Guilherme Marchi is a former professional bull rider from Brazil who was the 2008 PBR World Champion and holds the all-time record for most qualified rides in the PBR Elite Series with 635. He is currently an assistant coach for the Kansas City Outlaws PBR team.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| World Championships | 1 (2008) |
| All-Time Qualified Rides (Elite Series) | 635 |
| Premier Series Event Wins | 25 |
| Career Earnings | Over $5.2 million |
| Career Riding Percentage | 57% (806 rides/1404 outs) |
| PBR World Finals Event Wins | 1 (2005) |
Table of Contents
Marchi competed on the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit for 15 consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2018, setting a record of 15 appearances in the PBR World Finals. He was known for his exceptional consistency and determination, finishing as a four-time world title runner-up (2005-2007, 2012) before winning the championship in 2008.
Post-Career
After retiring from competition in the United States at the end of 2018, Marchi returned to Brazil to triumph in the final farewell ceremony. He remains active in the sport, sharing his vast knowledge and experience as an assistant coach for the Kansas City Outlaws in the PBR Teams Series. In 2023, he was ranked 14th on the list of the top 30 bull riders in PBR history.
In the world of professional bull riding, where careers are measured in eight-second increments and are often cut short by injury, Guilherme Marchi created a legacy of such remarkable endurance and skill that he is known simply as “Iron Man.” The Brazilian legend didn’t just win the PBR World Championship. He redefined what it means to have a sustainable, elite career in the sport’s most dangerous arena. His story is one of relentless determination, record-breaking consistency, and technical mastery that made him a threat to any bull, anywhere.
After finishing as World Championship runner-up for three consecutive years (2005-2007), he won in 2008 to claim the coveted gold buckle and a $1 million bonus.
By the Numbers: The Career of an Icon
To understand Marchi’s dominance, one must look at the statistics that tell the story of a 15-year career spent at the peak of the game.
From Brazilian Roots to American Dream
Marchi’s path to glory began far beyond the PBR’s Bullitt Ford Tough Series. Born in Itupeva, São Paulo, he grew up on a farm, developing a connection with the animals that would form the basis of his career. He began riding at the age of 15, overcoming initial skepticism and prejudice that didn’t see bull riding as a viable future. Undaunted, he demonstrated his talent by winning the Brazilian National Championship in 2002.
In 2004, he pursued the “American Dream,” moving to the United States to compete against the best in the world. His impact was immediate. He qualified for the World Finals in his first season and by 2005, he was a championship contender, winning the title at the PBR World Finals event that year. His near misses in 2005, 2006 and 2007 only fueled his legendary charm, setting the stage for a dominant 2008 championship run where he rode nearly 75 percent of his bulls and won five events.
Life After the Arena: Coaching and Legacy
True champions create legacies that go beyond their own accomplishments. Marchi retired after the 2018 season, capping off his incredible career with a victory at the PBR Brazil event. However, he was far from done with the game.
In 2023, he began a new chapter as an assistant coach for the Kansas City Outlaws in the PBR Team Series. In that role, he mentors the next generation, sharing wisdom from his record-setting career. His impact was immediate, helping the Outlaws to a regular season championship in 2024.
His official recognition is who’s who of bull riding: induction into the PBR Ring of Honor in 2019 (his first year of eligibility) and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2023, the PBR officially ranked him 14th on its list of the 30 Greatest Bull Riders.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Bucking Strap
What is Guilherme Marchi’s most unbreakable record?
His 635 qualifying rides on the PBR’s Premier Tour are widely considered his most unbeaten record. He is the only rider to surpass 600 rides.
How many times was Marchi a PBR World Champion?
He won the PBR World Championship once, in 2008. However, he showed his consistency by finishing as world runner-up four times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2012).
Where is Guilherme Marchi from?
He is from Leme, São Paulo, Brazil. He is of Italian descent on his father’s side.
What is Marchi doing now after retiring?
He is an assistant coach for the Kansas City Outlaws in the PBR Team Series, where he mentors riders and assists with recruiting, particularly in Brazil.
What was unique about Marchi’s path to the championship?
His perseverance after near misses is legendary. He finished second in the world rankings for three consecutive years (2005-2007) before finally winning it all in 2008, a testament to his mental toughness.