Posted by By Heather Miner
Kaique Pacheco entered the Shootout Round of The American bull riding competition unsure if he even qualified for the record $2.1 million bonus after Jive Turkey put him in the dirt in 3.49 seconds. But that buck off time was just enough to give the Brazilian one more out, and he capitalized.
Pacheco’s final ride saw solid black bull County Jail leave the chute and immediately spin into his hand. The beast jumped and kicked but could not dislodge PBR’s 2015 Rookie of the Year and 2018 World Champion. After the buzzer, Pacheco dismounted deftly to his feet with a fist pump, making the ride look like a Sunday stroll through the park. County Jail and Pacheco together scored 89 points, edging out seven time PRCA world champ Sage Kimzey by just half a point.
The American’s unusual setup allows professionals and amateurs regardless of association membership to compete. Riders qualify through events around the country or by surviving several preliminary rounds of competition. Winners are crowned through a king-of-the-hill style format. Any qualifying athlete who competes through all early rounds and then wins their event takes the million dollar bonus, in addition to $100k in purse winnings.
In 2021, no competitor took home the bonus, rolling it over to 2022 and into Pacheco’s swollen bank account. Fellow Brazilian Dener Barbosa also had a chance at the bonus but was bucked out of the running by Juju. Already a millionaire with PBR earnings of $3.5 million, Kaique Pacheco now has purses totaling almost $5.7 million.
About the Author
Heather Miner is a freelance writer who loves to dabble in a variety of jobs and hobbies, but horses have been a mainstay since her first memories. Growing up, she participated in countless rodeos and parades as part of a specialty act drill team she later coached for over 20 years. Participating twice in the WNFR as part of the Snake River Stampeders Night Light Drill Team was a tremendous thrill and accomplishment.
Living in Southern Idaho with her husband, their daughter, and an ever-changing menagerie of critters offers daily adventures. The family loves camping and exploring outdoor opportunities in their area and afar. Heather also enjoys her attempts at gardening, learning to play guitar, volunteering for the local library (to get a line on the best books, of course!), yoga, sewing, mountain biking, fixing up their 100 year old farm house and refinishing furniture.
