Nick Tetz, the two-time Canadian bull riding champion (2022, 2024), made a strong return to competition Tuesday night at the Cody Snyder Charity Bullbustin' event at Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, finishing tied for third with an 86.9-point ride aboard Patiently Waiting of Skori Bucking Bulls.
Return to form after injury
The 26-year-old Calgarian, who grew up in the Haysboro neighbourhood, missed last year's event after winning three nights in 2024. His 2025 season was derailed by a broken left femur suffered on March 21, 2025, during a PBR Unleash The Best event in Palm Springs, California. He underwent surgery the same morning, with a rod inserted down his femur and screws in his knee and hip. Recovery took seven to eight months.
"That was a really good bull," Tetz said of his ride. "I was looking forward to getting on him."
Standings and competition
Tetz woke up on Canada Day atop the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Canada standings with 808.83 points, 251.33 ahead of Brazilian bull rider Gilmar Santana. Santana won Tuesday's go-round with an 88.3-point performance aboard Straw Bucks of S&M Bucking Bulls. It was his first nightly win at the event after previous unsuccessful attempts.
"I think right now, just with the way Gilmar's riding and a lot of guys behind me, I don't think any lead's safe," Tetz said. "He's been around. I think this is his third year up in Canada. For him, you're starting to see him get a little bit more comfortable."
Santana, speaking through translator Andre Portes, said: "He didn't do much good, so he said he would keep coming here until he wins. Definitely tonight that's a dream that came true, winning here. He always wanted to win this event."
Event and outlook
The Bullbustin' event continues through Saturday in the makeshift arena in the parking lot outside the Grey Eagle Event Centre. Santana noted the crowd was amazing and that he would keep doing his job. Tetz, focused on consistency, said: "Just kind of keep my head down right now and just keep riding my bulls and doing my job and letting everything happen where it is."
