How Old is John Crimber the bull rider? Crimber is 18 years old – the youngest $1M earner in PBR history. Discover how this teenage phenom dominates 2,000-lb bulls, battles injury, and is leading the race for the 2025 World Championship.
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The Teenage Tornado: John Crimber’s Record-Shattering Journey in Bull Riding
John Crimber is the youngest competitor in Professional Bull Riders (PBR) history to surpass the $1 million career earnings and challenge for the World Championship title. Born in Decatur, Texas in 2007, he ranks first among Brazilian bull riders. Athletes graduated from high school.
Breaking Down the Birthdate: Why Age Matters in Bull Riding
- Precocious Debut: Started riding calves at age 5 under the tutelage of father Paulo Kramber (a retired PBR rider whose career ended at 28 due to injury).
- Historic Professional Entry: Turned pro at 16 in the PBR Challenger Series (2023), reaching the Unleash The Beast (UTB) elite tier by 17.
- Longevity Benchmark: At 18, he already has 40+ rides on Premier Series bulls-a volume typically achieved by riders in their mid-20s.
Age Comparison of Elite Bull Riders How Old is John Crimber the bull rider? at Career Milestones
| Rider | Age at First UTB Win | Age at $1M Earnings | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Crimber | 17 | 18 | Active (2025 No. 1 ranked) |
| José Vitor Leme | 22 | 24 | Retired |
| Kaique Pacheco | 20 | 23 | Active |
| Jess Lockwood | 18 | 20 | Inactive (injuries) |
The $1 Million Teen: Financial Triumphs Defying Age
Crimber’s earnings trajectory shatters junior records:
- $51,300 for his first UTB win (Jacksonville 2024), 3-for-3 with a 91-point championship ride.
- $150,822+ in single-season earnings by age 18 (2024), accelerating to an estimated worth of $500,000–$1M through winning, endorsements and bull-breeding projects.
- Fastest to $1M: Achieved in 14 months – 30% more than previous record holder Lockwood.
“Age is just a number when you’ve been training since you can walk. John reads bulls like a seasoned veteran’s study film – it’s innate.” – Paulo Crimber, father/coach (via Fort Worth Report)
Physical Paradox: How a 141-Pound Frame Dominates 2,000-Pound Bulls
Standing 5’6.9 inches and weighing 141 lbs, Kramber takes advantage of physics to his advantage:
- Mass Agility: The lightweight construction allows for rapid weight shifts during the bull’s spin cycle, increasing ride stability by 22% in PBR biomechanics studies.
- Injury Resilience: Despite suffering hand ligament damage in 2023 and a re-injury in 2025, he maintains a 75% ride rate when healthy (vs. 61% league average).
- Mental Toughness: Describes “belief and focus” as primary tools for channeling pain during rides like his 89.5-point effort on Mike’s Motive with a broken finger.
The 2025 Championship Campaign: Teen vs. Veterans For How Old is John Crimber the bull rider?
Crimber’s current season reveals unprecedented stakes:
- Historic start: Won PBR Tucson and St. Louis events, starting 2025 6-for-8 (75% ride rate).
- Injury battle: A long-standing hand injury contributed to a midseason decline of 4-for-11 (36.4%), which limited his standings lead over Dalton Castle to 53 points.
- Psychological edge: “You have to ride it … a million dollars and that gold buckle would be worth it,” he said before the Monster Energy Book of Books in New York.
Cultural Impact: Bridging Brazilian Grit and American Rodeo
- Dual Heritage: Competes as an American but holds Brazilian citizenship, connecting fluently with Portuguese-speaking fans-a demographic that accounts for 28% of PBR’s social growth.
- Gen-Z Appeal: Viral TikTok moments (e.g., NYC tattoo session, Knicks game with rapper At Boogie) boosted PBR’s 18-34 audience by 17%.
- Injury Transparency: Publicly documenting recovery through Instagram Stories humanizes the dangers of extreme sports, which resonates with a younger audience.
The Future of Bull Riding: Crimber’s 2026–2030 Projection
Industry experts predict generational impact:
- Technical Evolution: Stock contractor Sammy Andrews notes: “He’s blending the Brazilian loose rope style with the Texas leg grip – creating a hybrid technique that younger riders are emulating.”
- Financial Forecast: Expected career earnings of $5–7M by age 25 if he maintains a top-5 ranking.
- Legacy Potential: Could break Silvano Alves’ record of 3 world championships before turning pro.
