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 world. 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 Champion. 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 globally, where the Top bull riders compete week in and week out. 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. 

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

There are multiple series in each of the five countries where PBR currently operates and/or sanctions events, but only points earned at the United States 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 national standings.

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

From January through to November, all PBR Australia events lead to the PBR Australia Monster Energy Grand Finals, where the top 25 bull riders compete for the most money and points available.

The Monster Energy Tour (MET) is the flagship event series of Professional Bull Riders Australia (PBRA), featuring over 16 elite events annually across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. With major series such as the PBR Origin Series and the PBR Can-Am Junior Academy embedded in its impressive year-long schedule, the Monster Energy Tour culminates in the PBR Australia Grand Finals, where the nation’s top riders compete for the coveted title of PBR Australia Champion. The Monster Energy Tour runs year-round as the premier series of the individual season, culminating in January.

The Touring Pro Division (TPD) is the developmental tour of the PBR, where both established veterans and newcomers to the professional ranks compete against some of the most renowned bucking bulls in the sport. The TPD operates during the individual season, running in unison with the elite Monster Energy Tour, and gives riders the opportunity to compete in PBR-sanctioned events while earning points to qualify for the Monster Energy Tour and the PBR Australia Grand Finals.

PBR’s Can-Am Junior Academy is a vital part of PBR Australia's rider development programme, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of bull riding talent. The Junior Academy provides young riders with the essential skills, experience and exposure they need to succeed at both national and international levels. Operating throughout the year, in unison with MET events, the Can-Am Junior Academy competes for its own Junior Grand Finals, with champions from each division earning the opportunity to perform exhibition rides at major competitions like the Origin Series and the National Grand Finals. This exposure helps young athletes advance their careers, connect with and learn from the best in the world, and provides opportunities to progress to the international PBR circuit. Through its commitment to developing world-class talent, the Academy plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of bull riding in Australia and beyond.

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 Protection Athletes 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. 

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.”

The PBR Australia Origin Series is an electrifying state-versus-state bull riding competition, where top riders from New South Wales and Queensland face off in a thrilling trio of events. Modelled after the State of Origin rugby series, the Origin Series has quickly become one of the most anticipated highlights of the Professional Bull Riders Australia (PBRA) tour since its debut in 2019.

The series showcases the best bull riders from both states, with fierce competition and intense rivalries fuelling the action. Fans are treated to world-class bull riding, with each event highlighting the skill, courage, and athleticism of the riders as they battle for state pride and victory.

As a central feature of the PBRA's annual schedule, which includes over 20 events nationwide, the PBR Origin Series plays a vital role in elevating bull riding in Australia. It also serves as an important pathway for emerging riders to progress to the international stage, further solidifying the series as a key part of PBRA’s commitment to growing the sport.

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.