Forty professional bull riders convened in the Capitol City for the Sacramento Classic last weekend at Arco Arena. After two days of intense competition, current reigning world champion J.B. Mauney took home the trophy and title.

Fans from all over the region stomped, clapped, yelled and screamed as their favorite riders or bulls took to the ring. For the first time ever on Friday, J.B. Mauney and Kody Lostroh competed in a one round $10,000 prize. Riding the bull Troubadour, Mauney rode for 8 seconds to capture the prize in front of a cheering audience.

Each rider rode once Friday and once Saturday. The top 15 cowboys with the highest combined score advanced to the third and final round. The rider with the highest average score after the third round won the prize. Going into the final round, riders were able to chose their bulls based on current point standings. Mauney chose to ride Troubadour again, repeating his luck from the night before.

The Professional Bull Riding Association prides itself on a total entertainment experience. Fans were treated to music, light shows, fireworks and impromptu comedy shows. No longer called Rodeo Clowns, a new breed roams the ring protecting riders. Called Bullfighters, these men put themselves between the bull and the fallen rider. Led by a man named "Flint" who danced and sung as he interacted with the audience. Homemade signs with "Flint's" name were everywhere, a testament to his popularity.

Unlike most sports, challenges are handled very differently by the PBR. If a rider's opinion of the ride differs with the judges (time, fouls, etc), they are given the chance to challenge their ride. Each challenge, if ruled against the rider, costs them $500. The money is donated to Rider Relief Fund, which is dedicated to helping riders and their families in tough times and after injuries.

Word of mouth spread rapidly throughout the valley after Friday's exciting show. Saturday was a soldout success even after more seats were opened on the top level with partial view. Fans in cowboy hats or baseball hats cheered wildly.

"I started coming because of her," said Mike Harmon pointing to his girlfriend Faith. "We have been here for the last 4 four years and love it. The action is incredible."

Families roamed the concourse looking for their seats. Children peered through every doorway watching the scene change.

"I like rodeos and bull riding," 11-year-old Ty Wilkinson said. "My favorite part are when the riders throw their hats in the air after a good ride."

After the competition was over, fans cleared out. In the parking lot, several groups gathered to compare pictures and talk about their favorite ride. Some just threw their hats in the air, the bull riding way to show you had a hell of a ride.