Discover the truth about Did Jose Vitor Leme Lose His Hand? his record-breaking PBR comeback, and how he won $2.15M in 2025. Statistics, details of surgery, and victory revealed.
Table of Contents
The Injury That Fueled a Historic Comeback
The Broken Hand of a World Champion: The Incredible Journey of Jose Vitor Leme
Problem: In January 2025, two-time PBR World Champion Jose Vitor Leme suffered a catastrophic hand injury while riding the “Crazy Party” in Pittsburgh. Rumors swirled about the severity – including fears that he might lose function in his riding hand. The injury forced him to miss 11 events (almost half the season), dropping to No. 31 in the standings and putting his career in jeopardy.
Solution: Through hard recovery and unwavering determination, Leme not only recovered, but pulled off the greatest comeback in PBR history – winning his third world championship just 4 months later. Here’s how he defied the odds:
| Key Stat | Data | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Injury Severity | Multiple fractures | Forced 2-month hiatus; required surgery |
| Pre-Injury Rank | No. 31 (April 2025) | Trailed No. 1 by 851 points |
| Post-Comeback Rank | No. 1 (May 2025) | Won title by 67.5 points |
| World Finals Perfection | 8-for-8 rides | First rider to sweep all rounds |
| Earnings | $2.15M (2025 | Single-season record; career total: $8.3M |
The Medical Reality: Fractures, Not Amputation
Rumours are everywhere, Jose Vitor Leme didn’t lose his hand. During the Pittsburgh event, he sustained multiple fractures in his riding hand. After experiencing “significant pain” mid-journey, medical scans confirmed that the break required immediate surgery and extended rehabilitation 38 . His absence from February-March 2025 threatened to end his season prematurely – until an ongoing rehabilitation procedure made his return possible in April.
“My hand is feeling better... The swelling is going down. Now I’m able to squeeze and hold a little bit more in my rope.”
– Leme before his Sioux Falls comeback
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The Comeback Trail: 4 Weeks That Changed History
Leme’s returned in April 2025 sparked statistical madness:
- 66.7% ride rate: 8-for-12 in four events.
- 206.5 Points Gained: Moved from No. 31 to No. 18.
- Progressive Scores: Rides go from 85 to 91+ points when power returns.
His secret? A blend of physical therapy, adjusted riding technique (minimizing hand strain), and mental resilience. As he declared: “I have to give 200% of me… to keep this dream awake”
World Finals Domination: An 8-For-8 Masterclass
At the 2025 PBR World Finals, Leme achieved the feat – something no rider had ever accomplished—in both the eliminations and championship rounds.
Leme’s Unbeatable Finals Performance
| Round | Bull | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliminations R1 | Whiplash | 85 | Win |
| Eliminations R2 | Flapjack | 87.5 | Win |
| Eliminations R3 | Triple Aught | 89.25 | Win |
| Eliminations R4 | Pegasus | 91.25 | Win (Event Title) |
| Championship R1 | Ugly This | 88.75 | Win |
| Championship R2 | Oyster Creek Brawler | 90.5 | Win |
| Championship R3 | Lari’s Speck | 89.25 | Win |
| Championship R4 | Walk Hard | 91 | Win (World Title Clincher) |
This flawless run earned him 734 Unleash The Beast points and catapulted him past No. 1 Dalton Kasel.
Legacy Cemented: Records Broken
Leme’s 2025 victory earned him his place among the gods of bull riding:
- 🥇 3rd World Championship: Tied with Adriano Moraes and Silvano Alves for most.
- 💰 $8.3M Career Earnings: Richest Western Sportsman of All Time.
- 🏆 3rd World Finals Event Title: Equaled Robson Palermo’s record.
- ✅ 59.5% Season Riding Average: Highest among title contenders.
His comeback also reshaped PBR culture:
- Safety Advocacy: Increased use of safety gloves/braces.
- Global Inspiration: Proven “impossible” deficiencies can be overcome with certainty.
The Final Takedown: Myth vs. Reality
Did Jose Vitor Leme Lose His Hand? No, Jose Vitor Leme didn’t lose his hand. A broken riding hand became the catalyst for one of the most extraordinary seasons in PBR history, a testament to modern sports medicine and human fortitude. As Leme himself declared after his $2.15M victory:
“Nothing is impossible, even if you’re down. God will put you in the right way to accomplish your dreams.”
– 2025 PBR World Champion Jose Vitor Leme
