NORTH IS BATTING 1,000 FOR BFO

Renowned barrelman recognized in Vegas for protecting bullfighters

LAS VEGAS – Barrelman Andy North is the most respected man in Bullfighters Only, and that respect comes from the men he protects. 

“Andy is a man who has perfected his craft,” said Aaron Mercer, the 2019 BFO World Champion from Calgary, Alberta. “He reads cattle and reads the situation, and he’ll move when the bull makes the move to put a guy in a bad position. All of a sudden, he is there and saves your ass. 

“He’s a man with a purpose. When he speaks, you listen.” 

North is more than a man in a barrel, an enticing target for Spanish fighting bulls to hit. No, North is part bullfighter, part man in the can. He’s done both for years, and he can read the bulls as well as, if not better than, the men he’s there to protect. 

During the BFO’s year-end championship in Las Vegas, North took part in his 1,000th BFO bullfight, a milestone that may never be matched unless he’s the one who does it. It’s a telling tale about his passion for the game while seeing – and feeling – the action up close and personal. 

“I think it speaks so much for the BFO,” said North of Piedmont, Oklahoma. “I’ve fought 1,000 BFO fights, and I haven’t fought all of them. I think it’s awesome for Bullfighters Only and me personally for me to fight that many bulls for one organization

“I don’t know how many barrelmen could say they have 1,000 bullfights for their career, much less for one organization. To be asked to come to these events consistently is a good feeling because of the company you’re with, the men fighting bulls and their abilities. It’s a blessing to get to do it over and over.” 

It was only fitting that North’s 1,000th bout came with Weston Rutkowski in the arena at the Tropicana Las Vegas. Rutkowski won the first three BFO World Championships, and North has been in the barrel for a majority of his fights. 

“For North, that’s a milestone in his career,” said Rutkowski of Haskell, Texas. “For me, it was satisfying, something I’ll take with me for my entire career.”

He did it while donning North’s well-known orange jersey instead of Rutkowski’s typical colors. 

“Putting on orange was me saying, ‘Thank you,’ ” Rutkowski said. “It was me saying North has my respect and always will. I put away the green jersey, where it wasn’t about me, and put it more on a guy that does so much more than he gets credit for.” 

That’s just the way North handles his business. He understands freestyle bullfighting, and he’s thankful for its resurgence because of the BFO, showcasing the extreme sport in a way that is wrapped in beautiful production and provides an entertaining show for all who attend. 

“I love bullfighting,” he said. “I love what we do. I like to see those bulls and how each bull has his own personality, how they want to fight. I like to see these kids coming up through the ranks. I’ve gotten to see a lot of talent come through. When you see that, you realize you are part of something special.”

North is best known for making big-time saves when the bulls are taking it to the bullfighters. He uses handles attached to the inside to lift the barrel and then shuffles his feet to get in position. His speed inside of the barrel is unparalleled and his commitment to making the save often results in undesirable circumstances.

“I’m fortunate to be able to pull off some moves that a bullfighter does, but I’m doing it in a barrel with twice as many steps at half the speed,” North said. “It’s fun when you do it. When I’m watching a bullfight, I’m watching their technique, watching where the bull is. When those two things get out of line, it’s a pretty good indicator of when I need to move. That’s why those saves seem so big. 

“Have a helmet on has emboldened me. I feel like my head is protected, and I’m confident in my abilities and know where that barrel is going to end up. It’s a high-risk high-reward kind of thing.” 

The bullfighters appreciate it.

“Andy North’s job is as important as having a good bull for a high score,” Rutkowski said. “He can step in and change the way an injury can happen. You can slip, and North can make a few steps and take the bull away from you. 

“He can’t stop every wreck from happening, but without North in the arena, there’d be a lot more wrecks.” 

MOORMAN IS VICIOUS IN VEGAS

Texan tames Bull of the Year Sid Vicious to win Las Vegas Championship

LAS VEGAS – Manuel Costa’s Sid Vicious is the three-time Bullfighters Only Fighting Bull of the Year for a reason: He’s dominant. 

On Saturday afternoon, 19-year-old Chance Moorman of Lytle, Texas, mastered the beast for 89 points and walked away as the 2019 Las Vegas Champion.

“That was the most challenging fight I’ve had in my life,” said Moorman, who earned $20,000 for the title and pushed his 2019 BFO earnings to $55,750 to finish as the reserve world champion behind Canadian Aaron Mercer. “I knew that bull, so I knew what was coming. I knew I was fixing to win.

“This is a great feeling, and I’m on top of the world right now.” 

He should be. He earned the right to compete in Championship Saturday through the rigors of the 10-day BFO finale. He was one of four men who advanced out of the long round by winning his three-man bullfight, scoring 86.5 points. He was joined by Andres Gonzelez of Woodland, California; Beau Schueth of O’Neill, Nebraska; and Dylan Idleman of Madill, Oklahoma. 

All were strong in their opening-round bouts, but Moorman put on the most thrilling show. He started the fight by jumping Sid Vicious, but the brilliant Spanish fighting bull threw a few haymakers of his own. When he was knocked down, Moorman got back up and continued a strong bullfight, selling the bout with another jump that the crowd and judges loved. 

To master the bull of the year is one thing; to make two clean jumps over the infamous red bull is another. 

“I’ve been waiting on that match-up forever,” he said. “For it to be in Vegas for 89 points and to win the finals … this is a feeling I’ve never had before. To be 19 and be the reserve world champion is special. I’m only a year and a half into my career. I knew it was going to be hard for me to catch Mercer, so my mind was on winning Vegas. I accomplished what I set out to do.” 

Mercer actually clinched the world championship nine days before when he won the BFO Roughy Cup. With that, the bullfighter from Calgary, Alberta, earned a $50,000 bonus, which takes his 2019 earnings to $121,350 – he is just the second person to have ever earned more than $100,000 a year fighting bulls, following in the footsteps of Weston Rutkowski, who had done it the two previous years. 

“Mercer exploded onto the scene this year and put an unbelievable fight time after time all year,” Moorman said “He’s one of my best buddies, and I was so happy for him to win the world title.”

MERCER CLINCHED WORLD TITLE

Canadian claims BFO Roughy Cup to secure his bid for championship belt

LAS VEGAS – Aaron Mercer had a goal in mind when he arrived in Georgia for the Bullfighters Only Development Camp in April.

He accomplished it on the first day of the 10-day Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship, winning the prestigious BFO Roughy Cup and collecting $10,000. Mercer has now distanced himself from the field and can’t be caught in the Pendleton Whisky World Standings. 

