Professional Bull Riding Team the Austin Gamblers Open Operations in Brazil
Posted on 05/04/2023 by Bryce Bencivengo
The Austin Gamblers, one of the founding teams of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Team Series, has announced the opening of a new operation in Brazil. The team will travel to Brazil on a scouting and development mission, led by Brazilian native and bull riding legend Adriano Moraes, who has been named Director of Brazil Operations.
The Austin Gamblers are coming off a successful inaugural season, where they went 16-12 and became the league's first regular season champions. With the addition of Moraes to their team, they hope to continue that success in 2023. Moraes will provide coaching and instruction to the team's 12 riders throughout the 2023 campaign, helping them to elevate their skills and compete at their best.
The Gamblers' trip to Brazil will include a 3-day training camp at Moraes' ranch in Cachoeira Paulista, SP, followed by participation in the PBR Brazil Iron Cowboy event in Americana from June 16-18. Moraes' local base in Brazil will also help to elevate the professionalism of bull riding athletes in the country, ensuring they are ready to compete at their best in the United States without worrying about language barriers or adjusting to a new environment.
Moraes is a three-time PBR World Champion, having won titles in 1994, 2001, and 2006. He was the first Brazilian to win a PBR World Championship and is considered a legend of the sport. Moraes' wealth of knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the young riders of the Austin Gamblers, and he will be the team's eyes and ears in South America, searching for talented cowboys to join the team.
Overall, Brazilian riders have won the PBR World Championship 12 times in the organization's 30-year history, highlighting the country's deep connection to the sport. The Gamblers' move into Brazil is a recognition of this legacy and a testament to the team's commitment to finding and nurturing the best talent from around the world.Four of the current 2023 Austin Gamblers riders are Brazilian natives: Jose Vitor Leme, Lucas Divino, Ramon de Lima, and Adriano Salgado. Leme, in particular, has been very successful in his career and is currently ranked No. 2 in the world standings.
The 2023 PBR Team Series season, which consists of 11 events, will begin in late July, and the Gamblers will look to continue their success from their inaugural season.