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.
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 |
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
Leme’s returned in April 2025 sparked statistical madness:
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”
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.
Leme’s 2025 victory earned him his place among the gods of bull riding:
His comeback also reshaped PBR culture:
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
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