“It’s just unfathomable,” said Mercer of Calgary, Alberta. “A year ago, I would have never expected to be in this dirt, much less holding this (Roughy) Cup in my hand. It’s surreal, but it’s become a reality.” 

He did it by having a spectacular 2019, setting a regular-season earnings record with $61,350. He was going to be hard to catch, but it changed from unlikely to impossible after Thursday’s performance at the Tropicana Las Vegas. 

“This morning started out good, because (Justin) Josey and I just talked bullfighting and came up with a plan for how we wanted this day to go,” Mercer said. “We just wanted to do good. We’ve been helping each other throughout the year. 

“Josey came out and put on a fight, and I was able to put on a fight after, then I was lucky enough to win it. I just kept my head about me heading into the short round. 

The competition was broken down into a long round featuring four brackets - the traveling partners were in the same round. Only the winner of each round advanced to the Hooey Championship Round. Josey posted 82.5 points to own the lead for a few minutes, before Mercer topped it with an event best 87-point bout. 

He was joined in the Hooey Championship Round by Dayton Spiel, Toby Inman and Beau Schueth. 

“It’s still Vegas, but in reality, it’s just another bull,” said Mercer, whose 85-point fight in the final round pushed him to the title. 

His final-round bull was a handful. At one point, the angry bovine became wrapped up in Mercer’s shorts and slammed him to the dirt. The Canadian regathered himself and finished off the fight much like he has all season. 

“I get hit and knocked down quite a bit, but you have to get up and just go for it,” he said. “I could barely see my first bull. I got knocked down and had sand in my eyes, and I couldn’t see anything but a black blob. You just have to trust yourself.” 

He has plenty of trust, and in one day, he clinched the Roughy Cup and the one-of-a-kind BFO Championship Belt, handcrafted by RB Buckles and Ride Hard Leather. 

“This is beyond words right now,” Mercer said. “I’ve never worked so hard for something in my life. It’s paying off. 

“I just want to be a role model for anyone else out there that wants to do this.” 

BFO Roughy Cup

Results

Round 1: 1. Dayton Spiel, 78 points; 2. Weston Rutkowski, 77.56; 3. Anthony Morse, 71. Round 2: 1. Dylan Idleman, 81 points; 2. Beau Schueth, 80.5; 3. Chance Moorman, 79.5 (Scheuth advances to final round because of an injury to Idleman). Round 3: 1. Toby Inman, 83 points; 2. Kris Furr, 82.5; 3. Tucker Lane, 81.5. Round 4: 1. Aaron Mercer, 87 points; 2.  Justin Josey, 82.5; 3. Dekevis Jordan, 74.5. Hooey Championship Round: 1. Aaron Mercer, 85 points; 2. Beau Schueth, 84.5; 3. Dayton Spiel, 76; 4. Toby Inman, 75.5.

ATHLETES PRIMED FOR BFO CHAMPIONSHIP

Battle for Bullfighters Only Championship to Culminate in Sin City

LAS VEGAS – For the past three years, Weston Rutkowski has been the figurehead that every man in Bullfighters Only has strived to unseat during the ten-day Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship. 

The target has shifted heading into this year’s grand-finale, which takes place Dec. 5-14 at the Tropicana Las Vegas. Aaron Mercer of Calgary, Alberta, leads the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings with $61,350 in 2019 earnings and carries a $23,000 plus lead over second-place Rutkowski.

“I am pumped - very excited,” said Mercer, who will be competing in Las Vegas for the first time. “I’ve got to bring my A game, perform as good, if not better, than I have all year.” 

He’s eyeing a one-of-a-kind Championship Belt that goes to the winner, handcrafted by RB Buckles and Ride Hard Leather. His performance has been spectacular since bursting onto the scene in April, and he has a chance to add to it at the Tropicana this December. 

“Mercer has been fighting lights out all year, and he’s drawn really good,” said Beau Scheuth, the No. 6 bullfighter in the standings from O’Neill, Nebraska. “He’s been able to stay healthy and go to all the events he wanted to. That’s a deadly combination. It’s not that he just went to them, but he did really good at all of them. 

“He’s been consistent all year, and that’s what you like to see. You want to go up against guys like that. That’s why I want to fight in the BFO.” 

Rutkowski knows he’s gone from the hunted to the hunter, and he’s OK with that. He knows the opportunities await him over the next few days in the Nevada desert. 

“Mercer’s had a great year, but because you had a great year doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a world title,” said Rutkowski of Haskell, Texas. “There are 10 days in Vegas, and it’s going to come down to what you do in Vegas. There’s a lot of money to be won. 

“I know as far as when it comes down to the last few events, usually the one who does the best at those will win the title. I’m going to try to fight my bulls and be fundamentally sound.”

That sounds easier than it is, though. In freestyle bullfighting, there are tremendous variables. The pressure is intense, and it intensifies with the fact that it is broadcast around the world on Facebook. Throw in some of the baddest bulls in the game, and anything can happen. 

Money is the name of the game and dollars equal championship points. The bullfighter who finishes the season with the most money will win the world title. That’s why Vegas is such a vital part to the race for the championship; over a hundred thousand dollars are up for grabs in Sin City. 

“This year was totally different for me because I got hurt in April and missed a few bullfights,” Scheuth said. “It’s a longshot for me to win the title, but there’s still a possibility.”

The year was vastly different for Rutkowski, who has been a dominant force in the BFO since its inception. Two years ago, he became the first freestyle bullfighter in the sport’s history to cross $100,000 in a single year, and he repeated that feat again last year. 

“I work hard, day in and day out, to be a world champion,” he said. “This is why I wake up every day and what I think about when I go to bed every night. I’m behind right now, but that’s just fueling my fire. I can’t wait to get to Vegas and see what happens.” 

ROUGHY CUP LIGHTS THE FUSE

Prestigious events sets up 10 days of BFO in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – Much has changed over the years since the Bullfighters Only’s inaugural Roughy Cup in 2015. 

It was, in essence, the first freestyle bullfighting competition in Las Vegas since the Wrangler Bullfight Tour concluded nearly two decades before.

“That’s what created the BFO, what brought us into the mainstream,” said Weston Rutkoswki, the reigning three-time BFO world champion from Haskell, Texas. “It will always hold a special place in my heart.” 

No athlete is more prepared for the fifth year of the Roughy Cup than Rutkowski. Set for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Tropicana Las Vegas, it will feature the top 12 bullfighters in the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings all battling for one last bump before the Las Vegas Championship officially commences.

