GALLUP – Lane Nobels left no doubt who ruled the 33rd annual Wild Thing Championship Bullriding.
After entering Saturday night’s championship round as the only qualified rider from Friday’s opening performance, the West Texas, cowboy added another qualified ride to become the first three-time champion in the event’s 33-year history.
Nobels covered Spur for a weekend-high 91 points after posting an 88-point ride on Boss Hass during Friday’s opening round. The combined effort earned him the championship and $14,036.
The two-day event drew 94 entries from across the Navajo Nation and the Southwest and featured stock from 4B Bucking Bulls, Owen Washburn and Flying S Bucking Bulls.
Burnham cowboy Guytin Tsosie came within one point of the championship, covering his bull for 90 points to finish second and collect $5,589. Tsosie, the 2022 Wild Thing champion, needed a 91 or better to overtake Nobels and claim his second title, which would have placed him among the event’s five two-time champions.
Jacob David of Flagstaff, Arizona, matched Nobels’ opening-night score with an 88-point ride to finish tied for third, earning $4,046.
Nine riders successfully covered their bulls during the final night of competition after Friday’s opening performance produced just one qualified ride. Among those reaching the pay window were brothers Trent Harrison and Jaden Harrison, who finished seventh and eighth, respectively.
Reigning New Mexico High School Bull Riding state champion Noah Gonzales came up short after a grueling night. After receiving two rerides, Gonzales climbed aboard for the final out of the night but was unable to complete the required 8-second ride, ending his bid for a payday as he heads to the National High School Finals Rodeo in Lincoln, Nebraska, which begins July 19.
With the victory, Nobels broke a tie shared by five riders who had each won the event twice. His championships in 2014, 2015 and 2026 make him the first three-time champion in the history of one of the Southwest’s premier open bull riding events.