Ashton Sahli Earns Spot at PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Finals as Top Canadian

AIRDRIE, Alta. – Despite a strong third-place finish at the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour event in Eugene, Oregon, a couple of weeks ago, Red Deer County’s Ashton Sahli didn’t expect to qualify for the Velocity Tour Finals, scheduled for this weekend in Corpus Christi, Texas.

But after getting the call that he’d earned one of three international invites — awarded to the highest-ranked rider available from the 2024 Canadian standings — Sahli wasted no time booking his flights.

“I didn’t think I had a shot,” Sahli said.

Never one to complicate the sport, the Albertan is sticking to the same approach that has worked for him throughout his career.

“I’m going in with the same game plan I always have – show up and stay on whatever they run under me. I know it’s out of the cards to win the tour, but it’s definitely not out of reach to ride three, win the average, and pull a pretty big cheque. That’s the plan. Just show up and do my job the way I know I can,” Sahli added.

While this weekend's event will determine the 2025 PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Champion, it also serves as a qualifying route into the PBR World Finals, where the World Champion is crowned and millions of dollars in prize money are awarded.

As for his chances of advancing, Sahli said there are a couple of ways to earn a spot at the World Finals in Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas, the following weekend from May 8-18. But that isn’t top of mind for him.

“I’m not really thinking about it like that. You’ve still got to stick to your goals. At the end of the day, it’s just you versus the bull. But it’s a pretty cool opportunity to go down there.”

After quietly confirming his qualification, Sahli said the response from family, friends, and fans has been overwhelming.

“Being the only Canadian in the field means a lot. All the boys back home are watching, paying attention to how it goes because I’m the only one. That means the world to me. It makes you want to keep your hand shut a little tighter.”

As soon as the confirmation came through, Sahli also made sure to bring along two important people: his father, Jeff, and longtime supporter and friend Ty Prescott, a familiar face to PBR Canada fans.

“I’ve got a pretty important piece of home coming with me, too,” he said.

“My dad, Jeffrey, is coming down, and I bought a plane ticket for Mr. Tyler Prescott. He’s coming with me. That’s huge for me. I don’t really know anyone else down there, besides Chips [Callum Miller]. I’m really excited to have Prescott there—seems like I always try a little harder when he’s around.”

Asked why Prescott has such an impact, Sahli pointed to the bullfighter’s no-nonsense energy.

“He doesn’t complicate things. I’ve had Ty in my corner since I started getting on big bulls, when I was 15 or 16. If I had a big brother, Prescott would be it. He just keeps things simple: run your hand in, try your guts out, and be there when the whistle blows. He’s got that kind of presence—it brings the dog out in you, just having him around.”

When it comes to the bulls, Sahli won’t be overthinking any supposed difference between Canadian and American stock.

“At the end of the day, bull riding mechanics don’t change, no matter where you are or what the bulls are doing. I try not to overthink the difference between the bulls down there and the ones we have up here. You just adapt and do your thing,” he said.

“There is a difference though. But really, it comes down to numbers. They’ve got 100,000 bulls to pick from for the big shows, and we might have 30,000. The availability down there is crazy. You drive through Texas or Oklahoma, and you can throw a rock from the highway and hit a pen full of bucking bulls. They’re just everywhere.”

A PBR Canada event winner and PBR Canada National Finals qualifier, Sahli says what makes this Velocity Tour Finals berth so special is being able to share it with those who’ve been there since day one.

“My mom and dad are my biggest supporters. My dad rode bulls, they’ve produced events, they know the ins and outs. So it’s really cool to have him come with me—to bring a little piece of home along for the ride.”