It's also an opportunity for the athletes to test out the dirt in BFO’s specially developed arena which is housed giant tent on the northeast corner of the Tropicana Ave. and Las Vegas Blvd.

“One of the best feelings about competing in the Roughy Cup is that you’re among the top 12 in the world,” Haskell said. “That’s the goal at the end of the year, because it gives you a chance to compete for that world title.” 

He knows a thing or two (actually three) about the BFO’s top prize. The Las Vegas Championship is a 10-day event that features not only the top men in the regular season standings, but it also offers opportunities for 24 up-and-and comers who hope to make a name for themselves in freestyle bullfighting. 

After opening the championship event with the Roughy Cup, the two dozen qualifiers will battle through three days of head-to-head competition with the winners advancing to the Las Vegas Championship quarterfinals.There they will be matched with the top athletes in head-to-head bouts. 

All roads eventually lead to the Hooey Championship Round on the final Saturday, Dec. 10th, where the champion will be crowned. 

“The Roughy Cup is just the big event to kick off the championship,” said Beau Schueth, the defending Roughy Cup Champion from O’Neill, Nebraska. “Winning it means a lot, because it’s just the top guys going that will be part of it. If you can pull off a win, that really sets up your week and gives you a jump on trying to catch the guys in front of you on the standings.” 

That’s exactly what Scheuth did a year ago. After winning on the opening day of Sin City events, he parlayed a spectacular run through the rest of the year to finish second in the world standings. The Roughy Cup was just the first of several rugged tests he faced in the Nevada desert. 

“The Roughy Cup is a tough deal because of who’s competing,” he said. “You’re coming off three weeks of not going anywhere, you’ve had time off, and there’s a chance you could be rusty. You’re also going up against the best bulls in BFO. Everybody else is hungry. 

“Everybody’s laying it out on the line. It’s a lethal combination, because everybody knows how important it is.”

MERCER CLOSES REGULAR SEASON WITH TITLE

Canadian scores big in Fort Worth victory; Moorman wins Speedway Series

FORT WORTH, TX – The Speedway Series Finale at Texas Motor Speedway was the perfect synopsis to the 2019 Bullfighters Only regular season. 

There were some outstanding bouts by the top men in freestyle, but Aaron Mercer dominated the 12-man event and pocketed $5,000 in the process to extend his lead in the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings.

He posted the two highest-marked bullfights of the day to claim the championship, pushing his season earnings to $61,350.

“Winning 11 events this year makes a guy feel on top of the world,” said Mercer of Calgary, Alberta. “It stresses you out a little bit, because you feel like you’ve got to stay on top, but it feels good in the way it worked out.

“That was my favorite win of the year. It was two good, fundamental bullfights. I don’t think I could have asked for a better way to end the season. Winning one of those Speedway Series events is cool; just being part of a NASCAR atmosphere is awesome.”

He won his first-round set with an 89-point bullfight, upending Dayton Spiel and Chance Moorman in the process. In the Hooey Championship Round, he faced off with the other round winners: Beau Scheuth, Kris Furr and Weston Rutkowski, all of whom are among the top six in the standings.

“It turned out that I had the best calf in the long round,” Mercer said of an inexperienced, yet formidable foe from Penthouse Fighting Bulls. “I’m glad I drew him. I actually thought that fight was better than my short-round fight.”

It may have been, but the scores proved otherwise; Mercer dominated the final round of the regular season with a 91-point bout, three and a half points better than Furr’s 87.5.

“The fights were a blur, but that’s because they were all reactionary,” he said. “I think that’s the best way to fight a bull.”

His aggressive style has proven beneficial, and a big reason why he holds a lead of more than $20,000 over the runner-up, Rutkowski, the three-time world champion.

“I never thought winning that much money was possible,” Mercer said. “I figure it’s still a job, even as much as I love it. I look at it as a way to eat my next meal. If it weren’t for my winnings, I wouldn’t even be able to compete.”

While Mercer padded his standings lead, and ultimately finished as the Speedway Series champion, earning the first-ever BFO Checkered Flag. The series took place in conjunction with NASCAR races in Atlanta, Charlotte, Sparta, Kentucky, Bristol, Tennessee, and Fort Worth.

It was a photo finish with Chance Moorman who burst onto the BFO scene a little more than a year ago and finished the 2018 campaign in 11th place. He is sitting third as he prepares for the year-end championship, set for Dec. 5-14 at the Tropicana Las Vegas.

He has been a force, especially at the NASCAR events. While he has competed at many of the Bullfighters Only events across, he holds a special fondness for the Speedway Series.

“I just like the crowds at those events,” Moorman said. “They’re always into it. We are normally set up close to the track, so the people can stand up in the stadium and watch us. It’s an amazing feeling to look up and see that many people watching you.”

That was no different in Fort Worth.

“There were more people there than any other Speedway Series event I’ve been to,” Mercer said. “It was packed, and the crowd was wild.”

There’s little time to rest and recuperate, though. The world championship will be decided when the competition begins in a month in Las Vegas.

“From here until we get there, we’re just training and getting ready for Vegas,” he said. “Bullfighting is nothing but determination and willpower as far as I’m concerned. It’s not like any other sport.”

Speedway Series Finale

Texas Motor Speedway

Fort Worth

Nov. 3, 2019

Round 1: Beau Scheuth, 84 points; 2. Dylan Idleman, 75; Tucker Lane, no score. Round 2: 1. Kris Furr, 86 points; 2. Justin Josey, 81; 3. Dekevis Jordan, 79. Round 3: 1. Weston Rutkowski, 82 points; 2. (tie) Toby Inman and Zach Call, 81. Round 4: 1. Aaron Mercer, 89 points; 2. Dayton Spiel, 86; 3. Chance Moorman, 85. Hooey Championship Round: 1. Aaron Mercer, 91 points; 2. Kris Furr, 87.5; 3. Weston Rutkowski, 87; 4. Beau Scheuth, 86.5.

SPEEDWAY EVENT KEY FOR FURR

North Carolinian is looking to turn things around in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas – Kris Furr is a proven winner in Bullfighters Only, but he hasn’t kept up his end of the bargain as of late. 

“I think I’m trying too hard to win,” said Furr, the fifth-ranked man in the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings. “I have been watching (Aaron) Mercer light it up and watching Beau Schueth win about everything he’s gone to lately, and last week I definitely put too much pressure on myself instead of just being me.” 

