PBR Canada's Fall Run is On, and Brett Gardiner Is Calling Every Second

AIRDRIE, Alta. – The summer campaign of events for PBR Canada has been non-stop. From Cup Series events like Kelowna, British Columbia, to Touring Pro Division stops across Alberta, riders and fans alike have followed the trail across the West.

Now, as the dust of summer settles, the sport’s fall push begins, and few have had a better view of the journey than the voice of Canada’s PBR division, Brett Gardiner.

Gardiner has announced every major moment of the current PBR Canada Cup Series, dating back to its inception in 2016. His voice has become synonymous with the sport in this country. And as the series enters another crucial season finish, Gardiner remains energized by its evolution.

“It is just the continued growth for me,” Gardiner said. “It is always trending in the appropriate direction. And I think it arriving at Rogers Place in Edmonton for our National Finals is something special. To see it be so successful in that building, I always use the expression, it's like it's the most celebrated professional sports venue in the world. Maybe it's a stretch, but it's certainly one of them.”

The move to Rogers Place has been symbolic of how far the sport has come in Canada. Each year, the PBR Canada National Finals attracts more fans, more energy, and more recognition.

“To see the PBR Canada National Finals be successful there and then continue to gain more people every year—from a product standpoint, the proof’s in the pudding.”

Though the Cup Series took its current form in 2016, Gardiner reflects on how the foundation for success was laid even earlier.

“When it started, and we went out in 2011 and 2012, it kind of was doing something,” Gardiner explained. “But yeah, now that it's stuck since 2016, I think that's pretty impressive.”

What stands out most from the last decade? For Gardiner, it’s not a single moment, but the culmination of each season.

“What's even more impressive is just the magnitude of moments we've got to be a part of,” he said. “I comes down to those final Saturday nights inside Rogers Place —the declaration of a national champion. Those nights are amazing.”

There are, of course, moments that do stand out: Dakota Buttar riding 11 bulls in a row across 2018 and 2019. Nick Tetz taking command of the National Finals in 2024. Big-time performances that shape Canadian bull riding history.

A huge part of that success, Gardiner notes, comes from behind the scenes. The PBR Canada production crew has largely remained intact for years—and that consistency shows.

“It starts with all the players being very good at what they do — arguably the very best in their own respective lanes, from music directors to entertainers,” he said. “I mean, there's nobody better in the world than Brinson James at what he does. From Pete [Gebraad] and Tiff [Beaton], to all those folks working on this year, everybody is the best in the role they play.”

But it’s more than talent. It’s about shared commitment.

“Very seldom do we ever see a group that all equivocally cares as much as they do,” Gardiner said. “Everyone on that team cares every time, regardless of where we are. Nobody ever phones it in. And if we do, I think there's someone there to hold us accountable. That’s what’s most impressive to me, everybody gives a shit.”

While each event brings something unique, Gardiner has a soft spot for Lethbridge, Alberta, one of the longest-standing PBR events in the country.

“It’s one that’s best stood the test of time. If Lethbridge was the son, it was the one that started the family,” he laughed. “It’s been on the schedule for decades. It went from a season-starting Touring Pro event to a pillar of the PBR Canada Cup Series. It’s just that exciting kickoff moment, who’s there, how’s everyone doing, what’s going on?”

This year’s storyline has been full of twists. Injuries sidelined Champions like Tetz and Cody Coverchuk, tightening the standings and opening the door for emerging talent—and one rider with a shot at history.

“It did open that door a little bit,” Gardiner said. “We’ve been able to see new storylines—the Austin Paleys of the world, these Griffin Koesters of the world who’ve earned their shot to be there every week.”

Then there’s Buttar.

“I think it's an interesting race because Dakota Buttar can make history. It'll be really interesting to see, does he become the second-ever cowboy to win a third one?” Gardiner said. “Or do you have a guy like Jake Gardner, he’s done everything but hasn’t yet won the title.”

And don't count out the veterans.

“Jared Parsonage has won the Finals before, can he now take home the national title? Jordan Hansen’s got a real shot too,” Gardiner added. “It’s just going to be really interesting. Either someone joins elite company, or we get a brand-new champion.”

Before the final Cup Series push through Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, and Saskatoon, the final Touring Pro Division highlight lands in Armstrong, B.C.

“First of all, the fans in Armstrong are amazing. It’s one of the most exciting events we see all year,” Gardiner said. “It’s such a party out there. So fun to work. The crowd just gets fired up and cheers for everyone.”

And Armstrong marks the perfect transition point between summer rodeos and the fall PBR season.

“Now it’s about who’s healthy, who’s ready, who’s locked in,” he said. “I’m excited to see who shows up and looks ready to push for the next couple months.”

Gardiner has a simple message for anyone on the fence about buying a ticket.

“It’s the love child between George Strait and AC/DC,” he grinned. “It’s the most entertaining celebration of iconic western culture out there. And the best part? It’s for everyone, if you’re eight or 80, it’s all about those eight seconds.”