In 1992, when 20 bull riders from the rodeo circuit came together to give life to a dream they all shared, they never imagined it would so quickly develop into what has officially been declared the fastest growing sport in America – the PBR. The riders pooled their resources - $1,000 each - and broke away from the confines of the rodeo format to make bull riding, the most popular of the seven events in traditional rodeo, a standalone sport and take it to major markets across the United States. Today, the visionary founders are riding a wave of popularity as the PBR continues its charge as one of the fastest-growing properties in the history of sports.

The concept is simple enough: match the world’s best bull riding athletes against the toughest animal athletes on the planet in an 8-second man-versus-beast duel. Put the cowboys against one another in a season-long battle to claim the year-end title of PBR World Champion, and with that, a share of more than $10 million in prize money including the $1 million year-end bonus for the season’s best bull rider. Of course, it’s only simple until you strap a tough and determined 150-pound cowboy to the back of a temperamental 2,000-pound bull. The result is unparalleled action where danger, drama and heroic accomplishments are just a part of the game.

The PBR brings “The Toughest Sport on Dirt” to major venues nationwide, where the Top 35 bull riders in the world compete week in and week out on the televised Unleash The Beast. Each event is wrapped in a rock concert environment, complete with pulsating music, explosive pyrotechnics and fast-paced production. The combination of intense sports action and world-class production can’t be rivaled by any other major league sport.

The PBR is experiencing unprecedented growth in global and domestic appeal. Today more than 600 bull riders from the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico hold PBR memberships. They compete in more than 300 bull riding events each year on either the nationally-televised Unleash The Beast and PBR Camping World Team Series, Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour, Challenger Series or Touring Pro Division. There are also tours in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico.

In early 2007, Spire Capital Partners finalized a deal with the PBR Board of Directors to acquire the interests of many of the retired founding riders and invest in the growth of the organization. Those first 20 bull riders had turned their $1,000 into millions.

On April 15, 2015, the PBR announced that WME|IMG, the global leader in sports, fashion and media, had acquired the company from Spire and the remaining PBR shareholders. WME|IMG is now the sole owner of the PBR.

Professional bull riding is a fierce, rough, and grueling sport with roots deeply imbedded in American culture. It's America's original extreme sport.

The scores earned by riders for each successful ride determine their placement within the round of competition, the event and ultimately the Unleash The Beast World Championship standings. The ride scores determine a rider's place in each round. At the conclusion of each round, world standings points are awarded, which count toward both the event they are competing in and the world standings.

There are multiple series in each of the five countries where PBR currently operates and/or sanctions events, but only points earned at Unleash The Beast events count towards the UTB World Championship standings. Points earned at any other PBR event are counted toward the Velocity Global or Challenger Global standings.

In multi-round events, the successful ride scores from all rounds are aggregated to determine a rider’s standing at that event. The average (or aggregate) score earned during an event determines a rider’s place in the event standings. At the conclusion of each event, points are awarded to each place, which count toward both the event and the UTB World Championship standings.

The rider with the highest aggregate at the conclusion of any event is the event winner.

For more information on the PBR Camping World Team Series, Click here.

From November through May, all PBR events around the world lead to the Unleash the Beast (UTB), where the Top 35 bull riders in the world compete week in and week out for the most money and points available.

The Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour (PWVT) began in 2014 as the sport’s premier expansion series, featuring young, emerging bull riding talent alongside some of the superstars of the sport. The PWVT is the primary and most important qualifying series for bull riders to qualify for the UTB and ultimately the PBR World Finals. The Velocity Tour runs in tandem with the premier series during the individual season, culminating in May.

The Touring Pro Division (TPD) is the developmental tour of the PBR where both stablished veterans and newcomers to the professional ranks compete against some of the most famous bucking bulls in the sport. The TPD operates during the individual season, running in unison with the elite Unleash The Beast and Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour, and gives riders the opportunity to compete in PBR-sanctioned events while earning points to qualify for the Velocity Tour and ultimately the Unleash The Beast.

PBR’s Challenger Series, which launched alongside PBR Teams in 2022, serves as a proving ground giving additional competitive opportunities to bull riders who are both affiliated and unaffiliated with a PBR Teams team. At the conclusion of the PBR Challenger Series regular season, a select number of top-finishing riders in the final Challenger Series standings will earn berths to the Unleash The Beast events the following season.

A rider must ride for 8 seconds with one hand in the bull rope and one in the air in order to earn a score.

