Fort Worth has a strong case for claiming to be the bull riding capital of the world, and that all started 25 years ago when Tuff Hedeman began a tradition at the Cowtown Coliseum in the historic stockyards that lives on today. The Fort Worth Tuff Hedeman Championship Challenge is known as an event that can make and break your career, and the buckle that comes with it is coveted by all who have earned it.

Twenty-four of bull riding's elite riders have previously stood in front of the chutes and talked to Hedeman about their night. Hedeman's signature event has always been known to bring in the best bulls to test the best riders, and this year's event on Saturday, April 8, will be no different.

While the city is called Cowtown because of its history as a center for the cattle and beef-processing industry, it also has been a fortress for pro bull riding. One contributing factor for Fort Worth's status as a major provider to the sport is its claim of being the first rodeo to feature bull riding in the listing of rodeo events. The other reason is Hedeman, and the four-time world champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer gives credit where credit is due.

"I always look forward to this event, the fans, the sponsors, and the whole Fort Worth community gets behind it and it's a great way to give back to the people of Fort Worth who have supported me during my career," said Hedeman, the ambassador and chute boss of Championship Bull Riding.

While taking a look back at the event's previous winners, Hedeman had this to say about the first five Tuff Hedeman Fort Worth Bull Riding champions, .

1993: Cody Lambert -- "Proving that long shots can win an event! Luckily drew probably the only bull in the championship round that he could ride."
1994: Clint Branger -- "The best bull rider I've ever seen who never won a world championship stuck it on Okeechobee Fats in the championship round."
1995: Gilbert Carrillo -- "Rode Wild Red Man in the championship round; the best ride I've ever saw him make!"
1996: Aaron Semas -- "Made a great ride on my favorite bull of all time, Palace Station aka Whiplash, in the championship round."
1997: Brian Herman -- "Known as 'PeeWee' to his friends, rode the great Terry Williams bull Promise Land."

Courtesy of CBRBull.com

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