02/16/2026
Walk-Off Magic: Cassio Dias Seals It Late in Steel City
PITTSBURGH — In front of a sold-out crowd at PPG Paints Arena, 2024 World Champion Cassio Dias delivered the kind of finish that turns an event into a moment.
With the final out of the night, Dias bested Freedom Fighter for a weekend-best 91.70 points, completing a flawless 3-for-3 performance to capture his first Unleash The Beast event win of the 2026 season. The walk-off ride capped a dramatic Championship Round and sent the Brazilian atop the shark cage, where he celebrated with his signature Lane Frost-inspired dance.
Dias opened the weekend with 89.20 points on Hoobastank, followed by 89.40 aboard Magic Touch to earn his first round win of the year and secure the top draft position for the short round. When the lights were brightest, he saved his best for last.
The victory netted Dias 154 UTB points, vaulting him to No. 7 in the world standings and firmly back into the title conversation.
Podium Performances
Leandro Zampollo finished second after going 3-for-3 himself. Zampollo held the event lead until Dias’ final ride, posting scores of 88.45 (Rockville) and 87.85 (Krispy Kreme) before closing with 88.40 on UTZ BesTex Smokestack. He earned 96.5 UTB points and climbed to No. 9 in the standings.
Alternate invite Luciano De Castro made a statement with a third-place finish. After an 86.95-point ride on Bullistic, he exploded for 90.95 points aboard Nobody in Round 3 — his first 90-point effort of the season. Castro earned 80 UTB points, improving to No. 21 overall and likely securing his spot on tour next weekend.
Rookie Kase Hitt impressed in his first UTB short round appearance, finishing fourth with a career-best result. The 21-year-old closed strong with 88.40 points on Eyes On Me, earning 52.5 points and rising to No. 37.
Rounding out the Top 5, Felipe Furlan posted a pair of big rides, including 90.05 points in the Championship Round, to collect 53 UTB points.
Bulls Bring the Fire
While the riders delivered, the bulls answered. Man Hater earned the event’s highest bull score at 46.05 points, launching Cort McFadden just 5.55 seconds into the matchup and further tightening the World Championship bull race.
Standings Shake-Up — At the Top, No Change
Despite leaving Pittsburgh without a qualified ride, John Crimber remains No. 1 in the UTB standings, holding a slim 22-point lead over Dalton Kasel, who also went 0-for on the weekend.
Meanwhile, Sage Steele Kimzey climbed to No. 4 in the world after a steady performance inside PPG Paints Arena.
The Unleash The Beast tour now shifts south to Progressive PBR Jacksonville at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Feb. 20-21, where momentum, redemption, and the world title race continue to build.
In Pittsburgh, though, it belonged to Cassio Dias — and he made sure no one left early.
Photos courtesy of Bull Stock Media
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