Dener Barbosa has long been one of Brazil’s most consistent and determined bull riders. Inspired by three-time PBR World Champion Adriano Moraes, Barbosa began riding at 13 on his grandfather’s ranch in Paulo de Faria, Brazil, and quickly showed a natural talent for the sport. By 18, he had already captured a national title, and in 2016, he went 60-for-66 to be crowned PBR Brazil Champion, earning his first qualification to the PBR World Finals that same season.

Barbosa’s success carried seamlessly to the United States, where he finished runner-up in the 2017 Rookie of the Year race and earned his first Unleash The Beast event win in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 2018, he helped lead Team Brazil to victory at the PBR Global Cup Australia, a highlight of his international career.

Known for his resilience, Barbosa has battled through numerous injuries while maintaining his place among the sport’s elite. In 2021, he reached a career-best No. 7 in the world, highlighted by a 91.25-point ride on Marquis Metal Works Red Clark in Omaha, Nebraska. The following year, he posted another strong season, finishing No. 13 before suffering a T12 back fracture at the World Finals.

A two-time PBR Global Cup Champion and eight-time World Finals qualifier, Barbosa has proven to be a steady, high-percentage rider when healthy. After winning back-to-back Velocity Tour events in early 2024 and qualifying once again for the PBR World Finals, he joined the Austin Gamblers later that year as a free-agent addition.

Now based in Decatur, Texas, the Brazilian veteran continues to compete with the same grit and discipline that have defined his decade-long career. Off the dirt, he enjoys churrasco BBQ, watching soccer and UFC, and listening to gospel music. His favorite movie is American Sniper, and he credits Jesus as his greatest inspiration — a reminder of the faith and focus that have carried him from rural Brazil to the world stage.