He hopes to remedy that at the Speedway Series Finale, set for 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at Texas Motor Speedway near Fort Worth. He stands a good chance, since he’s excelled in the Speedway Series’ inaugural run with the BFO. 

“I’m just going to keep going at them,” said Furr of Hamptonville, North Carolina, now living in nearby Decatur, Texas. “I like the Speedway Series events. They are early in the day, so it’s easier to keep your mental focus. I wake up, fight a bull, make my moves, then go watch the race.” 

Texas marks the final event of the Bullfighters Only regular season and will feature BFO’s best battling for the checkered flag. The athletes are also using the event to position themselves for the season-ending championship, set for Dec. 5-14 at the Tropicana Las Vegas. 

All are chasing Canadian Aaron Mercer, who has led the standings for much of the season. He has a lead of nearly $20,000 over three-time world champion, Weston Rutkowski. Since the BFO was established, Rutkowski has been the man with the target on his back. Now he’s taking aim. 

“It’s new territory, except for 2016, when I was in a position where I was chasing,” said Rutkowski of Haskell, Texas, who also lives in Decatur. “It doesn’t change the aspect of the way Vegas pays out. It’s not a great feeling for me, because I’m a guy that wants to win every event I go to. 

“The good news is Vegas has a lot of money up for grabs, and it’s a situation I’ve been in heading to Vegas.” 

Like Furr, he plans to take a step back in time and refocus his energy as he closes out the regular season and sets his sights on the championship. He knows the next step is performing well before the crowd at Texas Motor Speedway. 

“This is going to be another event to take advantage of,” Rutkowski said. “It’s one I need to win and put on some good, fundamental bullfighting. I can’t worry about whether I beat this guy or beat that guy. It’s going back and putting in the time to prepare and producing the type of bullfight I can when I get into that arena.”

Just a week ago, most of the combatants in this weekend’s field were in northwestern Washington for the inaugural BFO Kent Cup. Upon returning home, they went back to the work of preparation because they understand the importance of having a sound mind and body is in the world of freestyle.

“The big thing is staying in shape and staying in the gym,” said Furr, one of several men who utilize the training opportunities at Fit N Wise Rehabilitation and Performance Center in Decatur. “I want to stay strong and stay fast, keep my cardio up and keep my footwork up. When you are in peak physical shape, then you can do anything.” 

He also is utilizing a focused regimen at home. 

“I want to stay zoned out and keep my mind totally on what I’m doing,” he said. “I’m only worried about what’s going on in my world. I stay in my lane and think to myself. I’m kind of selfish when it comes to fighting bulls; it’s about me, because it’s about the trust I have in myself.”

MERCER SHOWS NO MERCY

Canadian wins Kent Cup, extends lead in World Standings

KENT, Wash. – A few months ago, Aaron Mercer left everything he knew at home in Calgary, Alberta, and opted to chase his dreams in the world of professional freestyle bullfighting. 

“I’ve pretty much given my summer to Bullfighters Only,” said Mercer, who is making it pay off in a big way. He won his ninth event championship this past Saturday by claiming the inaugural BFO Kent Cup, adding $12,000 and pushing his season earnings to $56,350. 

He is firmly planted as the No. 1 man in the Pendleton Whisky World Standings and owns a lead of $19,620 over the second-place bullfighter, three-time world champion Weston Rutkowski. 

“This feels great, because I’m going into the finals sitting first,” Mercer said, referring to the 10-day, year-end finale set for Dec. 5-14 at the Tropicana Las Vegas. “The money at the finals is going to be big, so it’s going to be a dogfight in Vegas. You don’t want to take your foot off the throttle now. I’ve got a target on my back, but I’m ready to dodge bullets.”

He dodged several in Kent, which featured a field of 14 bullfighters, several of whom have played on the biggest stages in the game and a couple of up-and-comers who are out to make names for themselves. In fact, the Hooey Championship Round was highlighted by Mercer, veteran Beau Schueth along with two rookies, Anthony Morse and Austin Ashley.

The Canadian came away with the title after putting together an 88-point bout, just a point better than Scheuth, who collected $5,000 and moved up to sixth in the world standings. Ashley finished third with an 86, while Morse, of nearby Port Orchard, Washington, was unable to complete his final-round bout. 

“It was an awesome bullfight,” Scheuth said. “It was a pretty big venue, and for the first time being there, the crowd came out and was really into it. The bulls were phenomenal, and all the guys showed up and laid it all out on the line.

“You always want to win, but second-place is better than a lot of other things. The money counts toward the standings, so every little bit is important.” 

Mercer has had more than his fair share of victories this season, but he considered the title in Kent to be his biggest. It’s been a long way to the top for the Albertan who spends most of his time on the road.

“I’ve pretty much made my home at Justin Josey’s place and a hotel here or there. I’ve never spent this much time on the road, so it’s definitely a change. I’ve got a friend in damn near every state, so I’ve got a home wherever my friends are.

“No matter where I am, I try to find a gym. There are no excuses. If you want to work out to be on top, you’re going to do it. I’ve been driving this hard because I have a goal.” 

In the process, he has gained recognition and a growing support for his craft. Not since Greg Rumohr in the 1980s and ’90s has a Canadian made such a splash in freestyle bullfighting – Rumohr, from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, was a Wrangler Bullfight Tour legend who finished second on the tour three times. 

Mercer is carrying the Canadian flag in freestyle bullfighting along with another Albertan, BFO founder and CEO Aaron Ferguson. While the latter handles BFO’s business, Mercer is taking care of things inside the arena, and the Maple Leaf flags are flying high because of it. 

“I think I came along at the right time, and having Canada’s support is unreal,” he said. “I’ve got people from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the entire nation that are cheering me on. It’s pretty gnarly that they’ve got my back. 

“But I’ve got a ton of support down here, too. It’s not just Canada that’s got my back. Everybody that’s been supporting me is making me push that much harder.” 

BFO concludes its regular season with its Speedway Series Finale, set for 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. It is the final rung on the ladder leading toward Las Vegas in December. 

“Everybody in that bracket in Kent was tough to beat, so you had to let it all hang out,” Mercer said. “You’re not going to win a bullfight if you safety up. You have to have the mentality that I’m going to win no matter what. That means if you take a hooking in the first two seconds of the bullfight, you get back up and go back to it.

“This isn’t a little boy’s sport. This is Bullfighters Only.” 

