Heading into the event, the bull rider from Kyogle in New South Wales led the PBR Australia Touring Pro division standings on 3855.5 points and his dominant victory at Kalkadoon Arena gave him a bit more breathing room ahead of the second-placed Lachlan Richardson, who finished behind Kennedy in Mount Isa with 248 points.

Nominating twice in the event, Kennedy rode six bulls during the two-night bull ride and secured victory after riding Wild Thing, the 2009 PBR Australia champion bucking bull of the year, for a score of 86.5 points after the chute gate flew open in the championship round.

After his victory, Kennedy said he was pleased to draw the fiery beast.

"I've been on him four times and have ridden him [for eight seconds] three times now," he said.

"He's my mate and he's won me some really good money."

PBR Australia organisers had promised Mount Isa residents two nights of action-packed entertainment and they certainly delivered, with the grandstand at Kalkadoon Arena swarming with approximately 1200 bull riding fans on Friday night, while about 1400 rugged up to watch 40 of Australia's best riders compete for the $10,000 prizemoney on offer during Saturday night's championship round.

18 of the 40 riders managed to dominate their bulls for eight seconds during round one of the competition, with Chris Lowe - currently third in the standings - leading the way following an 87.5-point ride on Arachnaphobia.

In a tight field, three riders - Kennedy, Jock Connolly and Jason Mara - shared second place with 86.5 points each.

Connolly sent the boistours crowd wild on the opening night after bursting out of the chute on the monsterous Big Brian and riding him for eight seconds to get the score which tied him in second place.

It was only the third time the 900-kilogram Charbray had been ridden on the PBR Australia circuit.

Mount Isa was represented in the arena by bull riders Will York and Mark Lamberth, with the latter bringing the crowd to its feet in raucous applause after scoring 84.5 points on Trigger in round one.

York was unfortunately unable to post an eight-second ride during the event as was Boulia favourite Grant Wells, while Julia Creek rider Harry Bridges (77 points on Sambuca) benefited from a local - and very vocal - fan base.

As the temperature plummeted, the action became red-hot on Saturday night as the top 10 riders pitted themselves against 10 of the wildest, most powerful bulls in the country in the championship round.

Of those in contention for the inaugural winner's belt buckle, only five managed to post scores, meaning the remaining five relied on their aggregate points.

Kennedy's 86.5 points was the best in the championship round, while Lowe (86 points on Jabbawockeez) and Richardson (85.5 points on Big Brian) thrilled the crowd.

Mara, who won the PBR Australia event at the 2012 Dirt n Dust Festival, scored 78 points for his ride on Evil Eyes and the Charters Towers-based Connolly was rewarded with 79 points for staying on the back of Dunn Deal.

The event was hailed a huge success by organisers and Mount Isa Show Society officials and Kennedy said the riders were impressed by the level of support shown by the crowd.

"It was great," he said enthusiastically.

"They'd be stupid not to have it here every year."

+?More PBR photos inside.