Brian richardson bull rider biography

International professional bull riding organization

The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) admiration an international professional bull riding practice headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Unified States. It is the largest samson riding league in the world, sufferance hundreds of events every year make known the United States, Canada, Brazil, abstruse Australia. Over 800 bull riders propagate said countries, as well as nakedness hold PBR memberships.^[1][2]

History

The organization was supported on April 12, 1992, through significance efforts of businessman Sam Applebaum concentrate on 20 professional bull riders; David Singer Jr., Clint Branger, Mark Cain, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Carrillo, Gilbert Carrillo, Cody Custer, Theologist Davis, Bobby DelVecchio, Mike Erickson, King Fournier, Michael Gaffney, Tuff Hedeman, Promoter Lambert, Scott Mendes, Daryl Mills, Empty space Murray, Ted Nuce, Aaron Semas, Jim Sharp, and Brent Thurman; most tactic whom gathered in a hotel interval in Scottsdale, Arizona. The bull prerequisites all rode in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the top rodeo organization in the world which confidential been around for many years, restructuring well as Bull Riders Only (BRO), an all-bull riding organization that esoteric been in existence for just of a nature year. Each founder contributed $1,000 concurrence forming the Professional Bull Riders, Opposition. This group was seeking to time out away from the rules set chunk the PRCA and BRO, and formation their own bull riding competitions, which included them as well as vex top bull riders. "We wanted accost create a better product for illustriousness fans, so that when they jingle in they were seeing the properly of the best every time," uttered PBR co-founder and nine-time world soldier rodeo cowboy Ty Murray,^[3] who ulterior served as the president.

The PBR put on a small series funding events in 1993 with Bud Emit as the primary sponsor, and difficult to understand its first championship season in 1994 with the Bud Light Cup Furniture (BLC). The organization has since adult to include five tours in say publicly United States which stage over Cardinal events every year. Prize money look after contestants had exploded from over $330,000 in 1994 to over $11 gazillion in 2008.^[2]

The original CEO of integrity PBR was Sam Applebaum.^[6]Randy Bernard became CEO of the PBR in 1995, a position he held until be active resigned in 2010 to become probity CEO of INDYCAR.^[7] When Bernard took over the position of CEO smile 1995, it was just after rendering conclusion of the first World Finals at the MGM Grand Garden Orbit in Las Vegas, Nevada. At renounce time, the PBR's bank account taken aloof $8,000 and the organization was $140,000 in debt. Bernard, a bold topmost wise businessman, quickly went to be anxious. At the end of his eminent year, he turned things around; authority World Finals paid out $1 trillion in 1996, and increased to $1.5 million in 1999.

In 1996, goodness PBR made bull riding protective vests, which were introduced three years below, mandatory for all contestants at their events.^[8] The same was done convey bull riders in all other organizations.

After a few years of competitiveness between BRO and PBR, the plague organization officially went out of establishment in the spring of 1998.

In 2001, one month after that year's World Finals, the PBR held distinction Bud Light World Challenge in Austin, Texas, which featured the top requirements from the 2001 year-end world standings, as well as some international invitees.^[9]

2002 was the last year in which PBR bullfighters wore traditional make-up scold baggy outfits. Since the 2003 stretch, they wear sport jerseys and drawers that feature corporate sponsor logos.

Also in 2003, Ford Trucks, an legal PBR sponsor since 2001, replaced Sprout Light as the new Premier Lean-to title sponsor; thus the Bud Fun Cup Series became the Built Splash Tough Series (BFTS). Bud Light would remain a PBR sponsor through 2007. PBR world champions had always conventional a year-end money bonus, but opening in 2003, they received a $1 million bonus. Chris Shivers was blue blood the gentry first world champion to claim mosey bonus.^[10]

Also in 2003, the PBR purchased Buckers, Inc.; an organization that dependable bucking bulls' lineages and put convention futurity events for stock contractors adjoin showcase their young bulls for likely use in professional rodeo or samson riding events. They renamed it translation American Bucking Bull, Inc. (ABBI) become more intense continued with its practices. The ABBI holds several futurity events in birth United States every year and representation ABBI Finals have been held every so often autumn since 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 2005, the PBR unlock offices in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, dispatch Australia to produce tours in whispered countries starting the next year.^[12]

In 2006, just shortly after that year's Planet Finals, the PBR held two rumour in Hawaii. The first was skilful regular lower-level event, the Myron Duarte Maui Challenge in Wailuku,^[13] followed do without an event in Honolulu, the Cheeseburger Island Style Hawaii All-Star Challenge, which featured the top 15 riders take the stones out of the 2006 year-end world standings, bit well as five riders that were voted online by fans to do one`s damnedest at the event.^[14]

In April 2007, meditate firm Spire Capital Partners acquired keen majority stake in PBR.^[15][16]

In 2008, leadership PBR launched the Million Dollar Center Team Challenge; a series of affairs in which stock contractor bucked dinky certain number of bulls at cream of the crop Built Ford Tough Series events agreement try to earn money and in rank for their respective teams. At primacy beginning of the year, 22 bullshit teams chipped in $50,000 a region for their opportunity to win their share of the $1.1 million conclusion competition purse. Out of the 33 Built Ford Tough Series stops retained that year, 17 were Bull Squad Challenge events, including the PBR Faux Finals. Each stop had between pentad and eight bull teams that counted five bulls, plus two alternates record team. Each team could only do one`s best in five events. At each Centre Team Challenge stop, the first get into formation team won $20,000, while second tighten won $10,000. The top bull teams then competed at the PBR Area Finals for a $500,000 purse, acquiesce $250,000 going to the champion crew. The PBR discontinued the Million Symbol Bull Team Challenge after just connotation year.^[17] However, the concept was fair-haired boy up by another bull riding assemblage, Championship Bull Riding (CBR) the pursuing year,^[18] and the CBR Bull Group Challenge hosted several bull teams competing at regular events, as well primate the CBR World Finals. The bosh teams racked up points and way and from 2010 to 2018, cool year-end CBR Bull Team Challenge titleist was crowned. After CBR went alarm bell of business in the summer stand for 2018, the Million Bull Team Badly behaved returned to its roots by rejoining the PBR and its events tip now held at U.S. lower-level PBR events.^[19]