LEGEND EXCITED FOR KENT CUP

Longtime bullfighter among promoters for this weekend’s BFO event

KENT, WA – When Danny Newman witnessed his first Bullfighters Only (BFO) event last year, he knew there was something special going on. 

“It was a super exciting show, and it made me want to fight bulls again,” said Newman, a legendary bullfighter from nearby Eatonville, Washington. “It made me want to get out in front of some of those fighting bulls. It brought a fire in me to do it again. 

“But there’s an expiration date. I’m 48, so the closest I could get was to put on an event.” 

Newman, his wife, Stephanie, and their business partner, Scott Jamison, have developed Ragdolled Promotions and are responsible for bringing the BFO Kent Cup to accesso ShoWare Center, set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

“It’s so cool to have that local connection,” said Aaron Ferguson, the founder and CEO of BFO. “They are truly passionate about the sport. When the idea for this event came up, we knew it would be a success because of their involvement with the local community.”

“Dangerous” Danny Newman has stepped in front of thousands of bulls in his lifetime. He began his rodeo career nearly three decades ago and quickly jumped into the exciting world of freestyle bullfighting through the original Wrangler Bullfight Tour in the early 1990’s. Still, he holds a deep respect for what today’s athletes are bringing to the BFO. 

“They’ve proven themselves, because there are some big, wicked, scary bulls in the BFO, and the guys are still going at them,” he said. “Being a bullfighter, promoting this event is exciting, and I’m really stoked about it. 

“Each wave of new bullfighters that come through elevates the sport. The evolution has changed quite a bit. It went from just making rounds with a bull and having a trick at the end to where you have to have tricks all the way through it. You have to have a whole bag of tricks to win. That’s exciting to me. These guys have evolved the sport so much, and that’s great.” 

Newman was considered evolutionary while on the bullfight tour. He barely missed qualifying for the Wrangler Bullfight Tour finale at the National Finals Rodeo on several occasions. 

“Freestyle bullfighting has defined our marriage and life together” Steph Newman said. “We’ve been married for 25 years, and we raised our five kids rodeoing. Our first three kids went all over the country with us while he was competing in freestyle bullfighting.

“It’s always been a passion of mine. I love the BFO. We’ll fly around to the big Bullfighters Only events just to support them.” 

When the original version of the Wrangler Bullfight tour disbanded in 2000, Danny Newman was in his prime. He competed at the three to four events a year until sustaining a badly broken leg at California Rodeo Salinas in 2008. Since then he’s opted to stick with cowboy protection, which he still performs at several major Professional Rodeos. That’s another reason he and his wife are excited to be part of this weekend’s festivities. 

“I’m looking forward to being able to having a hometown event and showing this to all my friends,” he said. “I want them to see what I’ve been doing all these years. I want them to see what has happened to this sport and what the future holds for it.” 

It’s been a process, Steph Newman said. The biggest part of their promotion is educating people in the Seattle/Tacoma region about the sport of freestyle bullfighting. She says that seeing the action live at the BFO Kent Cup will go a long way. 

“You’ve got to have good bulls and good bullfighters. I think the people that are coming can expect a lot of excitement. They are going to be amazed by the caliber of bulls and bullfighters.”

The Kent Cup is the second to last event of the BFO regular season, so this is a big stop for the contestants working their way toward the year-end championship, set for Dec. 5-14 at Tropicana Las Vegas. The roster includes three-time world champion, Weston Rutkowski; BFO number-one Aaron Mercer; and Port Orchard’s own, Anthony Morse battling for $25,000 in prize money and the illustrious Kent Cup.

LOCAL TO FIGHT FOR KENT CUP TITLE

Port Orchard athlete to test his skills against BFO’s best

KENT, WA. – Ever since bursting onto the freestyle bullfighting this summer, Anthony Morse has been a force to be reckoned with. 

Now, he’s earned the opportunity to try and match talents against the world’s best at the accesso ShoWare Center during the BFO Kent Cup, set for this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (Oct. 26) 

“From the time I started bullfighting, I’ve seen the BFO and looked up to it,” said Morse, 20, of nearby Port Orchard, Washington. “It is the biggest freestyle bullfighting there is. It’s the whole magnitude of it. It means a lot.” 

It should. He has been a dominating events on the United States Bullfighting tour, a BFO affiliate created to support the sport’s growth at a grassroots level. Now, he will face the top contestants in the BFO, freestyle bullfighting’s premier organization. 

Morse sits No. 1 in the USBF Standings, and thanks to their partnership with BFO, his points count for 20th place in the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings. Not bad for someone who started fighting just 21 months ago. 

“I went to a (BFO) Development Camp last November (in Decatur, Texas), and that was really the start of it,” he said. “I reached out to a guy that takes bulls to some BFO events, and I got some calves from him. Now I have a herd to practice on. 

“I’ll do anything I can to get myself in front of bulls.” 

He rode bulls through much of his youth but, like many, his interest in riding faded. When the opportunity to step in as a relief bullfighter called, he quickly fell in love with the new thrill. 

“I actually get bored with protection bullfighting now; I like doing the freestyle,”

Morse said. “It’s you and the bull, and it’s head to head. You don’t have to worry about anybody else. Your sole job is just you and that bull. I love that.” 

Morse has a confident personality and knows the reputation he’s getting. He won the BFO Wrangler Bullfight Tour stop in Kennewick, Washington, two months ago, and he’s stayed focused on the task at hand. From watching video clips to practicing on live cattle at home, Morse has his eyes on the prize.

The field of Kent Cup contestants is filled with the top contenders chasing the world championship: the No. 1 man in the world, Aaron Mercer; three-time BFO champion Weston Rutkowski; and other top superstars like Kris Furr and Beau Scheuth. They are jockeying for position heading into the year-end championships, set for Dec. 4-15 at the Tropicana Las Vegas. 

“I’m excited to see what he’ll do,” said Andy North, the BFO’s barrelman. “You can be a hero at some of those smaller events, but these stand-alone bullfights separate the weak from the herd. When you have Weston Rutkowski, Aaron Mercer and Kris Furr and the lineup that’s going to be in Kent, I think he’s going to have to come with his A game.”

Morse has no qualms with that. He understands the game better than most newcomers.

“I never have a plan,” he said. “I can only do as much as the bull’s willing to give me. It’s just another bull and another bullfight.” 

Some of that confidence can be attributed to his participation in BFO’s developmental system, an initiative that has continued to evolve since the platforms inaugural season in 2015.  

“That’s the beauty of our sport and our Development Camps,” North said. “You can find these guys with hidden talent, and they can surprise you. These kids have to learn somewhere. 

