AUSTIN — A local rodeo venue will serve as the proving ground for hopeful bull riders this weekend.
The Austin Gamblers, who compete in the groundbreaking Professional Bull Riders Teams’ league, in conjunction with the Taylor Rodeo Association, have announced “The Next Gambler,” a unique, PBR-sanctioned event where the winner can earn a Gamblers’ roster spot.
The event will take place Saturday, June 8, at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor.
Retired Navy SEAL, Michael Sarraille, has been named one of the four coaches, according to an Austin Gamblers press release.
“I am honored to be part of ‘The Next Gambler’ and to coach these talented riders,” Sarraille said. “Bull riding, much like military service, demands courage, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I look forward to sharing my experiences and helping their riders dig deep as they seek to achieve their full potential and earn a coveted spot on the Gamblers Team.”
The PBR Challenger Series event will feature 20 riders divided into four teams that will be coached by three current Austin Gambler riders, Dalton Kasel, Ezekiel Mitchell and Lucas Divino, and the fourth team coached by Sarraille with the help of current Gamblers head coach, Michael Gaffney.
The four teams will be decided by a draft before the event, with the current Gamblers’ roster recruiting riders to participate. They will then compete in a five-on-five tournament-style competition mirroring the PBR Teams format, with the winning team receiving prize package from the Gamblers and Taylor Rodeo Association.
“The Next Gambler will give a chance to aspiring professional bull riders who haven’t been widely seen or don’t get a chance to compete on one of the elite tours,” Gaffney said. “This is a great opportunity for young riders to showcase their talent, and also for our current Gamblers to pass along what they’ve learned.”
Following each team’s two matchups in the long round, the eight highest-ranked riders in the aggregate from their first two rides will advance to the championship round regardless of which team they are on. The eligible rider with the highest aggregate score after the championship round will earn a provisional spot on the Gamblers’ roster.
“We are very excited to partner up with the Austin Gamblers and their riders and team for this annual event in June,” said Taylor Rodeo Association President Tim Sims. “We know our contestants will be excited to vie for a chance at being the next Gambler.”
Tickets for the event are on sale and can be purchased at TaylorRodeo.org starting at $25 for adults and $10 for kids three and older.
Sarraille
