With city skyscrapers and sidewalks as the backdrop, bulls and riders have stormed through the heart of Manhattan.

The world's top ten ranked professionals showed off their skills in front of hundreds of onlookers. It was the final competition before the 2010 Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough World Finals next week in Las Vegas where $1 million and the world title are up for grabs.

As the crowds cheered, the bull riders strapped on, and with one hand held on tight to the bucking bull.

After the competition, the world number two, JB Mauney from North Carolina, said Times Square is a big change from where he is from.

"You know, looking around at all these big buildings with stuff on them going off and all the lights and everything, and people and cabs, it's a little different," said Mauney.

During the event, a few protesters shouted and held signs accusing the riders of animal cruelty.

World number one, Austin Meier from Oklahoma, said the protesters have the wrong idea about the sport.

"There's always people that don't understand our sport or how we treat our animals and how precious they are to us. Most of these animals get treated better than most people's house dogs. They are truly pampered athletes because that's what they are, athletes. We couldn't do our sport without them, and hopefully through more opportunities to meet more of these people, they'd understand that more," said Meier.

After the event, some of the bull riders walked next door to ring the closing bell at the NASDAQ.