Red Deer Runner-Up Chanse Switzer to Focus on PBR Performance in 2024

AIRDRIE, Alta. – Chanse Switzer is looking toward making a run at the PBR Canada National Finals in 2024 and hopes to take home Rookie of the Year, building on his strong start to the season and his PBR Unleash The Beast (UTB) experience.

Making his first PBR appearance of the season last year in the final stretch of PBR Canada events in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the Hazenmore, Saskatchewan native showed up and showed out.

In Saskatoon, Switzer finished third, going 2-for-3 inside SaskTel Centre. Registering 86 points on Positively Banging, followed by an impressive 88-point trip on Time Marches On made Switzer reexamine his goals, resetting for the new year.

Traditionally a rider who aims at the rodeo side of the sport, he admits that the push for the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the stresses of watching standings and worrying about the earnings might have been a detriment to his performance.

“I was someone who worried about standings and how I am riding and things,” said Switzer. “I got to the end of the year and started lighting it up again. I think it was because I thought I was too far out to make the Finals. I went back to the basics and having fun riding bulls.”

“My season on the rodeo side was over, but the PBR season was still going, and I figured I would go to some of those. With the fall run I had, starting with Saskatoon. I never had PBR as a priority at first. It flipped a switch for me. Going out and doing my job but having fun seems to be working, I guess.”

Switzer says that like any bull rider, he has fought his head, but said this recent revelation has given him a broader appreciation for the sport.

And his focus on the PBR in 2024 will be his proving ground.

“I fought my head a lot on different stuff over the years, it’s a part of life and growing up. It all just comes back to why are you doing this. And for me it’s because I love the sport. I love riding bulls. I love the lifestyle, I love having friends and family around.”

“When you break it down to the basics, it gives you that bigger perspective,” Switzer continued. “Going to the PBR this year, I am just going out and having fun and it’s paying off for me.”

His successful Saskatoon earned him a berth to the two New York PBR Unleash The Beast events to begin this season’s campaign.

Despite missing the Albany tour stop, Switzer was able to make it to Madison Square Garden to kick off his 2024, matching up against two-time YTEI PBR World Champion Bull Ridin’ Solo for his first ever out on the premiere series.

The matchup didn’t go Switzer’s way, but he says he would get on that bull again in a heartbeat.

"I wasn’t letting anything get in my way for Madison Square Garden,” Switzer explained. “This is one big stepping stone I need to do for myself.  When that draw came out and saw what I had, I was a little nervous. Once I got there though, once I saw that bull in the back pens I figured, I am here. Go out there, give it your all. Make the most of it.”

“That bull (Ridin’ Solo) is all there, he means business. He just wants to buck you off and go on with his day, and you just want to ride him and go on with yours. He is a bull that a lot of riders don't get ridden, but he isn’t unrideable. He isn’t big and scary. I would pick him again and again. I would get on him as long as you're running him in for me.”

Starting his season in New York City was perfect for the cowboy, as he showed up to the first PBR Canada Cup Series event in Red Deer, Alberta ready to win. While he fell one position short, he parlayed his 2-for-2 performance into a second-place finish.

But that finish, at a Major which offered increased points, catapulted Switzer to No. 3 in the standings.

With a solid start to the season, Switzer says he is excited to focus on the PBR and push towards a shot at a title and the accompanying $100,000 bonus.

“That shot at $100,000 alone is incredible, let alone the money that can be made all year. It opens up so many opportunities for us bull riders. Shoot, you can do good at these events and make a real living at it. It is just as good as the PBR down south. Those guys make a full time living rodeoing. Look at Nick Tetz, who won the Championship a couple years ago, he went and bought a house.”

“It can set a guy up for your career, but winning these events gives you the chance to put the money away for a lifetime. If you are riding your bulls, you can make a living at it now.”

Next up for Switzer, along with the rest of the bulls and bull riders of PBR Canada is the annual stop in Lethbridge, Alberta. One of the most enthusiastic crowds of the entire season shows up to support the two-day event, and the riders look forward to that one as much as the fans.

“It’s packed, the crowd is into it, they love it in Lethbridge. They are there to see some bull rides and they show it. It’s electric,” Switzer said.

“It’s going to be an action-packed weekend. You don't want to miss it. The bulls will be bucking and the cowboys will be making 90-point rides. Y’all better grab a beer and get ready to party, it’s going to be a good.”