There are many advantages to becoming a PBR bull rider. With several events held globally, we offer riders the opportunity to challenge themselves and compete for the largest payouts in all of professional bull riding.
PBR riders will be performing alongside the best in the world and attempting to ride the rankest bulls on the planet for cash prizes, including the $1 million World Champion bonus and $300,000 World Finals event winner prize.
PBR is also excited to unveil our new, state-of-the-art performance facility to enhance your skills as an athlete. The PBR facility will allow riders to rehabilitate from injuries, learn how to improve themselves as a professional athlete, and offer coaching from some of the best bull riders in the business.
In 2016, riders at all levels of PBR competition earned close to $9 million in prize money. In 2017, that total will rise another $1.5 million, with an additional $825,000 being offered at the PBR’s international tours in Brazil, Canada, Australia and Mexico.
PBR bull riders can make a very good living doing what they love.
Below is information on how to become a PBR bull rider.
A rider must be at least 18 years of age to purchase a PBR Membership and must fill out the PBR Membership Application below. Membership is available for $420 per year and membership is valid from time of purchase through Oct. 31 of that season. Any membership purchased after Oct. 1 will roll over and apply for the following PBR season.
After purchasing a PBR Membership, you will receive a membership packet with your cards, a set of rowels, a current schedule, and an official competition rulebook. You will start with a Permit. The Permit allows you to enter all Touring Pro Division and Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour events. Once you earn at least $2,500 in prize money, you will be upgraded from a Permit Holder to a Card Holder at no additional cost. To maintain your Card Holder status, you must continue to win a minimum of $2,500 each year. If the minimum $2,500 threshold is not met in a season, you will be returned to Permit status.
For any questions about PBR Memberships, payments, or or scheduling, you can reach Jack Holmberg at 719-242-2800 ext. 3235. The application PDF may be downloaded via the link below. Return the application, by mail, to PBR 101 W Riverwalk Pueblo, CO 81003; by fax to 719-242-2767; or by email to jholmberg@pbr.com.
The PBR Competition Department takes entries each week beginning at 8 A.M. MST on Tuesdays and closes entries at 12:00 MST on Thursdays. Books are open for each event at least 16 days prior to the event date. To enter the event or to request an updated schedule with all call-in dates, we may be contacted at 719-242-2865. Entry fees, venues, added money and event dates are listed in the event schedule.
Open entries are accepted at all Touring Pro Division and Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour events, however priority will be given to PBR Members for acquiring a position in these events. If you enter as an open rider and are given a position and then earn at least $420, you will receive a PBR Membership and your Membership dues will be withheld from the prize money.
When books close on Thursday for each event, our competition department will check all entered riders and qualifications for each event to set positions on Thursday afternoon. Call-backs to see if event entries were accepted occur the following Friday. The number of riders in each event will vary, depending on the event format.
Any points or money earned at any PBR event will count towards PBR World Standings. Once a rider earns the points required to be included in the top 35 in the standings, they will earn a chance to compete at PBR’s Elite 25th PBR: Unleash the Beast.