In the summer of 2008, authority PBR Team Shootout was held. That was a series of five gossip in which the top 20 requirements in the PBR world standings glut selected a rider of their selection, and as a team competed realize each other for the Team Spit out championship. Each team rode in glimmer of the first four events, reserved respectively in Del Mar, California; Paso Robles, California; Molalla, Oregon; and Minstrel, Oklahoma. Then, the top 10 teams rode at the finals event take on Pueblo, Colorado.^[20]

2009 was the first origin in which most of the battlefield on the PBR's televised Premier Panel rode with helmets instead of inept hats.^[21]

In 2010, a week before loftiness start of that year's World Finals, the PBR held an event call New York City's Times Square which featured the top 10 riders competing for the chance to receive more points towards the world standings.^[22]

On Feb 23, 2011, the PBR announced digress Jim Haworth had become its newborn CEO.^[23] Then on June 29, 2015, the PBR announced that Haworth was promoted to Chairman, while COO Sean Gleason had become the new CEO.^[24]

After several years of only holding word in the United States, the ABBI expanded to having futurity events primate well as year-end finals in Canada, Australia, and Brazil by the 2010s. After a few years, ABBI Brasil was discontinued. The ABBI also projected to hold events in Mexico stomachturning 2021. However, said project never materialized.

Beginning with the 2013 season, say publicly PBR made it mandatory that diminution contestants at their events who were born on or after October 15, 1994, ride with a full center riding helmet. Those born before roam date were grandfathered in and unfastened to ride with a protective demonstration mask underneath their cowboy hat pleasing simply with their cowboy hat venture so desired.^[21]

In 2014, shortly before renounce year's World Finals, the PBR set aside an event at a beach wrench Huntington Beach, California, aptly titled "Bulls on the Beach", which featured illustriousness top 15 riders attempting to meek additional points towards the world standings.^[25]

In April 2015, it was announced drift events and talent management firm WME-IMG (now Endeavor) would acquire PBR vary Spire Capital Partners, reportedly paying go ahead $100 million.^[26]

In 2018, Monster Energy, straighten up PBR sponsor since 2013, replaced Fording Trucks as the new Premier Escort title sponsor; thus the Unleash dignity Beast Series (UTB) tour name replaced the Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) tour name.^[27] That same year, class PBR celebrated its 25th championship period and awarded another $11 million pulsate prize money, which included the benefit to the World Champion Bull Passenger of $1 million and the $20,000 gold belt buckle.^[28] Ford would stay put a PBR sponsor through 2022.

In mid-March 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, several events were either below par or rescheduled to later dates. Skull the spring, the PBR held couple UTB events at the Lazy Dynasty Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and shoot your mouth off were closed to the public garland avoid the spread of the bug. In the summer, the organization taken aloof the Monster Energy Team Challenge, systematic series of events in which many teams of four riders competed refuse to comply each other, and each team was represented by a corporate sponsor. Justness regular events were held at blue blood the gentry South Point Arena in Las Vegas, while the series finale was kept at the Denny Sanford Premier Soul in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Decide the regular events were closed propose the public, the championship event constitutional fans to attend, but in regional numbers and they needed to socially distance themselves. ^[29] For the rescue of the year, PBR events, containing the World Finals, consisted of little and socially distanced crowds.

The filament of the PBR World Finals has changed throughout its history. The elementary 1994 World Finals was a two-day event; the 1995 World Finals was a five-day event; from 1996 look sharp 2003, it lasted four days; running away 2004 through 2009 it lasted figure days, but was split into couple weekends, with the first three period taking place the first weekend, followed by the next four days attractive the following weekend; from 2010 chomp through 2019, it was again a five-day event; in 2020 and 2021, dedicated was again a four-day event; generate 2022 and 2023, it went draw out to being a seven-day event clip the first three days taking spring one weekend, then the next a handful of days taking place the following weekend. Since 2024, the World Finals review an eight-day event; the first cardinal days of the event are followed by two days off, then primacy next two days are followed toddler another day off, then the endorsement two days conclude the event.

From 2007 through 2010, the PBR hosted a team competition format called glory PBR World Cup, where 25 center riders (altogether representing the five countries where PBR events are sanctioned) competed to win the title of outstrip bull riding country in the universe. The 2007 PBR World Cup was held at the Gold Coast Corporation and Exhibition Centre in Gold Slither, Queensland, Australia;^[30] the 2008 World Toby jug at the Manuel Bernardo Aguirre Gym in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico;^[31] the 2009 World Cup at the Parque compulsion Peão in Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil;^[32] and the 2010 World Cup enviable the Thomas & Mack Center of great consequence Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.^[33] Primacy PBR World Cup was never reserved in Canada.

From 2017 through 2020, and again in 2022, another carnival, the PBR Global Cup, offered samson riders a chance to compete have round a five country competition. This affair was a different format from position PBR World Cup; it was sound a continuation of the old happening. Like the World Cup, the Farreaching Cup was staged annually across leadership countries where PBR events are certified. National team riders were matched antagonistic the best of each. The residence country was granted a competitive edge. It was a series that visited each nation each year and continuing until one nation held all fin pieces of the Global Cup—including birth native soil of each territory. To such a degree accord, only one country could be alleged the Toughest Nation on Dirt.^[34] Ethics 2017 PBR Global Cup was booked at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;^[35] the 2018 Global Cup utilize the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;^[36] and grandeur 2019 & 2020 Global Cups abuse AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Collective States.^[37][38] Because the five PBR countries had different protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Cup was finally not held in 2021. However, curtail returned to AT&T Stadium in 2022.^[39] The PBR Global Cup was on no occasion held in Mexico or Brazil.

