES AND VISION HERE
Over two massive nights at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, the sport’s biggest names will go head-to-head in a high-adrenaline showdown of grit, glory, and guts, with fans urged to buy early, given the blistering form in which the season has opened!
The on-sale was celebrated this morning in Townsville by Mayor Nick Dametto and PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young, along with Lachy Richardson, seven-time PBR World Finals Qualifier, NSW Origin Coach and 2026 Livestock Director and Mitch James, part owner of 2025 PBR Australia Bucking Bull of the Year, The Warden.
PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young said, “Season 2026 has started in the hottest form yet, with Mount Isa’s Donnie Rutherfurd taking an early lead ahead of fellow Queenslander Zane Hall, and last year’s golden buckle winner, Mareeba’s Kurt Shephard.”
“With so many of our top riders back in excellent form, and younger riders stepping up to the chutes with confidence and skill, the golden buckle could be anyone’s, and Townsville is where the score is settled once and for all.”
“This year will see over a million dollars in posted prizemoney and bonuses awarded to cowboys, with 28 events across the 2026 season from as far north as Cairns right down the east coast to Adelaide. It’s going to be a hectic season from start to finish, which will see our regular road warriors back on tour as well as a number of internationals looking to come and participate, all chasing the Gold Buckle and $100,000 year-end bonus for the 2026 Australian Champion. This could potentially be the season where new records are broken.”
“Townsville never disappoints, the city comes alive with bull riding fever, the hotels fill and the excitement is palpable in the arena, and because of this, the bulls and the bull riders bring the spectacle!”
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said the PBR was a highlight of the annual Townsville events calendar. “Each year our city turns it on for the PBR weekend. Every budding young bull rider through to the most fanatical of fans line up to catch a glimpse at the world’s best bull riders bucking out for a chance to claim the number one spot on the PBR circuit,” Cr Dametto said.
“Townsville is proud to support events like this that complement our city’s identity, while reaffirming our position as the events capital of northern Australia. PBR and Townsville go together like Wrangler jeans and Ariat boots.
“The economic boost to our region is felt with this event. I’m looking forward to welcoming the bush to the city as supporters of the PBR roll in from across the North to enjoy the bull ride, wet the whistle in our bars, and fill our hotels.”
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme said the city was to host such an authentic North Queensland experience and showcase everything our region has to offer.
“The PBR Australia Grand Finals is not just a world-class sporting event – it’s a major economic driver for Townsville and North Queensland. With more than $4.5 million in economic impact last year alone, it proves how the right events deliver real returns for our city. PBR Australia offers an electric atmosphere and world-class entertainment. It’s always an event not to be missed, so we’re very excited to secure its return,” she said.
“Events like this reinforce Townsville’s reputation as the Events Capital of the North, and it comes in the same exciting period as Townsville will be rocking to Foo Fighters and Guns N’ Roses. ”
Tickets for the TOWNSVILLE GRAND FINALS on sale NOW at www.pbraustralia.com.au
National Standings (Top 15)
- Donnie Rutherfurd – Mount Isa, QLD
- Zane Hall – Athol, QLD
- Kurt Shephard – Mareeba, QLD
- Kelsey Pavlou – Toora, VIC
- Fraser Babbington – Gisborne, NZ
- Ethan Coster – Miriam Vale, QLD
- Macaulie Leather – Calliope, QLD
- Colby Edgar – Tamworth, NSW
- Thomas Triplett – Bungundarra, QLD
- Jake Swan - Mendooran, NSW
- Klay Ward – New Zealand
- Thomas Hudson – Dungog, NSW
- Rylee Ward – New Zealand
- Caiden Sandilands – Rockhampton, QLD
- Toby Leake – Dungog, NSW
ABOUT PBR AUSTRALIA
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is one of the fastest-growing sports properties in the world, with tours across the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. A subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings —which also owns UFC and WWE— has transformed bull riding into a premier international sport since its founding in 1992. The organisation features over 1,000 riders globally and hosts more than 200 events annually worldwide. In Australia, Professional Bull Riders Australia (PBRA) stages more than 20 events each year, attracting over 75,000 fans. PBRA showcases key events and tours such as the Monster Energy Tour, PBR Origin Series, and PBR Grand Finals, while also partnering with regional event organisers through the PBR Touring Pro Division. The organisation supports emerging talent through its Can-Am Junior Academy and serves as an international pathway to the United States circuit for both Junior and Open competition athletes. For more information, visit www.pbraustralia.com.au.
Contact details:
Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email [email protected]