“If we want the sport to last and keep pushing forward, developing young bullfighters is important.”

North has been in this business for a long time - first as a competitor himself before he got in the barrel to help protect the bullfighters. His experience helped him learn to read the animals and put himself in the best position to make a save, which is why the athletes consider him the best. 

“What I enjoy most is seeing the sport continue to grow,” he said. “It’s not just that it’s sustained, but it’s progressing. I’ve seen a bunch of bullfights and have watched how the sport has changed from making fundamental rounds with a bull to showing these acrobatic stunts. It’s turned into an art. When you see it done at a high level consistently, it’s hard to be part of anything different.

“I remember when if you won $1,500 at a bullfight, you were doing something. Now a guy can win that by finishing fourth, and that’s because of the BFO. It’s a pretty lucrative event for these guys. The more stand-alone events like Kent that we have is just evidence that the sport is popular and continues to gain popularity.” 

That’s just what young guns like Morse want to see. It offers a bright future. That’s why he appreciates his run through the D-Camps and USBF. 

“I would recommend to anybody that’s starting to fight bulls to go to as many of those events as possible,” Morse said. “It gives you the chance to go against bulls that aren’t out to kill you. It’s such a perfect, awesome thing they do.

“It makes things so much better for us newer guys and gives us a good chance to figure out what we’re doing before we step out with the big dogs.” 

BFO COMING TO NW WASHINGTON

America's most dangerous sport lands in Kent on Oct. 26

KENT, Wash. – The most extreme spectacle on dirt returns to Washington for the Bullfighters Only Kent Cup, set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the accesso ShoWare Center. 

This isn’t traditional bullfighting, and no, the bulls are not harmed. The American version of bullfighting was developed as a competition between rodeo clowns in the late 1970s. In 2019, the sport has evolved into a full fledged action sport with over 70 BFO tour stops this season alone.  

The BFO Kent Cup will feature the top ranked athletes in the sport. With points counting towards the Pendleton Whisky World Standings, the event can provide a major springboard to athletes as they head into the year-end Championship – December 4-15 at Tropicana Las Vegas. 

“With all the money on the line in Kent, everyone will bring their A-game,” claims the sport’s #1 ranked athlete, Aaron Mercer. “The world title is what matters, and winning the Kent Cup would be a big step towards that. I’m not taking my foot off the throttle.”

Scoring is based on a 100-point scale. Athletes can earn up to 50 points for how well they control the bull while maneuvering around, and often over-top of the charging animal. They can gain extra credit from the judges for adding unique style and degree of difficulty with tricks like frontflips and backflips. The fighting bull also contributes up to 50 points, gaining merit for his quickness, aggression and willingness to stay engaged with the bullfighter. 

BFO has been no stranger to Washington since reinvigorating the sport in 2015; the electrifying group has performed in places like the Tacoma Dome, Kennewick’s Toyota Center and at the rodeos in Bremerton, Ellensburg and Hermiston. Its innovative production means there is more to the popular show than just freestyle – the display of true courage and athleticism creates powerful live-theatrics which are enhanced by world-class lighting and effects. 

But regardless of the stage, one false step can result in catastrophe. It’s the measure of a man that will face any adversity and find a way through every step. 

“There’s no time-out in this sport and these fighting bulls don’t mess around. ” said three-time BFO Champion, Weston Rutkowski. “They’ve been bred for thousands of years for this task and they love to chase anything that gets close to them - and try to eliminate it.” 

That’s what draws the top bullfighters to the game. They understand the dangers before them, and they overcome any fear to test their skills and their fortitude inside the arena. 

Tickets may be purchased in advance at https://www.accessoshowarecenter.com or at the arena box office. 

SCHUETH PICKS UP ONE HOT WIN

Nebraskan steps up big to win BFO title in Waco, climbs standings

WACO, Texas – As the 2019 Bullfighters Only season rolls toward its championship event, Beau Scheuth is at the right place mentally and physically. 

The Nebraska man proved it on Sunday by winning One HOT Bullfight in conjunction with the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo in Waco, adding to his season earnings and securing his spot among the top twelve men heading into the BFO Championship at Tropicana Las Vegas in December. 

“This was pretty crucial for me,” said Schueth, who missed two months of competition because of an injury suffered in the spring in Ada, Oklahoma. “I wasn’t able to go to as many bullfights, so these last few big events at the end of the year help solidify my spot and creep closer to the top three or four guys. I want to keep moving up and get within striking distance of a world title.” 

Schueth was back to his consistent ways in Waco, winning his opening. One HOT Bullfight featured 9 athletes competing in 3-man brackets, the winners advancing to the Hooey Championship Round. Schueth eliminated three-time world champion Weston Rutkowski and Dayton Spiel by posting the highest-marked fight of the day, an 88-point bout against a 1,300 lb. paint bull named Padre from Penthouse Fighting Bulls.

“I was the third guy out in our round, and both Dayton and Weston had really good fights with really good bulls,” said Schueth, who sits seventh in the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings. “I knew as long as I didn’t get caught (by the bull) and stayed away from the fence, I’d have a pretty good shot.” 

He was joined in the final round by Aaron Mercer and Dekevis Jordan, the latter of whom finished second in his bout but advanced due to an injury to the winner, Chance Moorman. Mercer is a newcomer to the BFO in 2019, but he has taken to freestyle bullfighting quickly. He sits No. 1 in the standings with $40,850 - a $4,370 lead over the runner-up, Weston Rutkowski. 

“The crowd was unreal,” Mercer said. “It was one of the biggest crowds that I’ve ever seen. It was packed, and the athletes showed up. It’s getting close to the end of the year, so we’re down to the final couple events to see who’s in the top. Everybody is bringing their A game.

“It was a good bullfight.” 

It’s what fans of the BFO have come to expect, especially the stand-alone events that showcase the top men and the elite Spanish fighting bulls that make it a dangerous clash in the dirt. There are just three more events remaining in the regular season, including a Wrangler Bullfight Tour stop this coming weekend in Arcadia, Florida. 

The final two will be stand-alone events: the BFO Kent Cup in Seattle,

Washington, on Oct. 26 and the Speedway Series Finale at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas.  

“These are classic stand-alone events, and they’re big for us,” Schueth said. “In Waco, every round was tough. Everybody had a shot. It just came down to how your bull was and how you handled him; that’s the way it should be.” 

Schueth did more than just handle his short-round bull; he also gained a bit of retribution. 