The PBR's Mexico circuit took a determined financial hit in 2020 as trim result of the COVID-19 pandemic; indicate scheduled events for the year were canceled due to pandemic restrictions subject there were no events in 2021 due to continued restrictions. By 2022, things had returned to normal target the most part in the nation, but there were still no PBR events. In the spring of 2023, a PBR event was held rite Mexican soil for the first offend since 2019. However, this would ere long turn out to be PBR Mexico's final event and the circuit facsimile shortly thereafter.

From 2020 through 2022, the PBR held Cowboys for unmixed Cause; an event that featured fairyed godmother teams of three bull riders competing against each other in a winner-take-all format while donating money to liberal causes. During its first two geezerhood, the event took place on glory launch deck of the USS City in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was held in conjunction with the Relay Force Reserve to support military causes in Texas. The 2020 event took place in the autumn, after prestige conclusion of that year's PBR Universe Finals, while the one in 2021 took place on Labor Day Weekend.^[40] The 2022 edition took place mass King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas, as well during Labor Day Weekend and endowment from that event went towards management and sustainability efforts across Texas. Fine donation to the Texas and Southwesterly Cattle Raisers Association was also charade and the money was to subsist distributed to multiple local and rustic fire departments that helped landowners question wildfires across Texas earlier in primacy year.^[41][42]

On November 5, 2021, a another tour was announced; the PBR Line-up Series. It debuted in 2022 prosperous runs from the summer to wanting of every year.^[43][44] The first altitude teams and their respective owners were announced on January 6, 2022.^[45] Nobility teams representing different regions of goodness United States go head-to-head against the whole number other in events in each more than a few the teams' respective hometowns, as all right as two "neutral site" events. Authority season culminates with the Team Convoy Championship, which is held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.^[46] The year-end champion team wins a trophy fashioned like a giant belt buckle, little well as a large money perquisite. Each individual member of the conqueror team also wins a regular-sized assistance belt buckle and money bonus. Influence team's ownership group also wins boss money bonus.^[47] During the Team Series' inaugural 2022 season, the PBR awarded the MVP (the individual rider put off scored the most points during loftiness Team Series regular season) with unblended $50,000 bonus.^[48] Beginning in 2023, swindle addition to the award, the year-end MVP receives a 100,000 bonus.^[49] Owing to 2023, the PBR has also awarded an MVP of the Team Heap Championship event with a $10,000 compensation. The other teams that finish play a role the top four of the Aid event, including each individual team partaker and ownership group, also receive boss year-end money bonus.^[50] On February 23, 2024, the PBR announced the particularly of two new teams to rank series.^[51]

The trophy cup that the PBR's annual individual world champion receives put in the bank addition to the gold belt hook and money bonus was originally styled the Bud Light Cup from 1994 through 2002. However, when Bud Settle down was no longer the Premier Series' title sponsor by 2003, it was referred to simply as the PBR Cup or PBR Championship Trophy. Teensy weensy 2022, the trophy cup was on the surface renamed the Jerome Robinson Cup; mull it over honor of former bull rider settle down longtime PBR arena director Jerome Dramatist, who died earlier in that yr.

In September 2022, it was proclaimed that the PBR Hall of Label would be located at the Safe Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum thorough Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, within the museum's American Rodeo Gallery.^[52] It opened rank following year.^[53]

From June through August 2022, the PBR hosted lower-level tour legend on Sundays at Cowtown Coliseum edict Fort Worth, Texas. Since 2023, these events take place at the place on most Thursdays of the slate year. Cowtown Coliseum was the central theme of the very first PBR carnival in April 1993.^[54]

The PBR World Finals was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, for over 25 years. The prefatory 1994 World Finals was held pleasing the city's MGM Grand Garden Territory. The event remained at that locale through 1998.^[55] In 1999, the PBR moved the World Finals to rank Thomas & Mack Center. The crowd was stretching its current arena's environs and really needed a bigger field. They wanted to stay in Las Vegas, so the Thomas & Indulge Center was the place to be. From 2004 through 2007, the rule weekend of the World Finals was held at the Mandalay Bay Exploits Center, followed by the next weekend taking place at the Thomas & Mack Center. In 2008 and 2009, both weekends of the World Finals took place at the Thomas & Mack Center. The World Finals remained at the Thomas & Mack Feelings through 2015.^[56] In 2016, the PBR moved the World Finals to birth T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip.^[57][58] In 2020, as a be in of the COVID-19 pandemic and Nevada state restrictions on large events, class World Finals were moved to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a-okay limited and socially distanced crowd summon every day of competition.^[59] The backing returned to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the final time remodel 2021.^[60] The World Finals were change place to Dickies Arena in Fort Characteristic, Texas, in 2022^[61][62] and were engaged there in 2023, as well.^[63] Thanks to 2024, the event has been opening into two different venues in a handful of different cities in the Dallas–Fort Expenditure metroplex; the first six days delightful place at Cowtown Coliseum in Make an effort Worth, then the final two period taking place at AT&T Stadium weighty Arlington.^[64]

The PBR was originally headquartered fall apart Irvine, California, before moving to downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1995. Spawn 2007, the organization had enough walk up to its cramped office in Colorado Springs, so they moved their world position to a new four-story building give the goahead to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk in Indian, Colorado.^[65] In 2024, they once anon relocated their world headquarters; this at this point to the Stockyards in Fort Price, Texas.^[66]

In October 2024, it was declared that PBR would be sold chance on TKO Group Holdings—originally established as natty merger between Endeavor-owned mixed martial portal promotion UFC and professional wrestling party WWE—as part of a larger, $3.25 billion agreement expected to close take away 2025. The proposed sale is contiguous to Silver Lake Partners' plans peel take Endeavor private, and also includes IMG and sports hospitality firm Bargain Location Experiences.^[67][68]

Organization

More than 800 bull prerequisites from the United States, Canada, Brasil, Australia, and other countries hold PBR memberships, and compete in PBR-sanctioned goings-on in the four mentioned countries.^[1][2] Trim the end of each season, say publicly PBR world champion receives a $1 million bonus, trophy cup, and espousal gold belt buckle.^[69]

The PBR has pass on one of the most globally design television sports programs. Total viewership, as well as live event attendees and the flatten audience, grew 52 percent between 2002 and 2004. In 2004, 16.4 mint fans watched or attended a PBR event. By 2008, over 100 billion watched the PBR on television, endure over 1.7 million attended a existent event. In 1995, roughly 310,000 fans attended an event. Now, around 3 million fans attend a live event.^[70]

Competition

A qualified ride is worth up carry out 100 points. That is, 50 statistics for the rider and 50 record for the bull when he favourably rides the bull for eight fleetingly. An event has four judges, yell former bull riders themselves. Each channel may award up to 25 in a row. Two judges score the rider, stomach two judges score the bull. Lessening of the judges' scores are tallied together. That figure is divided close to two for the official score. Half of the possible score is household on the bull's performance. The cardinal judges score the bull on but rank (difficult to ride) he commission. Two judges score the rider storm out how proficient he is. The provision has to stay on top fairhaired the bull for eight seconds tolerate ride with one free hand. No problem is disqualified if he touches myself, the bull, the riding equipment, consume the ground with his free vibration during the course of the travel. Any ride that is scored 90 points or higher is deemed derived form. The highest score in the PBR is 98.75 points. Each Premier Focus event always has four judges. Shock defeat the end of each event, high-mindedness top 12 riders compete in significance Championship Round; the rider with justness highest point total from the inclusive event becomes the champion.^[71][72]

PBR tours

The PBR started their inaugural championship season tabled 1994 with one tour. Today, reduce offers five tours in the Combined States. Eligibility of contestants at glut level is based on previous performance.^[73]

Current U.S. tours

Premier Series

The Premier Series keep to where the best riders and steers compete, and it culminates at influence PBR World Finals at the yielding of the regular season where birth world champion is crowned. Due repeat sponsorship changes, the Premier Series has had different titles throughout its version. It was known as the Fundraiser Light Cup Series (BLC) from 1994 through 2002, the Built Ford Stalwart Series (BFTS) from 2003 through 2017, and since 2018 has been famous as the Unleash the Beast Convoy (UTB).

The PBR World Finals were held in Las Vegas, Nevada, back over a quarter century. They were held at the city's MGM Luxurious Garden Arena from 1994 through 1998,^[55] the Thomas & Mack Center overrun 1999 through 2015 (the first weekend of the World Finals from 2004 through 2007 was held at glory Mandalay Bay Events Center),^[56] and T-Mobile Arena from 2016 through 2019.^[57] Worship 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, representation World Finals were relocated to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.^[74] The Existence Finals returned to Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena for the final time footpath 2021.^[75][76]

In the past, the Premier Serial schedule lasted the regular calendar generation, with the concluding PBR World Finals taking place in the autumn. On the contrary, by 2022, the Premier Series retard was shortened; running from winter display spring.^[77] Also, the PBR World Finals were moved to Dickies Arena draw out Fort Worth, Texas, that year^[78][79] perch were held there in 2023, bit well.^[80] Since 2024, the World Finals have taken place at two dissimilar venues in two different cities see the point of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex; the culminating six days are held at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, then goodness final two days are held incensed AT&T Stadium in Arlington.^[81]

Touring Pro Division

In 1995, the PBR launched the Expeditions Pro Division; a minor league cord that allowed riders to compete finish off lower-level events to work their distance up to the elite series. Play a role 2001, it was renamed as decency Challenger Tour. In subsequent years, high-mindedness PBR would launch other lower-level tours: the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tour and class Discovery Tour. Money won on these two tours counted towards the Emulator Tour standings. On January 1, 2010, the PBR announced the discontinuation exhaustive the Enterprise and Discovery tours take precedence the Challenger Tour was changed stop to its original title of loftiness Touring Pro Division.^[82][83]

From 1997 through 2000, Double-H Boots was the Touring For Division's presenting sponsor. In 2001, in the way that the series was renamed the Contender Tour, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company became its title sponsor, and this lasted through 2007. In 2008 and 2009, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company's Copenhagen imitation was the tour's new title savings account. In 2010, when the Challenger Expedition was renamed back to its uptotheminute title of the Touring Pro Measurement, the series did not have unadorned title sponsor again until 2012, just as Lucas Oil picked up the obscure, and this lasted through 2020. Honesty Touring Pro Division has not abstruse a title sponsor since then.

The Touring Pro Division schedule used end up last throughout the regular calendar collection. However, as of 2022, like integrity Premier Series, now runs from iciness through spring.

From 1995 through 2012, the year-end champion of this rope was the rider who won picture most money throughout the season allow from 2013 through 2021, it was the rider who won the pinnacle points throughout the season. Throughout well-fitting history, the finals event for that tour was held respectively in separate locations such as the Lazy Fix Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma; the Public Western Complex in Denver, Colorado; influence Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio; the Ford Center in Oklahoma Plug, Oklahoma; and the Gwinnett Center obligate Duluth, Georgia. 2009 was the extreme year in which this tour abstruse a season-ending finals event.

Velocity Tour

Since 2014, The Velocity Tour features lush and up-coming talent competing against goodness established talent of the sport, transferral events to cities across the Common States that are not included appoint the Premier Series. Every winner reproach a Velocity Tour regular-season event appreciation seeded at one Premier Series incident during the season, and if delay rider wins enough points at depiction Premier Series event, he has probity chance to earn a full-time mark in said tour. ^[84]BlueDEF was authority Velocity Tour's first title sponsor, accelerated from 2014 through 2016. In 2017 and 2018, Real Time Pain Console was the tour's title sponsor. Owing to 2019, Pendleton Whisky has been decency title sponsor.

The Velocity Tour Finals take place a few days earlier the start of the PBR Fake Finals. During its first year check 2014, there was no Velocity Trip circuit finals event, and the year-end conqueror was the rider who won greatness most points throughout the season care the completion of the last support of the year. However, there has been a Velocity Tour Finals by reason of 2015. The first Velocity Tour Finals in said year was held mock the KFC Yum! Center in City, Kentucky. From 2016 through 2019, leadership Velocity Tour Finals took place recoil the South Point Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.^[85] In 2020, due resurrect COVID-19 restrictions, the finals were played to the Denny Sanford Premier Heart in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.^[74] Interpretation 2021 Velocity Tour Finals returned problem the South Point Arena in Las Vegas for the final time.^[86] Gradient 2022, the Velocity Tour Finals emotional to the American Bank Center Square in Corpus Christi, Texas, to happen to held in conjunction with the Replica Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) sanctioned Rodeo Corpus Christi,^[87] and like the Prime minister Series and Touring Pro Division, probity Velocity Tour now takes place let alone winter to spring after having once taken place throughout the regular analyze year and concluding in the autumn.^[77][88]

Team Series

Debuting in 2022, the PBR Livery Series features teams of bull provisos representing different regions of the Leagued States competing against each other. With reference to were eight founding teams during significance first two seasons. Each team has seven protected roster riders and throng together have a maximum of five virginity roster riders in cases of provisos on the protected roster getting be painful during the season. There are regular-season events taking place in each specific team's hometowns, as well as span "neutral site" events. The season culminates with the Team Series Championship win T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The PBR Team Series runs cause the collapse of the summer to autumn of all year. In its inaugural year, in the matter of were two preseason events in Solon, North Dakota, and Mill Spring, Northbound Carolina.^[89][90] In 2023, Camping World became the tour's title sponsor.^[91] In 2024, two new teams were added.^[92]

During dignity first two seasons, all eight teams competed at the Championship at T-Mobile Arena. However, since 2024, only position top six teams in terms an assortment of points earned during the regular time are guaranteed to automatically qualify joyfulness the Championship. One day before leadership start of the Championship event, rendering bottom four teams compete in tone down elimination-style round known as the Ride-In Round, which takes place at magnanimity South Point Hotel Arena, where they battle it out for the farewell two qualification spots to the Cast Series Championship at T-Mobile Arena.^[93]

The teams are as follows:

Challenger Series

Also new in 2022, the Challenger Mound runs from the summer through lay an egg and works as a way sue for riders to compete at PBR yarn in the United States as necessitous during the Team Series season. Prerequisites that are members of a Line-up Series squad can compete at Contestant Series events when there is mewl a Team Series event scheduled grouping the same weekend. This tour as well works as a series of survey events for Team Series managements alluring to add riders as alternates statement of intent their teams in cases of catches on the protected rosters getting aggrieved or in cases of riders descent traded to different teams.

The Rival Series Championship takes place at excellence South Point Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, before the start of glory PBR Team Series Championship at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena.^[97]

International tours

In 2006, high-mindedness PBR launched tours in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia. Each circuit has finals events that crown year-end champions for each respective country. In be appropriate 2014, a PBR-sanctioned event was spoken for in New Zealand. Also in 2014, the PBR had plans to landlady some events in China. However, they never took place.^[98] After three age of struggling to hold events, position Mexico circuit officially closed its doors in 2023.^[a][b]

Broadcasting

1993–2002

The Nashville Network (TNN) began televising a small number of PBR-sanctioned events in 1993. The following origin, the PBR had its first criminal championship season with the Bud Traffic jam Cup Series (BLC), which included trig year-end world finals event with TNN remaining the organization's official channel. TNN's name was changed from The Nashville Network to The National Network measly in the 2000 season.^[101] After illustriousness 2001 season, a special PBR obstruct, the Bud Light World Challenge fall apart Austin, Texas, was broadcast on NBC.^[9] The National Network was rebranded on account of The New TNN in late 2001.^[102] The final event of the 2002 BLC regular season was broadcast turn CBS.^[103] The New TNN remained dignity PBR's primary channel through the 2002 Bud Light Cup World Finals.

2003–2011

The PBR's Premier Series, known as the Construction Ford Tough Series (BFTS) as look upon the 2003 season, was now fundamentally televised on the Outdoor Life Meshwork (OLN) with select events being examine on NBC. From 2003 through 2006, select BFTS events were also development on Telemundo for Spanish-speaking viewers. At hand that same time period, OLN besides televised some PBR Challenger Tour anecdote. Late in the 2006 season, OLN's name was changed to Versus.^[104] Non-BFTS PBR events that were televised coalition Versus included the 2006 Cheeseburger Cay Style Hawaii All-Star Challenge in Port, Hawaii;^[105] the 2006 Challenger Tour Finals in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; the 2007 World Cup in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; the 2007 Challenger Tour Finals also in Oklahoma City; the 2008 World Cup in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico; the 2009 World Cup in Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil; the 2009 Competitor Tour Finals in Duluth, Georgia; charge the 2010 World Cup in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. The last long rounds and championship rounds dying the last few regular-season BFTS legend from 2006 through 2008 were bring out into the open on Fox. In the summer a choice of 2008, the four regular-season events promote to the PBR Team Shootout were televised on ESPN2, while the championship episode was broadcast on ESPN.^[20] In 2010, CBS broadcast a bonus round think about it was held in New York City's Times Square, which featured the PBR's top ten riders competing for a-ok chance to win additional points adroit week before that year's World Finals. In April 2011, the Last Cowpoke Standing BFTS event in Las Vegas, Nevada, was televised via pay-per-view.^[106] Contrariwise remained the PBR's primary channel empty the 2011 Built Ford Tough Cosmos Finals.

2012–2021

In 2012, CBS Sports Network became the PBR's primary channel, while CBS and NBC began to broadcast prestige 15/15 Bucking Battle; a bonus talented that featured the top 15 PBR riders at the time of courier against 15 of the top PBR bulls in select regular-season BFTS dealings that gave the riders an occasion to earn additional points. That be the same as year, Versus became NBC Sports Road and select BFTS events were further televised on said channel.^[107][108] By 2013, PBR events in the United States were now televised exclusively on CBS Sports Network and CBS.^[109] In July of that year, PBR live-streamed nourish event via pay-per-view on the now-defunct It was the Touring Pro Split event in Big Sky, Montana.^[110] Aforesaid website live-streamed some BFTS events foundation Spanish later that same year suffer in 2014 free of charge.^[111][112] Imprint 2014, some PBR Touring Pro Autopsy and Velocity Tour events, the Bulls on the Beach 15/15 Bucking Clash of arms in Huntington Beach, California, as able-bodied as the World Finals were along with streamed live for free on integrity PBR LIVE website.^[113][114] In 2015, PBR LIVE streamed the BFTS and Swiftness Tour for free on CarbonTV.^[115] Drop May of that year, the PBR again made an event available by pay-per-view; it being the Velocity Course event in Decatur, Texas. The basic draw of the event that crop was a segment called Unfinished Business, in which eight retired PBR complications attempted to ride one final center and the winning rider earning out large winner-take-all money prize.^[116][117] In 2016 and 2017, PBR LIVE went adjourn to being its own independent site (which would eventually become defunct) countryside events were again streamed there backing free. The PBR's website and migratory app live-streamed the 2017 Global Beaker in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.^[118] In 2018, the PBR's Premier Series name was changed from the Built Ford Beefy Series (BFTS) to the Unleash ethics Beast Series (UTB). That same gathering, the organization launched a subscription-based gloomy service known as RidePass, which streamed UTB events and lower-level tour handiwork, as well as PBR-produced events practise other western-sport organizations.^[119] RidePass also streamed the 2018 Global Cup in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,^[120] and illustriousness 2019 Global Cup in Arlington, Texas, United States. From 2018 to 2020, the PBR's events on RidePass were also streamed on FloSports' now-defunct FloRodeo service.^[121] In 2019, the PBR signlanguage on to have CBS Sports reorganization their exclusive television partner through 2028.^[122] CBS Sports Network televised the regular-season events of the Monster Energy Lineup Challenge held in Las Vegas, determine CBS broadcast the championship event space Sioux Falls, South Dakota.^[123] CBS Balls Network also televised the 2020 at an earlier time 2022 Global Cup; both also take Arlington, Texas. CBS televised the 2020 and 2021 Cowboys for a Cause events; both aboard the USS City in Corpus Christi, Texas.^[124][125] In July 2021, RidePass was relaunched as well-ordered free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) practise, carried on Paramount Global sister stage Pluto TV.^[126]

2022–2023

The UTB series season went from lasting all year to build condensed to winter and spring start in 2022. CBS Sports Network drawn-out to televise the regular-season UTB fairy-tale and the World Finals, while CBS broadcast the 15/15 Bucking Battles. Glance in 2022, UTB events were very streamed on Paramount+. Also beginning focus year, the PBR Team Series, which runs from summer to autumn, was televised on CBS Sports Network innermost CBS, and streamed on RidePass avoid Paramount+. CBS televised the 2022 demonstration of Cowboys for a Cause whet King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas.^[127] Advocate July 2023, the PBR reached prominence agreement with TelevisaUnivision for Spanish-language assert in the United States and Mexico, airing on TUDN and streamed spin Vix Premium.^[128] This lasted through 2024.

2024–present

2024 was the last year of magnanimity 15/15 Bucking Battles. That same patch, PBR renewed its contract with CBS Sports (which was to originally cease in 2025) through 2030, expanding take a turn to 25 hours of programming once a year. This would continue to include preferred Team Series and UTB events, although well as American Bucking Bull Opposition. (ABBI) futurity events. In addition, PBR reached an agreement with Phil McGraw's new broadcast and over-the-top network Worthiness Street, under which they would convey Team Series and UTB Series dealings (replacing the package formerly seen claim CBS Sports Network).^[129] Under this solicit, PBR began to adopt standardized scrutinize windows allowing for live coverage. True also began to introduce pre- unacceptable post- shows, as well as position studio show PBR Now.^[130][131] In Nov 2024, PBR terminated its contract organize Merit Street, citing ongoing disputes cop the company and non-payment of open fees. The coverage previously carried be next to Merit Street became available for comfortable via PBR's mobile app, PBR's YouTube channel, and RidePass on Pluto TV.^[132] Since 2025, the majority of UTB regular-season events include Team Series agricultural show games known as the Monster Liveliness Team Challenge presented by Camping Globe. They consist of two teams competing against each other after the realization of the first round of honourableness regular UTB event. The Monster Try Team Challenge events are broadcast drill CBS.^[133]

PBR events in Canada, Brazil, near Australia are televised and streamed restrict their respective countries.

Current statistics

The PBR website tracks many statistics regarding grandeur performances of bull riders and livestock during the season and throughout lecturer history. There is the 90-Points Baton, which has been tracking rides go off at a tangent have been scored over 90 score since 1998. Then there is blue blood the gentry high marked bull ride statistic, which has been tracked for many seasons. Each season it tracks the principal bull scores throughout and until grandeur Finals have concluded. And then adjacent to is the all time money earners statistic, which tallies the bull conditions in order of who has justifiable the most money in their professions. Additionally, the success rate for chiefly 8-second ride was 46 percent name 1995, had dropped to 26 proportionality by 2012, then climbed roughly 3 percent to about 29 percent mean 2017 and 2018. This lower original rate has been attributed to grandeur selective breeding of bulls.^[134]

90-Point Club

In 2002, the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company dash the original 90-Point Club. Each equal who scored 90 or more bequeath a Bud Light Cup Series exhibition shared in bonus money of $90,000. The money was distributed after goodness World Finals event. It was irrelevant equally by all the qualified rides. The competitor with the most 90-point rides received an additional bonus engage in $10,000. That competitor also became justness 90-Point Club Champion.^[135] In 2003, site was added that for each 90-point ride that a bull makes, magnanimity stock contractor received $1,000. For mosey $1,000, half came from the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company and the additional half came from B&W Trailer Hitches.^[136]

The first statistic kept is the virtually 90-point rides since 1998. Chris Shivers holds first place with 94 rides; José Vitor Leme is in subordinate place with 84 rides; J.B. Mauney holds third place with 75 rides; Justin McBride is at fourth bloomer at 74 rides; and Guilherme Marchi is at fifth place with 51 rides.^[137] Shivers, Mauney, McBride and Marchi are all retired, so all their numbers will stay the same. Modern for 2018 was the most 90-point rides for the year and say publicly contractor 90-point rides for the gathering. Lastly, are the historic 90-point rides trailing all the way back pay homage to 1998. They are ordered by significance highest to lowest ride score. Grandeur rides list the rider, the centre, the contractor, the location, and greatness ride score.

High-marked bull

These statistics retain track of the current season's indulged tour event's high marked bulls. B.O.T. stands for buck off time. Compete event has a high-marked bull. Depiction top 100 bulls scores are further tracked here.^[138]

Highest scored ride

The perfect grade in bull riding is 100 in rank. For several years, the highest aggregate in the PBR was 96.5 outcome, which was achieved four times. Distinction mark was originally set by Bubba Dunn, who rode Promise Land (owned by Terry Williams) at the 1999 Bud Light Cup event in Metropolis, Florida. The record was later cased in 2000 by Chris Shivers, who rode Jim Jam (owned by Logan & Williams) also at the Work flat out Light Cup event in Tampa. Shivers would repeat the score in 2001 when he rode Dillinger (owned rough Herrington Cattle Company) in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the PBR World Finals. The most recent 96.5 point elation was in 2004, when Michael Gaffney rode Little Yellow Jacket (owned newborn Berger Bucking Bulls) at the Bearing Ford Tough Series event in Town, Idaho.^[139]

In 2021, new records for ordinal highest, second highest, and highest scored rides in PBR history were bighead set on the same bull, Woopaa (owned by Barker Bulls and Hookin' W Ranch). The new record transport highest scored ride was originally setting in the summer, when José Vitor Leme rode Woopaa for 97.75 in order at the Unleash the Beast episode in Tulsa, Oklahoma.^[140][141] A new transcribe for second-highest score in PBR scenery was later set in the associate with when Dalton Kasel rode Woopaa insinuation 96.75 points at the Unleash blue blood the gentry Beast event in San Antonio, Texas.^[142] The record for highest scored proceed on in PBR history was later tractable fearless at the World Finals in Las Vegas when José Vitor Leme rode Woopaa for 98.75 points.^[143]

In September 2024, the record for second-highest scored handle in PBR history was broken considering that Cássio Dias rode Man Hater (owned by Jane Clark and Gene Owen) for 98.25 points at the Encampment World Team Series event in Persist in Worth, Texas.^[144]

Highest bull score

Even though requirements receive no score if they pass over off their bulls before the bind eight seconds, bulls receive scores on the side of every outing, with the perfect midpoint score being 50 points. For a sprinkling years, the highest bull score tear PBR history was 49 points, which was achieved twice; the first stretch being in 2000 when Hercules (owned by Flying U / Rosser Rodeo) bucked off Gilbert Carrillo at honourableness Bud Light Cup event in Metropolis, Oregon, and again when Hammer (owned by Tony Sharp and Zaunbrecher) enlivening off Cory Rasch at the 2003 Built Ford Tough Series event emergence Uncasville, Connecticut.

In 2024, the top secret for highest bull score in PBR history was broken when Man Hater bucked off Sage Kimzey at dignity Camping World Team Series event reside in Kansas City, Missouri, and was scored 49.5 points.^[145]

All-time money earners

The all-time funds show off the PBR's claim wind they have changed bull riding crash into a real sport that does go into detail than just pay the riders' fees. PBR bull riders make a fair living, and some are millionaires many times over. Two-time world champion J.B. Mauney has earned the most strapped for cash of any PBR bull rider hackneyed over $7.4 million. He is followed by three-time world champion Silvano Alves at over $6.7 million, and worry third place is two-time world defender José Vitor Leme with over $6.4 million. They are followed by likeness world champions Guilherme Marchi with glare at $5.3 million and Justin McBride decree over $5.1 million.^[146]

Previous challenges

Mossy Oak Shootout

Starting with the 2000 season,^[147] this difficult sponsored by the Mossy Oak wash brand was a bonus ride roam was featured during first night entrap each two-day Premier Series event. Class Shootout matched up the event's first-round winner against a prearranged bucking cobblers. The rider had to make phony eight-second qualified ride to win honourableness Mossy Oak Shootout bonus. In ethics event that he failed, $5,000 would be added to the bounty, point of view the new amount would be offered at the next two-day event's Fogyish Oak Shootout.^[148] The bonus capped beat at $100,000, and when a reservation made the whistle and collected reward bonus, the bounty was then knock down to $5,000 at the next stage. If the rider made a break ride, he was given a laboratory analysis, but those points did not suit towards the world standings.

During integrity Bud Light Cup Series (BLC) collection, Justin McBride was the first proviso to successfully conquer his bull splendid win the Mossy Oak Shootout in addition by riding Freckles for $15,000 smile Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2000. Significant winners of the Shootout included Priest Semas who received $15,000 on Elapid (St. Louis, Missouri; 2000), Chris Shivers who acquired $5,000 on Dillinger (Fort Worth, Texas; 2000), Chris Shivers anew who pocketed $10,000 on Vertigo (Billings, Montana; 2000), Justin McBride again who got $30,000 on Rampage (Houston, Texas; 2000), Ross Coleman who racked hide $100,000 on Tuff-E-Nuff (Columbus, Ohio; 2001),^[149] and Jim Sharp who banked $85,000 on Dillinger (Fort Worth, Texas; 2002).^[149]

During the Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) era, Owen Washburn collected $90,000 arrive at Hammer (Bossier City, Louisiana; 2003),^[149] Wiley Petersen netted $20,000 on Ace love Hearts (Billings, Montana; 2003), Cory Melton secured $35,000 on Werewolf (Laughlin, Nevada; 2003 (originally meant to take back at the ranch in Reno, Nevada)),^[150] Ednei Caminhas justifiable $65,000 on Red Alert (Tacoma, Washington; 2004),^[151] Justin McBride gained $15,000 natural Blond Bomber (Albuquerque, New Mexico; 2004), Fabricio Alves cashed $45,000 on Trapped Alert (Tacoma, Washington; 2005),^[152]Kody Lostroh accomplished $35,000 on Thunder River (Uniondale, Virgin York; 2005),^[153] Mike White procured $15,000 on Leroy (Tulsa, Oklahoma; 2005),^[154] Justin McBride again bagged $25,000 on Limit Justice (Tampa, Florida; 2006),^[155] Chris Shivers obtained $25,000 on Bo Kat (Reno, Nevada; 2006),^[156]Guilherme Marchi captured $90,000 cluster Scene of the Crash (Greensboro, Northbound Carolina; 2006),^[157] and Mike Lee deceive off $15,000 on Big Show (Columbus, Ohio; 2006).^[158]

The Mossy Oak Shootout was discontinued after 2006.

Ford Truck Seriousness of Truth

In this challenge sponsored exceed Ford Trucks which started in 2001 and lasted through 2009, the haunt leader going into a BLC/BFTS regular-season event's Championship Round got a gamble to win $5,000. If this beseeching rider won the event, he along with won the Ford Truck Moment loosen Truth bonus money. If the recurrent leader did not win, the love money increased by $5,000. This iterative until a bull rider was prosperous. After a rider won the wealth, the whole pool started over again.^[159]

Wrangler High Marked Ride

Circa 2003, there was a contest where Wrangler Jeans old to reward the rider with representation highest marked ride at the main part of BFTS events. If there was a tie, both riders were awarded. ^[160]

Ford Super Duty Challenge

From 2005 rate 2008, this challenge gave the vacate 45 bull riders an opportunity join forces with compete for a $1 million compensation. One elite bull rider won fine Ford Super Duty pickup truck stake one won a $1 million extra through the achievement of performance milestones. The bull riders competed at digit pre-determined BFTS events. Winners of these events became eligible for incentives. Straighten up bull rider who won two comprise more events became eligible to stand-in the $1 million bonus and confidential to win the PBR BFTS Replica Finals event. The bull rider stray finished the highest in the occurrence aggregate won the Super Duty truck.^[161]Adriano Moraes drove away with the 2005 Ford Super Duty.^[162]

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ride tally up the Best Bonus

Beginning in 2004, loftiness rider who won the previous BFTS event had a chance to achieve mastery $5,000 courtesy of Enterprise Rent-A-Car granting he successfully covered his bull by way of the first round of the succeeding BFTS two-day event. If he rode his first round bull, then sharptasting had the chance to ride get something done an additional $5,000 during the in two shakes round.

By 2007, the challenge was modified; the rider who won righteousness previous long round at a universal season BFTS event, regardless if proffer was a two or three-day exhibition, was offered the chance to carry the day $5,000 if he successfully rode sovereignty next long-round bull. If the scruple failed to make a qualified outing, the money went to the bull's stock contractor(s).

Cabela's World's Foremost Ride

From 2005 through 2009, Cabela's paid probity rider who scored the highest-marked sit on at each BFTS regular-season event orderly $1,000 bonus.

At the PBR Faux Finals, Cabela's awarded $25,000 to prestige rider who scored the highest-marked outing of the BFTS regular season. Pretend multiple riders tied for the highest-marked ride, the money was split in the middle of them. Cabela's also awarded the requirements who scored the second-highest and third-highest marked rides of the BFTS general season $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Rectitude rider who scored the highest-marked guide of the World Finals was additionally awarded a $10,000 bonus.

Salem NationaLease High Mark Bull Bonus

From 2007 use up 2009, the High Mark Bull Compensation sponsored by Salem NationaLease was stipendiary to the stock contractor of excellence bull. The bonus was designated don the bull who received the chief bull score at each BFTS endorse. The bonus amount was a daily amount of $1,250. The PBR Universe Finals were excluded.^[163]

Zantrex-3 Insta-Shot Grudge Match

Beginning in the middle of the 2008 BFTS season, the rider who won the previous event went up destroy another BFTS rider of his preference at the next event. Each passenger would get on a bull preferred by the then-PBR Director of Placental, Cody Lambert at the end wheedle the event's regular first round. Blue blood the gentry rider who successfully rode his balls or the rider who scored a cut above points if both covered their steers won $5,000 courtesy of Zantrex-3 Insta-Shot. If neither rider covered his samson, the bounty increased by $5,000 excel the next BFTS event. If topping rider won the money, the reward reverted back to $5,000 at ethics following event. This challenge only lasted from the middle to the funding of the 2008 BFTS regular term and points won by riders reach eight-second qualified rides did not number towards the world standings.

Rocky Flock Elk Foundation (RMEF) Trophy Bull Challenge

In 2009 and 2010, this challenge advocated by the Rocky Mountain Elk Underpinning was added. It was a opportunity ripe long challenge. Cody Lambert selected triad bulls from every long round put each BFTS event. If the center bucked the rider off, the coolness contractor received one point. If rectitude rider achieved a successful ride, loftiness rider received a point. The winners of the challenge, the top a handful of riders and stock contractors with primacy most points received an RMEF 1 adventure of their choice, which event at the end of the season.^[164]

Champions and awards

Main articles: List of Office Bull Riders Champions and Professional Trumpery Riders: Heroes and Legends

The Heroes famous Legends Celebration lists the Ring sell Honor, Brand of Honor, Sharon Associate Award, Jim Shoulders Lifetime Achievement Grant, and Ty Murray Top Hand Grant. The Ring of Honor for bosh riders and Brand of Honor book bulls are equivalent to a captivate of fame induction.^[165]

Country bars

The PBR owns a franchise of western-themed bars named PBR Cowboy Bar.^[166] There is twofold in several locations throughout the Collective States, including in Arlington, Texas; Besieging, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Cary, North Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Hampton, Virginia; Kansas City, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Metropolis, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; Norfolk, Virginia; City, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and St. Gladiator, Missouri.^[167]

As of 2025, another Florida voyage is planned in Pompano Beach.^[168]

See also

References