The clock starts when the bull’s shoulder or hip breaks the plane of the gate. It stops when the riders hand comes out of his rope – voluntarily or not. The clock also stops if the rider touches himself, the bull or the ground with his free arm during the 8 second ride.

If the rider makes the 8 second buzzer, he receives a score. If he does not make the 8 second buzzer, then he receives no score for that attempt.

Each ride is worth up to 100 total points: 50 points awarded to the bull and 50 points awarded to the rider if he successfully rides the bull for 8 seconds.

The bulls are competing for points and standings as well and every bull receives a score of 0 to 50 points after every ride or attempted ride whether the rider successfully made the 8 second buzzer or not.

At the conclusion of each 8 second ride or attempt, PBR judges award scores to both the bulls and the riders, each out of a total of 50 points.

A bull is judged on his athleticism and difficulty to ride. This takes into account spin (right or left), direction changes (movement forward and backward or side to side), kick in the back end, drop in the front and body rolls. A body roll occurs when a bull is in the air and kicks either his hind feet or all four feet to the side. The more of these characteristics a bull displays during a ride, the higher the degree of difficulty.

A rider is judged on how in control he is during the ride. This takes into account how well he matches and counters the bull’s moves, how centered he is and how fluid his movement is during the bull ride. Extra points may be awarded for style, such as spurring (the rider lifts his leg away from the bull and returns it) which demonstrates complete control.

The combined bull score and rider score for each successful ride is the official ride score.

If the bull’s performance is sub-par or if the bull fouls the rider during the ride (the rider is rubbed against the chute or an object, the bull stumbles, the flank strap detaches, etc.) then the judges may award a re-ride which affords the rider another attempt.

Beginning with the 2013 season, any contestant born on or after Oct. 15, 1994, is required to wear a protective helmet. The PBR leaves the choice of headwear up to any of its riders born before this date. Over 50 percent of PBR riders choose to wear a helmet and/or mask to help protect them from threatening head blows and injuries to the face and jaw. The helmet is similar to those worn in hockey with some adaptations.

Helmet Beginning with the 2013 season, any contestant born on or after Oct. 15, 1994 is required to wear a protective helmet. The PBR leaves the choice of headwear up to any of its riders born before this date. Over 50 percent of PBR riders choose to wear a helmet and/or mask to help protect them from threatening head blows and injuries to the face and jaw. The helmet is similar to those worn in hockey with some adaptations.

Protective Vest The vest, invented by PBR Livestock Director and former bull rider Cody Lambert, is worn by the PBR athletes for protection. It serves two primary purposes: it absorbs shock and dissipates the blow to the body, while protecting the torso from threatening punctures caused by direct contact with the bull's hooves and horns.

Glove Cowboys wear a glove only on their riding hand (the hand that grips the bull rope). This leather glove protects a cowboy's hand and fingers. It also makes it easier to hold on to the bull rope.

Rosin Rosin helps the cowboy's glove adhere to the bull rope. It is a sticky substance that provides the cowboy with a little extra grip.

Chaps Chaps are custom-made and often display the logo of a cowboy's sponsors, as well as various decorative elements. Chaps may be flashy, but they are part of the armor that adds a layer of protection for the cowboy against a bull's horns and hooves.

Bull Rope The bull rope is a flat rope braided from nylon or grass that goes around the bull's girth area behind his front legs. The rope has a handle, constructed partially of leather that is braided into it and serves as the cowboy's only anchor for the duration of his ride.

Boots The boots the cowboys wear while riding have a special spur ridge on the heel which helps their spurs to stay in place. Some cowboys wear the traditional pull-on boot, while others prefer those that lace up to fit the foot snugly.

Spurs Spurs help the cowboy stay in position on a bull. The rowels are dull so they don't injure or cut the skin of the bull. The spurring action displays the level of complete control of the cowboy during the ride.

The registry agency for all PBR bucking bulls that is responsible for selection of bulls for PBR events.

The term used by bull riders to describe when a bull spins in the opposite direction of their riding hand. For example, a right-handed bull rider on a bull that spins to the left is riding a bull “away from his hand.”

When a rider is thrown from the bull before the required 8 seconds, he has bucked off and does not earn a score.

PBR bullfighters distract the bull away from a rider who has been bucked off or who has dismounted following an out. These tough and courageous athletes allow the rider to get back onto his feet and out of harm’s way and are sure not to harm the bovine athletes in doing so.

