Who Is The Most Famous Bull Rider Right Now? The most famous bull riders in 2025 are either Vessi Shala or John Crimber, two 19-year-old phenoms who have taken the world of professional bull riding by storm. While veteran champions like Jose Vitor Leme continue to make history, it is the teenage sensations who are capturing the mainstream spotlight and representing a new generation of western sportsmen amid bull riding’s unprecedented rise in popularity.
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Bull Riding’s Mainstream Moment
Professional bull riding is experiencing an extraordinary cultural renaissance, transforming from a niche Western sport into a mainstream spectacle. Driven by the growing popularity of all things Western – from Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” album to the hit television series “Yellowstone” – bull riders have become the new rock stars of the sports world. At the forefront of this revolution are athletes who combine incredible athleticism with a daring mentality, capturing the imagination of traditional rodeo fans and urban newcomers alike. As the sport expands to major markets like New York’s Madison Square Garden, where ticket sales are up 16 percent over last year, a new generation of riders has emerged to claim the spotlight.
The Face of Modern Bull Riding: Wacey Schalla
At just 19 years old, Wacey Schalla has risen to the top of the bull riding world with a combination of raw talent and mental fortitude that belies his youth. Despite his adolescent appearance and “alabaster skin” that makes him look even younger than his years, Schalla competes with the intensity and skill of a seasoned veteran .
His approach to the sport reveals a complex understanding of the mental game: “It’s something that fuels my fire, the nerves you get out there, the adrenaline, it pumps me up,” Schalla explains. “And it’s something you can’t really explain unless you’re out there doing it” .
What makes Schalla’s rise particularly remarkable is his dedication to competing in multiple events – a rarity in today’s specialized sports landscape. In addition to bull riding, he tests his skills in bareback bronc riding, following in the footsteps of his idol, Ty Murray . This versatility demonstrates an exceptional level of athleticism and commitment to the cowboy tradition.
Schalla’s Key Achievements for Who Is The Most Famous Bull Rider Right Now?:
- Current top-ranked rider in professional bull riding
- One of the few competitors to ride both bulls and bareback horses.
- Recovering quickly and returning from multiple serious injuries in 2025
- Known for his relentless travel schedule between competitions.
The Contender: John Crimber – The Million-Dollar Teen
At about the same time, another 19-year-old is making headlines: John Crimber of the Florida Freedom team. Crimber recently became the youngest rider in PBR history to reach $1 million in career earnings — a milestone that underscores both his talent and the sport’s growing financial rewards.
Crimber represents as much the legacy of bull riding as it does its future. The son of Paulo Crimber, a world-class rider who is now the coach of the Florida Freedom team, John raced his first bull at just six years old. This multifaceted connection to the sport adds depth to his story and suggests a longevity that could extend beyond his riding career.
“For Crimber, a third consecutive title would cement his legacy as one of the greatest big air riders of all time.” Although this quote refers to a different sport, the parallels to what Crimber can achieve in bull riding are clear—he is at the beginning of what could be a historic career.
Rising Stars and Veteran Champions
The bull riding landscape includes several other notable names that command significant attention:
- José Vitor Leme: Officially the 2025 World Champion, Leme has been a dominant force in recent years. His record-breaking 98.75-point ride on Wopa at the 2021 PBR World Finals set a new standard for excellence in the sport.
- Kaique Pacheco: Known as “The Iceman” for his tenacity under pressure, Pacheco won the 2018 World Championship and is still a formidable competitor.
- Jess Lockwood: Two-time World Champion (2017, 2019) who has made a remarkable comeback after a series of serious, nearly career-ending injuries.
The official 2025 PBR World Champion standings show José Vitor Leme at the top, followed by other top contenders. This illustrates how the “most popular” rider can differ from the top-ranked one, depending on whether someone makes the move through championships, media attention, or cultural influence.
