Dakota Buttar is currently first place in the PBR Canada National Standings, but at the moment he has his eyes on the prize at the Calgary Stampede getting set to compete in Pool C of the bull riding competition in the "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth".
Back in June, Buttar grew his first-place lead with strong performances at both the PBR Ottawa Classic and PBR London Classic cup series events. After that was a short break from PBR competition for some other pro rodeo dates before a return to the Canadian circuit.
Related Stories:
- Buttar finishes second at PBR Ottawa Classic, maintains national lead
- Buttar back on top of PBR Canada standings after London Classic win
Now over the last two weeks, the Eatonia native has been to a few Touring Pro Division Events, earning a pair of recent top five finishes towards 60 points total and some nice pocket change.
Buttar finished third at the Cluny Charity PBR on June 26 for 22 points, didn't place in Ponoka at the Wild West PBR two days later, and then during five days at the Cody Snyder Charity Bull Bustin' event Buttar brought in 38 points total. Next up is the Stampede, as following Calgary the local PBR superstar will continue his Canadian series run, the next PBR Canada Cup Series event coming up July 17 in Kelowna.
We had Buttar join us in studio following his back-to-back appearances out east. He explained the difference between Cup events and Pro Touring Division dates, like the one coming up in Kindersley September 5-6, 2025.
Related Stories:
"Cup events have a lot more points... For example, in Ottawa and London, we call them our majors. They have the most points of any event through the year other than the finals, so those are ones you want to particularly do good at." said Buttar, moving to the Touring Pro Division. "Smaller events, see them in the smaller towns. A lot less points, but every point matters. You want to go to them all." he said, reiterating the fact that every point counts.
After the Stampede appearance Buttar and fellow PBR competitors will continue the race for first place, the next PBR Canada Cup Series event coming up July 17 in Kelowna.
The two-time national champion knows better than anyone that every point matters, sharing more on the race at the top of the PBR Canada standings.
"Me and Jake Gardner have been going back and forth since the start of the year." said Buttar, currently holding off Gardner by 166 points.
"It's a lot of fun, because when you are going neck-and-neck with someone like that you kind of feed off (it) and make each other ride better...Hopefully it continues for the full length of the year."
It'll be interesting to see the standings come September when some of the best PBR riders in the nation arrive in Kindersley. Taking over Inter Pipeline Arena for a two-day event, Buttar talked about any potential home-dirt advantage.
"It'll be nice not having to go anywhere. Get up, sleep in my own bed, come to the event," joked Buttar. "I'm excited. It's not too often you get to ride at home, so when you do it's exciting. Get to see all your friends and family, so I am looking forward to it."
Once again, the Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational is on for two days September 5-6 in Kindersley. Tickets are available exclusively at Kindersley Castle Building Centre, and you can learn more about the weekend and all the festivities in play through the related stories link below: