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The 7 Most Popular Bull Riders Dominating The PBR And PRCA Circuits Right Now

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Professional bull riding remains one of the most dangerous and electrifying sports on the planet, and as of late 2024, the landscape is being redefined by a new wave of talent and a few legendary veterans. The sport is currently split between the high-stakes, team-based action of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and the traditional, all-around rodeo excellence of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The riders featured today are setting new records, winning major titles, and captivating fans with their grit and skill.

This article dives deep into the seven most popular and dominant bull riders making headlines right now, from the reigning World Champions to the young phenoms who are already rewriting the record books. The level of competition and the sheer athleticism on display in the PBR's Unleash The Beast and the PRCA's National Finals Rodeo (NFR) prove that the 8-second ride is as thrilling as ever.

The New Kings and Reigning Champions: 2024/2025 Top Bull Riders

The 2024 season saw a dramatic shift in the standings, with a new World Champion crowned and a young star establishing himself as the current points leader. The following profiles cover the most influential athletes in the sport today, providing a complete look at their recent achievements and career highlights.

  • Cassio Dias (PBR)
    • Nationality: Brazil
    • Career Highlight: 2024 PBR World Champion & PBR Rookie of the Year
    • 2024 Season Stats: Dominated the Unleash The Beast tour with unmatched consistency, becoming only the third rider in PBR history to win both the World Championship and Rookie of the Year titles in the same season.
  • Dalton Kasel (PBR)
    • Nationality: USA
    • Career Highlight: 2019 PBR Rookie of the Year; Key member of the 2024 PBR Team Series Champion Austin Gamblers.
    • Nickname: "Mr. 90 Point" for his ability to consistently score high on the toughest bulls. He is a constant threat for the World No. 1 ranking in the current season.
  • Sage Steele Kimzey (PBR/PRCA)
    • Nationality: USA
    • Career Highlight: 7x PRCA Bull Riding World Champion; 2024 PBR World Finals Event Winner.
    • Significance: A true crossover star, Kimzey is one of the most decorated bull riders in history, successfully transitioning his dominance from the PRCA to the PBR circuit and immediately winning the prestigious 2024 PBR World Finals event.
  • José Vitor Leme (PBR)
    • Nationality: Brazil
    • Career Highlight: 2x PBR World Champion; PBR record holder for the most 90-point rides in a career (99 and counting).
    • 2024 Role: Despite facing injuries, Leme was instrumental in leading the Austin Gamblers to the 2024 PBR Team Series Championship, showcasing his leadership and clutch performance.
  • Stetson Wright (PRCA)
    • Nationality: USA
    • Career Highlight: 8x PRCA World Champion (including All-Around and Bull Riding titles).
    • 2024 Status: The undisputed king of the PRCA, although he was forced to miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a hamstring injury, his expected return in 2025 is the most anticipated comeback in rodeo.
  • Ky Hamilton (PRCA)
    • Nationality: Australia
    • Career Highlight: 2023 PRCA Bull Riding World Champion.
    • Significance: Hamilton is the reigning PRCA Bull Riding World Champion, having clinched the title after a tough, injury-plagued run at the 2023 National Finals Rodeo. He is a top contender in the 2025 PRCA season.
  • John Crimber (PBR)
    • Nationality: USA
    • Career Highlight: Youngest rider to compete in the PBR World Finals Championship round.
    • Rising Star: The son of 10-time PBR World Finals qualifier Paulo Crimber, John Crimber is the new face of the sport. He finished a remarkable second place at the 2024 PBR World Finals event, proving he is a future World Champion.

The PBR Team Series: A Game Changer in Bull Riding

The introduction of the PBR Team Series has fundamentally changed the landscape of professional bull riding, injecting a new level of strategy, camaraderie, and year-round excitement. This innovative format, which debuted in 2022, features eight city-based teams competing in a regular season leading up to a championship tournament.

The team environment has allowed riders to develop stronger bonds and receive structured coaching, which was previously rare in the individual-focused sport. The 2024 season was defined by the dominance of the Austin Gamblers, who secured the PBR Team Series Championship title.

Key PBR Teams and Their Stars

The team format allows major stars to align, creating powerful rosters that fuel intense rivalries. The 2024 season showcased the depth of talent across the league, with several teams fighting for the top spot.

  • Austin Gamblers: The 2024 Champions, led by two-time MVP José Vitor Leme and current World No. 1 contender Dalton Kasel. Their consistent performance made them the team to beat.
  • Carolina Cowboys: A consistently strong contender, the Cowboys have been known for strategic trades and developing young talent, often finishing near the top of the regular season standings.
  • Texas Rattlers: The 2023 Team Series Champions, the Rattlers set the standard for the championship format, proving that momentum and team chemistry are crucial.
  • Nashville Stampede: Winners of the inaugural 2022 Team Series Championship, the Stampede demonstrated that any team can make a deep run in the final tournament.

The Unsung Heroes: Legendary Bulls and Unbreakable Records

A bull rider is only as good as the bull he rides. The popularity of the sport also rests on the powerful, athletic bucking bulls, who are athletes in their own right and often achieve celebrity status. The ultimate goal for any rider is to cover a bull known for its difficulty, often resulting in a coveted 90-point ride.

In 2024, the most feared and respected bull was Man Hater, who was crowned the YETI Bucking Bull of the Year. Bulls like Man Hater, along with other high-scoring animals such as Chiseled, Blackstone, and Skippy, are essential entities that drive the sport's excitement.

Records That Define Greatness

The quest for greatness in bull riding is measured by a few key, almost mythical records:

  • Most Career 90-Point Rides: This record is held by José Vitor Leme, who has surpassed all previous riders with 99 career 90-point rides, earning him the moniker "The Machine from Brazil."
  • Most Qualified Rides: The all-time leader in qualified rides (rides lasting the full 8 seconds) is the legendary 2008 World Champion Guilherme Marchi, a testament to his incredible longevity and consistency.
  • Most World Championships: The record is shared by three-time World Champions Adriano Moraes, Silvano Alves, and SweetPro's Bruiser (the bucking bull). Sage Steele Kimzey holds the record for the PRCA with seven World Championships.

The current generation of popular bull riders—Dias, Kasel, Kimzey, and Crimber—are relentlessly chasing these milestones. Their dedication to mastering the most dangerous 8 seconds in sports ensures that the global appeal of professional bull riding will only continue to grow in the years to come.

The 7 Most Popular Bull Riders Dominating the PBR and PRCA Circuits Right Now
popular bull riders
popular bull riders

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