Luke Branquinho is a seventh generation California cowboy who came to be known as one of the best steer wrestlers of his generation with an iconic celebration.
His steer wrestling career started at the ripe age of 11 with help from family friend, John Black. Because of his size at the time, Branquinho honed in on the technical skills involved with steer wrestling. That would turn out to be one of the wisest decisions he ever could have made when it finally all came together.
No matter the steer, his skills at the fundamental level allowed Branquinho to set himself up for the career of a lifetime. His PRCA career began in 2000 with the Resistol Rookie of the Year and being just out of the Top 15 in the World.
Between 2004 and 2014, Branquinho claimed five Gold Buckles, three National Finals Rodeo Average titles and he holds the record at 25 NFR Go-Rounds, meaning the iconic Branquinho Booty Shake often made an appearance. Throughout his career, Branquinho added to his accolades with California Circuit and National Circuit titles and records for season earnings as well as NFR earnings records.
Towards the end of his career in the arena, Branquinho began making the shift to a career right outside of the arena when he picked up a microphone as a member of the broadcast team.
With so much accomplished, Branquinho has taken his place alongside rodeo’s best in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.