Newly Minted U.S. Citizen Lucas Divino Delivers Storybook Win at PBR Space Cowboys Before 30,000 Fans

In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 30,000 fans at Falcon Stadium, Lucas Divino delivered a performance worthy of the history books.

The Brazilian-born bull rider, who recently became a United States citizen, led Team Star Command to victory at the 2026 PBR Space Cowboys, presented by the U.S. Space Force, during a star-studded celebration of America's 250th birthday.

When the championship was on the line, Divino came through in the clutch, riding Dirty South for 88.5 points to secure an 88.5-0 victory over Team Combat Forces.

Courtesy Of Bull Stock Media,

Divino's American Dream Comes Full Circle

The win carried extra meaning for Divino, whose journey from Brazil to the United States recently culminated in becoming an American citizen.

Moments after the victory, the Team Star Command captain reflected on the dream he set for himself when he first arrived in the U.S.

"When I got here, I had a goal. I wanted to become a citizen," Divino said during the FOX Nation broadcast. "I wanted to show the world that God is real. If you have a dream, chase it. But don't forget one thing: Put God in the center."

His heartfelt message resonated with the patriotic crowd gathered at the United States Air Force Academy.

Team Star Command Dominates Early

Star Command established itself as the team to beat from the opening round.

The squad went 5-for-10 and posted a round-leading 428.05 points behind qualified rides from:

• Kade Madsen — 88 points

• Bruno Carvalho — 86.1 points

• Alex Cerqueira — 85.8 points

• Leandro Zampollo — 85 points

• Bob Mitchell — 83.15 points

The strong performance made Star Command the first team to advance to the championship round.

Combat Forces Battles Into the Finals

Combat Forces earned its place in the title matchup thanks to a dramatic final-round surge.

Veteran rider Eduardo Aparecido delivered a walk-off re-ride score of 86.65 points aboard Whiplash during the final out of Round 1, helping his team claim the last championship berth.

The red-clad squad also received strong rides from:

• Elizmar Jeremias — 89.3 points

• Austin Richardson — 88.6 points

• Marco Rizzo — 88.15 points

Their combined efforts secured a showdown with Star Command for the championship.

One Ride Decides the Championship

The championship round featured a five-on-five battle between Star Command and Combat Forces.

When the dust settled, only one rider managed to cover his bull.

That rider was Lucas Divino.

His 88.5-point score aboard Dirty South stood as the lone qualified ride of the championship round and delivered the title to Star Command.

More Than Just Bull Riding

The Freedom 250 celebration showcased much more than elite bull riding.

Before the competition began, 33 cadets. 29 from the U.S. Air Force and four from the U.S. Space Force, took the oath of service, pledging their commitment to protect and serve the nation.

The event featured a $250,000 purse, custom military-themed team uniforms, patriotic tributes, fireworks, and a spectacular drone show honoring America's 250th birthday.

Tim McGraw Closes Out an Unforgettable Night

Following the championship presentation, country music superstar Tim McGraw took the stage for a post-event concert that brought an electric close to the evening.

But despite the fireworks, music, and celebration, the night belonged to Lucas Divino.

A newly minted American citizen.

A team captain with a vision.

And the cowboy who delivered when it mattered most.

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