“That was the bull that laid me up in Ada,” he said. “’I knew it was going to be a good fight. I wanted to get some revenge for him knocking me out of competition for two months. I was happy to be matched up with him, because he was a pretty good bull.” 

Scheuth finished with 87 points, just a half point better than Mercer in the Final Round.

“I want everybody to be 90,” Mercer said. “You always have that competitive factor that you want to win, but Beau turned it on and made a good fight. I want all the guys to fight their bull and put on a good show. 

“Do your best and cheer for your boys. These people are a big part of why I’m here. I wouldn’t have the drive to be a world champion without them. I’ve never worked harder in my life. I’m committing myself to work out every day, whether it’s a run down the road or three hours at Fit N Wise. I have this drive, and it’s because of the people around me.” 

One HOT Bullfight

Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo

Round 1: 1. Aaron Mercer, 86.5 points; 2. Kris Furr, 81; Zach Call, 80.5.

Round 2: 1. Beau Schueth, 88 points; 2. Weston Rutkowski, 84.5; 3. Dayton Spiel, 82.

Round 3: 1. Chance Moorman, 82.5 points; 2. Dekevis Jordan, 79.5; 3. Justin Josey, 77.

Hooey Championship Round: 1. Beau Schueth, 87; Aaron Mercer, 86.5; Dekevis Jordan, 84. 

ADDING FUEL TO SCHUETH'S FIRE

Nebraskan earns pair of BFO victories to move up standings

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Traveling seems to get the better of veteran bullfighter Beau Schueth, but he didn’t show it last weekend. He came away with a lot of miles and a couple championships under his belt, and he’s thankful for the opportunities that had arisen. That’s what he loves about being a freestyle bullfighter. 

“I feel really good,” said Schueth, who won the Bullfighters Only Wrangler Bullfight Tour stop in Ellensburg, Washington, last Friday, then followed it up with a victory at the BFO Pepe Aguilar Tour stop in Anaheim, California. “I got through the summer with some bumps and bruises, but I feel really good about having a couple weeks off. 

“I’m going to get back to the gym and work out to get my cardio back up a little more so when the stand-alone events come along, hopefully I can set myself up to be in good position going into Las Vegas.” 

The Nevada desert is home to the BFO Las Vegas Championship at the Tropicana, the grand finale that takes place over 10-days in December. Only the top 12 men in the standings earn automatic byes into the tournament, and Scheuth has been there since the BFO’s inception. 

His victories over the weekend move him closer to that status in 2019. After suffering an injury in April that sidelined him, Scheuth has returned to the game as strong as ever. The first step over the weekend was to win title in Ellensburg. 

After watching Ryker Fenstermaker and Miles Barry struggle through their bouts, Schueth had a good idea of what he needed to do to come out victorious. 

“I knew that as long as I could have a good, solid fight and keep my bull engaged for the whole 40 seconds, I would have a good chance of winning,” he said. “With those bulls, they were a little tougher to fight. You’ve got to make more rounds and be the aggressor in that kind of fight. 

“These bulls had never been fought like that before. I knew they’d come out spinning, and I knew if I could get his attention as soon as possible, I’d have a better chance.” 

It worked, and so did a more traditional bout two days later at the Honda Center in Anaheim, where he faced down local favorite Andrés Gonzalez in a mano-a-mano competition. 

“It was definitely different, but it was a cool change of pace for me,” said Scheuth, who moved up to No. 7 in the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings.

“Everything was done in Spanish; I couldn’t understand them because I didn’t pay enough attention in high school Spanish. The crowd is packed out, and they go crazy for it. It’s a similar atmosphere to the big events we do, but it has its own little flavor. 

“It was a great opportunity, because you get to see a full concert. It was definitely a cool experience.” 

Gonzalez has had profound success in the Pepe Aguilar Tour, and it’s quite fitting since an overwhelming percentage of the fans are of Mexican heritage. 

“It’s always a good time when I’m in California and able to go to those Pepe deals,” said Gonzalez, who sits fourth in the world standings. “It’s all like home to me. We had two good bullfights, but Beau had a little bit more of a bull. That’s all part of bullfighting. 

“Those shows are always incredible, always sold out. Me being on the Mexican side, they give me so much support.” 

ODER RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

Californian on the mend after sustaining serious head trauma 

Bristol, Tenn. - Colt Oder is back on his feet after a scary incident during the Bullfighters Only Speedway Series event at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday. 

The Californian was life-flighted to local hospital where he was sedated for approximately 36 hours to allow him rest and reduce swelling. 

On Monday at around 4:30 am, Oder began to come to and slowly regained conciseness throughout that morning. He is now wide awake and has since been released from hospital with a positive outlook from doctors. 

Oder will be sidelined from competition indefinitely. Colt Oder is back on his feet after a scary incident during the Bullfighters Only Speedway Series event at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday. 

Via Colt Oder:

HARP EARNS 2ND SALINAS TITLE

Oklahoma bullfighter wins two rounds, places in two to win BFO event

SALINAS, Calif. – A lifetime of freestyle bullfighting dreams is now a reality for Nathan Harp. 

Last week, he returned to the Monterey Bay area to compete at one of the most prestigious events in the game, the Bullfighters Only Wrangler Bullfight Tour stop at California Rodeo Salinas. 

After the final round on Sunday, July 21, Harp had earned the victory for the second time in his career and quickly moved up the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings. He now occupies 13th place with just shy of $7,400 in earnings. 

“It’s pretty surreal,” said Harp of Tuttle, Oklahoma. “As a young bullfighter, there were three big bullfights before the BFO came along: Ada (Oklahoma), Salinas and Denver. It was a dream to go out to California to compete. To win it once, let alone twice, is a dream come true.” 

Salinas is a different animal in the world of bullfighting. Six men compete in four rounds, with payouts being distributed each night. The biggest checks are given to the top scores in the four-fight aggregate. By finishing with a cumulative score of 331.5 points, Harp earned the title. 

But he was dominant; he won the second and fourth rounds, was runner-up on the opening night and finished third in Round 3. His total score was five and a half points better than the No. 2 man in Salinas, Nebraskan Beau Schueth. 

“I’ve either finished first or second the last four times I’ve competed there, winning by a point or two or losing by a point or two,” Harp said. “It’s one of the toughest bullfights in the game. It’s four rounds, and it’s based off an aggregate score. Every bull counts, and every point counts.