The yellow flag thrown into the arena and used by a team’s coaching staff or designated team personnel to indicate to the judges that they are initiating a challenge. Often thrown in relation to a foul, time or disqualification status.

Each bull ride originates from a gated, steel box called a chute. The rider and the bull remain in their designated chute until the arena is clear and the rider has wrapped his hand into his bull rope. When the rider is ready, he nods his head, signaling the gate man to open the chute gate, releasing the bull and allowing the out to begin.

A digital document displaying any given event’s matchups, rider scores, bull scores and placements within individual competition formats. Specifically used for individual competition. A “Starting Lineup” displays similar information, but used specifically for the PBR Camping World Team Series.

If something happens during the ride that gives the bull an unfair advantage over the bull rider, it is considered a foul, and the rider is given the option of a re-ride. Examples of fouls include the bull making contact with the bucking chute at the beginning of the ride, or if the flank strap falls off before the ride has been completed.

The hand not used to grip the bull rope and must stay in the air throughout the ride. If the free hand makes contact with the bull or rider before 8 seconds elapse, the rider will be disqualified and will not receive a score.

If a rider is unable to free his hand from his bull rope when dismounting, he is “hung up,” and often requires the assistance of bullfighters to release him. Proper usage is to refer to a rider being “hung up on” a bull, though bull riders will sometimes use the term “hung up to” a bull.

The scenario where a bull spins in the same direction of the rider’s riding hand. For example, if a right-handed rider is on a bull that spins to the right then he is riding a bull “Into his hand.”

A 5-on-5, team-based series where riders compete on behalf of one of eight founding organizations over the course of a 10-event regular season, eventually culminating in the PBR Teams Championship in Las Vegas. The team to log a higher aggregate score during its five opportunities wins the game.

If a rider reaches 8 seconds without being disqualified, he has completed a qualified ride and therefore earns a score.

A judge may grant a rider a re-ride if the bull suffers a foul during the out or if he feels that the bull did not perform at a level comparable to the other bulls in the competition, therefore not giving the rider a fair chance to earn a score. Potential re-ride bulls are selected prior to the event.

Each PBR ride is worth up to 100 points – 50 points for the bull, and 50 points for the rider if he successfully rides the bull for 8 seconds. Four judges award up to 25 points each to the rider and the bull. All four of the judges’ scores are combined and then divided by two for the official score.

If a rider makes contact with the bull with his free hand during a ride, it is called a slap. He is disqualified from the out and does not receive a score.

Any individual, related personnel (including flanker), or entity involved in raising, care of and transportation of bucking bulls selected for PBR Event competitions.

When a rider is bucked off, then subsequently horned and/or stomped by the bull, he has been involved in a wreck.

Click here to see Kenny McElroy explain that a bull cannot be “made” to buck. A PBR bucking bull is born to buck and genetics are the most prevalent factor in determining the bull’s ability to buck. Bucking is natural and bred into a PBR bucking bull.

The rider’s bull rope is made of poly-rope and does not agitate the bull in any way. PBR rules prohibit hard objects in direct contact with the bovine and sufficient padding is used in spots to prevent any agitation. A bull rider can use the assistance of someone to pull their bull rope tight with no more than three hands on the rope at a time. The rope is pulled through a loop underneath the bull and only the rider’s grip secures the rope in place. Click here to watch Jeremy Walker explain.

The biggest misconception in the sport is that a bull’s testicles are tied up (or touched in any manner) in order to make the bull buck. Like any male species, tying up the testicles would hinder performance by causing only pain. There is NO negative stimulation that induces a bull to buck, it’s all in genetics. Click here to watch Chad Berger talk more about this misconception.

Click here to watch Cord McCoy explain the myth that Hot Shots and Cattle Prods are used on bucking bulls in the PBR. PBR prohibits the use of cattle prods in arena, inside the chutes and/or lead up alleys as bulls are managed at a PBR event. Cattle prods are only allowed to be used by personnel in the back pens to prevent injury to the bull and/or handler. Disciplinary action is taken if anyone uses a cattle prod in circumstances that are not injury threatening to bull or handler.

Click here to watch PBR Stock Contractor Kenny McElroy talk about the different physical therapy methods bulls receive. PBR stock contractors take great care of their animal athletes. Bulls will regularly receive physical therapy and treatment from top-notch vets and caretakers. Like any athlete, muscles get sore and there are ways to ensure the animal releases any lactic acid build-up and remains comfortable in and out of the arena.

