The Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor recently played host to professional bull riding’s version of American Idol. The Next Gambler competition was held Saturday, June 8, with 20 riders from around the world competing to earn a provisional spot on the Austin Gamblers star studded Professional Bull Riders roster.
At the end of a festive program featuring pyrotechnics, rodeo clowns and mutton bustin’, the Next Gambler was crowned. Tristen Hutchings, of Stephenville, by way of Blackfoot, Idaho, emerged as the top overall scorer allowing him to join a loaded Gambler roster which includes Jose Vitor Leme, Dalton Kasel, Lucas Divino and Rockdale’s own Ezekiel Mitchell.
“Everybody here at the Gamblers association greets you with a smile and a hug and a pick you up whenever you are down,” Hutchings said. “So, it means a lot to me not only that I get a chance to go into the PBR, but that I get to go in with a dominant team and a team with good financial backing, a Hall of Fame coach and a great GM.”
