PBR’s legendary run through Decatur came to a close Saturday night with Afonso Quintino claiming the final buckle at the J.W. Hart PBR Challenge.
More than just a competition, this year’s event served as a tribute — to the fans, to the founders, and to Wise County’s cowboy culture that helped turn a grassroots idea into one of the Professional Bull Riders’ most unique stops.
Quintino said it was special to win this event and an honor to be the final champion.
“I have no words to describe this,” the Brazilian bull rider said through a translator. “My dream was always to ride among the great riders, the great talents — and to be winning today, it’s thanks to God and everyone with me and supporting me.”
His 87.5-point ride on I’m Legit Too in the championship round brought a familiar roar back to the Wise County Fairgrounds — one that hadn’t echoed through the arena since 2018.
Missouri native Maverick Smith, now living in Alvord, finished second, just 3.5 points back. Other finalists included Leonardo Lima, Braidy Randolph, Douglas Lino de Souza, Wallace Vieira de Oliveira, Rubens Barbosa and Jean Carlos Teodoro.
According to Messenger archives, the event got its start after PBR world champion and Hall of Famer J.W. Hart floated the idea of bringing bull riding to Decatur. To make it a reality, Andrew Rottner, Wendell Berry, Calvin Jackson, and the late Roy Young founded WC Challenger Charities.
“This place has been my second home for the last 20 years — it really has,” Hart said. “The guys we’ve done this with — Calvin, Wendell, Andrew, and Roy — their families are like my family. We’ve been here through it all.”
From the beginning, the event was built with a mission to give back — and it delivered.
As of press time, proceeds from the 2025 event were not yet available, but before Saturday, the J.W. Hart PBR Challenge had already raised nearly $1.2 million for Wise County nonprofits and helped fund 20 mortgage-free homes for veterans through the “1,000 Miles to Home” program.
Rottner credited the community’s unwavering support for the event’s long-running success.
“These things happened because of all of you,” Rottner told the crowd. “Your support, your sponsorships — no one hesitated when they saw what we were trying to do. And it meant everything.
“Whether it’s rain or shine, 120 degrees or freezing cold, you’ve always shown up. You’ve made this special, and they’ll never forget you.”
Thousands of fans packed the inaugural event in 2004, and the stands were full again for its final ride — one that had been in the making since 2018. The J.W. Hart Challenge quickly became a staple on the tour, earning three Venue of the Year awards and building a reputation top-tier competition packed into an intimate, authentic atmosphere, where the fans truly appreciated the craft on display.
In between the action, organizers paid tribute to the people who would be there and those who couldn’t, with riderless horses in their honor.
PBR Hall of Famer and longtime Decatur resident Paolo Crimber was there at the beginning. The Brazilian tied for first in the 2004 challenge, then won it outright in 2007. After moving to the area in 2005, he helped usher in a wave of Brazilian bull riders to relocate to Decatur while raising his family in town, including his son, John Crimber, one of the best bull riders in the world.
Crimber said he still remembers the early years vividly.
“It had the feel of a major event from the start — always top-tier bulls, always the top riders,” Crimber said. “Even though it was technically a Division II event, it felt like one of the best in the sport. And it really was.”
There had to be a last ride. And as Quintino held on for the final milliseconds to seal his victory Saturday night, it felt like Decatur was finally able to let go.
“It’s kind of sad, but you know what they say: all good things must come to an end,” Hart said. “And it’s just time… I hope you enjoyed it.”
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