It’s extremely rare that a PBR bull is injured as a result of its performance. The few bulls that do suffer a career-ending injury receive the best care possible. Many are healed and retired to stud living the balance of their lives as healthy, fully capable breeding bulls. In the case of a severe injury, that can’t be repaired through surgery, a bull would be humanely euthanized. Every measure is taken to preserve the life of a bovine athlete and to ensure any injury is handled properly. There is a vet on-site or on call at all times during PBR events. Click here to watch Matt Scharping explain.

PBR closely monitors its bovine athletes and has strict rules to prevent animal mistreatment. If stock contractors, contestants, or other personnel do not adhere to the rules and regulations in place, disciplinary action is taken with the issuance of fines and/or suspension — potentially as severe as lifetime suspension. PBR has had one stock contractor in our history who was deemed to have violated PBR’s rules and expectations with respect to animal welfare and treatment. He was banned for life. Click here to watch Stock Contractor Chad Berger explain PBR's stance on the treatment of the animal athletes.

Like humans, bucking bulls come in an array of shapes, sizes, colors with their own talent, personalities and desire to compete developing on a case-by-case basis. The average bucking bull begins competing with remote control dummies at 2 years old and generally begin their professional career between 3 and 4. Most bucking bulls average a 2-4 year professional career with some competing for as many as 10 years. Post-retirement, bulls live out the balance of their life as a stud on a ranch, passing of natural causes around 15 years old. Click here to see more from Stock Contractor J.W. Hart.

When transporting bulls, PBR's animal athletes get plenty of rest and room in their trailers and at stops. PBR stock contractors take care to ensure the bulls are comfortable during travel. Click here to watch LeAnn explain more.

Click here to watch Stock Contractor Jeremy Walker talk about when bulls compete once arriving at an event. Stock contractors generally like to get the bulls to the events a few days in advance in order to allow the bull enough time to rest before the competition. Bulls are loaded into the arena hours before it's time for them to compete.

Any bull who is physically capable and meets the health and performance requirements set by the Livestock Director and competition department is eligible to compete at PBR events. All bovine athletes receive the best care and treatment and are given the opportunity to live a long, pampered life befitting world-class athletes. Click here to see Matt Scharping talk more about competition.

A bucking bull can weigh anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 pounds. On average, bulls receive about 10-15 pounds of a special blend of high-protein grain and approximately 15 pounds of high-quality hay per day. The blend varies depending on the bull’s needs and the stock contractor. Click here to watch Jeremy Walker explain more.

A bucking bull can weigh anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 pounds. On average, bulls receive about 10-15 pounds of a special blend of high-protein grain and approximately 15 pounds of high-quality hay per day. The blend varies depending on the bull’s needs and the stock contractor. Click here to see Chad Berger talk about caring for a bucking bull.

All bovine athletes receive the best care and treatment and are given the opportunity to live a long, pampered life befitting world-class athletes. How often a bull is bucked depends on the length of the event weekend and how well the bull performed in his first out of that weekend. The longer the bull had to work to buck off a rider, the longer the rest they receive. Click here to watch Chad Berger explain more.

We’re giving the rewards app a new home! Rather than a standalone PBRewards App, PBRewards now lives within the PBR Official App. To find this separate app, visit the App Store or Google Play and search for PBR. 

You can, though we would recommend uninstalling the rewards app and keeping/installing the PBR official app. The PBR official app has all the rewards features/functions of the rewards app plus much more! At a later date, the standalone PBRewards app will be fully discontinued.

Nothing will change with points or your PBRewards account status and activity. Everything will remain the same. In fact, as an added bonus if you update and complete your profile upon accessing your account through the PBR app before December 31, 2023, you will receive 1,000 bonus points upon doing so.

No you will not.

You will still be able to earn 25 points a day for opening your PBRewards profile. Go to the PBR app and click on PBRewards to access your profile and the points will automatically be added.

Yes! Crowd Cameo and all of the other app point earning opportunities will still be available. Open your PBR app then go to PBRewards to access your account and have fun earning those points!

Absolutely! If you are logged into your PBRewards account through the PBR app on your smartphone with your location turned on, you will receive points for attending events listed on your PBRewards profile.

Yes!

Yes! The functionality of your PBRewards account whether you are using a desktop or the app to access it.

All questions related to PBRewards can be directed to pbrewards@pbr.com.