Comparing Bull Riding’s Top Contenders in 2025
| Rider | Age | Key Achievement | Signature Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wacey Schalla | 19 | Current top-ranked rider | Competes in both bull and bareback riding |
| John Crimber | 19 | Youngest to $1 million earnings | Second-generation bull rider |
| José Vitor Leme | 28 | 2025 World Champion | Highest-scoring ride in history (98.75 pts) |
| Kaique Pacheco | 30 | 2018 World Champion | Known as “The Ice Man” for his composure |
What Makes a Bull Rider “Famous”?
The definition of fame in bull riding extends beyond championship titles to include:
- Social Media Presence: Young riders connect directly with fans through platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- Mainstream Appeal: Emergence in popular culture beyond traditional rodeo circuits
- Personality and Story: Strong personal narratives that resonate with audiences.
- Consistency: Ability to consistently deliver exciting performances
As Cody Custer, 1992 PRCA World Champion bull rider, explains: “We’ve seen something like this before with the ‘Urban Cowboy’. There was a big rise in the Western lifestyle, bull riding became big, but I don’t think it’s going anywhere at this point”.
The Cultural Phenomenon: Why Bull Riding Captivates America
The current surge in popularity of bull riding reflects broader cultural trends. In an increasingly digital and automated world, the raw, unfiltered confrontation between man and animal represents something authentic and primal. The sport combines elements of danger, athleticism, and tradition in a way that few other activities can match.
“The New York crowd is incredible. They are literally our best fans year-round,” said Kody Lostroh, who coaches the New York Mavericks. “Being a Western sport in general, they are drawn to these kinds of legendary cowboys who come to visit New York and do great things with bulls.”
This cross-cultural appeal has been instrumental in expanding bull riding’s audience beyond its traditional base. Events at venues like Madison Square Garden introduce the sport to new fans who may not have experienced it before, creating a healthy cycle of increased popularity and recognition for the athletes.
Expert Insights: The Psychology of a Bull Rider
What separates elite bull riders from the rest? According to those who have experienced it, it’s as much mental as it is physical.
Cody Custer describes the necessary mindset: “Most every guy who rides a bull is a little bit of a thrill seeker. You have to savor it, the challenge, and that’s what keeps guys going. It’s one of the most dangerous things you can do, but if you take it to the point where you’re willing to give your life for it, you almost have a mindset that you have … mindset.”
This combination of fearlessness and focus enables riders like Shala and Crimber to perform under extreme pressure. The physical demands are staggering – analysis shows that about 5% of all bull rides end in injury, the highest rate of any rodeo sport. Yet these players face this danger with a calmness that seems at odds with their youth.
The Future of Bull Riding
As bull riding continues to grow, several trends indicate where the sport is headed:
- Young competitors: The proliferation of teenage champions indicates that a new generation of riders is developing skills early on.
- International expansion: Brazilian riders like Lemmy are at the top of the sport alongside Americans, creating a more diverse competitive landscape.
- Media integration: The acquisition of the PBR by WWE and UFC parent company TKO signals a new era of sports-entertainment crossover.
- Safety innovations: While still extremely dangerous, improved protective gear allows riders to extend their careers.
The future looks bright for both the sport and its current stars. As these young riders continue to develop and compete, they have the potential not only to break records but also to bring bull riding to an audience never before imagined.
The Rider Capturing the Moment
While several riders have made strong claims to fame in 2025, Wacey Schalla represents the perfect convergence of talent, timing and storytelling that defines a truly iconic athlete in the modern era. His youthfulness resonates with new, younger fans. His dual event presence honors tradition while showcasing exceptional talent. And his soft-spoken demeanor off the field contrasts dramatically with his fierce competition on it.
That said, the dynamic nature of bull riding means that today’s fame can be tomorrow’s memory. As 1992 PRCA World Champion Cody Custer noted, the current Western cultural wave seems to have more power than previous eras. If this proves true, the famous faces of bull riding – whether Shala, Crimber, Leme, or another rising star – will soon be known far beyond the rodeo arena, turning these modern cowboys into household names.
For now, the answer to “Who is the most famous bull rider right now?” is not one, but several compelling answers, each representing a different aspect of what makes the sport increasingly appealing to millions of Americans.