“Going into Salinas, my goal was to be consistent, fight bulls like I know how to fight and just let the points fall where they fall. I can’t control what the other guys do. All I can control is my mindset. That’s the best I’ve ever done, and thankfully I drew well. I drew the best of anybody there as far as the bulls go.”

That’s big, but so is the passion with which Harp takes care of business. In this dangerous game, and focus is always the key. 

“Nothing matters when it’s just you and the bull – not the crowd or what you did the night before,” he said. “What I do is a gift that sometimes I take for granted. When I’m at my best, I’m just enjoying it.” 

RESULTS

1. Nathan Harp, 331.5 on four fights; 2. Beau Schueth, 326; 3. Weston Rutkowski, 319      SEE FULL RESULTS

SASQUATCH WINS AMONG SEQUOIAS

Gonzalez earns another BFO victory, this time in northern California

FORTUNA, Calif. – While his ancestors enjoyed bullfighting with a cape and an olè, Andrès “Sasquatch” Gonzalez loves what he’s able to do during the American version of freestyle bullfighting through Bullfighters Only. 

The proof has come often this season, with the latest version happening last Friday night at the BFO Sequoia Cup in Fortuna, California. In his first time competing among the Redwood trees and the rowdy fans that Fortuna is known for, he walked away as the event champion.

“This was a big win for me, because overall, I think it’s great having a California guy winning an event like this,” said Gonzalez, who pocketed $6,000 and carried a specially made wooden trophy back home to Woodland, California. “I feel like it’s one of the bigger events, and it was an awesome experience.” 

He was one of five men to advance to the Hooey Championship Round, where he posted 87.5 points to share the top score with newcomer Chance Pruitt.

Gonzalez earned the title through the tie-breaker by having a higher bullfighter score – the total points are based on a 100-point scale, with half the score coming from the animal and half from how well the man controlled the fight. 

The Californian earned the title by a mere half point. 

“You don’t see too many Hispanics on the rodeo side of things, especially in freestyle bullfighting,” he said. “This is the kind of show that I like to do. When anybody dedicates themselves, they can do whatever they want. 

“I feel like I was born to be a freestyle bullfighter, it’s in my blood. I thank God it was a gift He gave me.”  

It was also an experience for the whopping crowd in the northern California community of 12,000 people, but it’s something they’ve grown to love thanks in large part to the organizers. The BFO has been a big part of the celebration in Fortuna for three years. 

“For us to bring the BFO gang up here is a big deal for this part of the country,” said Shannon McWhorter, president of the Fortuna Rodeo Association. “They’ve stepped up their game every year, from the first year where we just set up some panels and threw some things together until now, where it’s a full-blown BFO event like you’d see in Las Vegas.

“We pack the people in here, and fans leave this thing saying they can’t wait until next year. These guys are just like us, and a lot of these guys are from rural backgrounds. They come in here and just make us look good. We’re just a group of 20 guys that put on a weeklong festival, and the biggest part of the festival is the BFO.” 

That’s saying something in just three short years, but it’s become a trend with the rapidly growing BFO, which got its start in 2015 and had its first full season a year later. It’s now the most extreme sport in the country, with all the prestige and production necessary to help draw fans to the dangerous game of chance. 

Evidence of that came in the final round when the two-time bull of the year, Manuel Costa’s Sid Vicious, was matched with the Calgary, Alberta’s Aaron Mercer, the No. 2 man in the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings. As the bullfighter started his bout with his patented “Mercy Roll,” Sid Vicious added a bump and caused him to over rotate. 

Mercer righted himself, only to be thrown high into the air just six seconds into the bout. In all, Mercer was knocked around at least eight times, with Sid Vicious ripping off his jersey and protective vest in the process. But the Canadian finished the bout. 

“I went into that fight with a different mindset,” he said. “I wasn’t as worked up as I normally would have been. I heard I had Sid Vicious in the short round. You hear that name, and you’re going to get a little more nervous. I’m just glad I was able to finish the fight. 

“The crowd was massive, and the stands were full and people were standing around. They crave bullfighting there. People love it in Fortuna, and we love putting on a show for them. I think that’s what makes Fortuna one of our better events.” 

Pruitt was competing at just his second BFO event, just a few weeks removed from the Southern Classic in Gainesville, Georgia. He quickly realized there was a different energy in the stands among the giant Redwoods. 

“It was a really cool setting,” said Pruitt, 18, of Jasper, Arkansas. “For us to drive there was awesome, to see the Redwoods and then to get there and see the arena. The backside was pretty far up, and it was full of people. The crowd was really into it.” 

His second-place finish also proved why the BFO invited him to compete amongst the top athletes in the freestyle bullfighting game. Not only are the top bullfighters in the BFO, but so are the rising stars and there are still plenty of opportunities ahead to earn a bid for the Las Vegas Championships, set for December 5th-14th at the Tropicana Las Vegas. 

“With this win, I think I moved to No. 5 in the world,” Gonzalez said. “I’m going for the No. 1 spot, and hopefully I can work my way to be the world champ. For me being the only Hispanic on tour, it means a lot to me to do well. 

“Being able to be part of the BFO is the  biggest thing for my career. These were my idols, and now being able to compete against these guys is a dream come true. This is a goal of my life. Last  year, I was in two events, and I won them both, and now I’m being part of the whole tour is incredible for me.”    SEE FULL RESULTS

CALI TAKES CALGARY

Oder sweeps competition with dominant performance  

Hype man: an individual whose job is to grow the audience’s excitement before a headliner takes the stage.

Brinson James "The Entertainer" had the sold out crowd on their feet during “Bulls After Dark”, one of the most hyped events of the 2019 Calgary Stampede. It was everything it was amped up to be and the headliner was 22-year-old Colt Oder.

The unique spectacle featured light shows, fire and even a DJ spinning EDM beats, but a 91 point fight from the colourful California native topped it all.

“It was electric. I had a whole section cheering with me right before my fight and that’s something you can’t buy.”

It was the perfect night for Oder to bust his signature move “the barrel” on the roan bull Leap Frog from Hamsher Fighting Bulls.

He compares it to a surfer being on the inside of the barrel of a wave; he gets as close to the bull as possible and then plants both feet, sucks backwards and runs his hands along the bull’s opposite side.

“I like to dress it up a little bit and style it. Keep him close.” 

Oder’s smooth style contrasted perfectly with the energetic crowd. He also scored  the “W” on Friday night with 86.5 points and followed with a perfect encore on Saturday night. 

“Calgary is crazy. I’ve been to quite a few different productions but this one makes your hair stand up on end. They do a great job.”