What is the Highest Point Ride in PBR history? The story behind the highest-point ride in PBR history: Jose Vitor Leme’s legendary 98.75-point ride on the bull Woopaa. Learn about the record, the rivalry, and what it takes to achieve bull riding perfection.
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The Quest for a Perfect Score
In a sport where success is measured in eight-second increments and a single point can separate the champions from the rest, the quest for the highest scoring ride is a relentless pursuit. For professional bull riders (PBR), a perfect 100-point score is the theoretical pinnacle, an almost mythical feat that requires flawless coordination between rider and bull. But in 2021, the world witnessed something truly historic – a ride that shattered the existing record and redefined the boundaries of the sport. The highest point ride in PBR history is 98.75 points, achieved by Brazilian sensation Jose Vitor Leme aboard the extraordinary bull Woopaa at the 2021 PBR World Finals in Las Vegas.
The Record-Breaking Moment: Leme and Woopaa Make History
The record-setting ride was not an isolated event but the spectacular climax of a growing rivalry between two elite athletes.
The Dynamic Duo: A Rider and Bull for the Ages
Jose Vitor Leme, a rider who already dominates the sport with back-to-back World Championship titles, found a perfect dance partner in Woopaa, a bull known for his incredible strength and high-flying style. Their partnership was nothing short of magical, producing a string of the highest-scoring rides in the sport.
His journey to a record 98.75 points was a thrilling one:
- First Record (97.75 Points): Just 100 days before the World Finals, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Leme and Woopaa set a new PBR record with a 97.75-point ride. It already seemed like an almost unbeatable score.
- Final Record (98.75 Points): At the 2021 World Finals, despite Leme competing with a serious back injury, the pair achieved the impossible. Leme became the first rider to earn a perfect rider score of 50 points, while Woopaa posted an extraordinary 48.75 points, resulting in a historic total of 98.75 points. The ride simultaneously won the 2021 World Championship for Leme and the YETI World Champion Bull title for Woopaa.
The Breakdown of a Near-Perfect Score for What is the Highest Point Ride in PBR history?
PBR riding is judged on a 100-point scale, divided equally between bull performance and rider performance.
- Bull Score (up to 50 points): Judges evaluate the bull’s strength, speed, changes in direction, and how difficult it is to ride. Woopaa’s 48.75-point score reflects the most impressive performance ever.
- Rider Score (up to 50 points): Judges evaluate the rider’s control, rhythm, and body position throughout the ride. Leme’s perfect 50-point score indicates absolute mastery and grace under extreme pressure.
Progression of the PBR’s highest-scoring record with Lemme and Woopaa
| Date | Event | Score | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2020 | PBR World Finals, Arlington | 95.75 points | Clinched Leme’s first World Title |
| June 2021 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | 97.75 points | Broke the previous PBR record (96.5 points) |
| November 2021 | PBR World Finals, Las Vegas | 98.75 points | All-time record; Leme’s perfect 50-point score |
Original Insights: Deconstructing the Elements of a Record Ride
What separates a great ride from a legendary ride? The record that Lemay and Woopaa set wasn’t just about skill. It was a confluence of several important factors.
Case Study: The Unbreakable Mindset
What is the Highest Point Ride in PBR history? One of the most notable aspects of the 98.75-point ride was the context. Jose Vitor Leme was battling a partially torn right groin and a core muscle injury that was so severe that he had to be taken to the sports medicine room after the pre-ride. It highlighted a key element of champion riders: mental toughness. The ability to compartmentalize the excruciating pain and focus fully on the task at hand is what separates world champions from the rest of the field. Leme’s own words before the ride -“I didn’t know if I could do it again, but I hoped I could” – reveal a mindset that focuses on possibility rather than limitation.
Expert Opinion: The Bull’s Role in Making History
A common misconception is that the rider sets the score alone. In reality, a high score is a partnership. Stock contractor Laramie Wilson and owner Larry Barker saw Woopaa’s potential early on. After his first record-breaking ride in Tulsa, Wilson commented on CBS Sports Network, “I honestly hope we can top it next year. I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but I’m sure we can.” This expert insight emphasizes that to break a record, Bell must also produce a career-best performance. Woopaa’s consistency was key; 27 of his 38 career outings were for 45 points or more.
The Legacy and the Future: Is the Record Under Threat?
All great records eventually face challengers. The legacy of Lemay and Woopaa continues to shape the game today.
The New Rivalry: Dias and Man Hater
A new dynamic duo has emerged that directly compares to Lemay and Woopaa: 2024 PBR World Champion Cassio Dias and 2024 YETI World Champion Bull Man Hater. The pair has already come close to the record, with a stunning 98.25-point ride in Fort Worth in 2024, just half a point shy of the mark. Notably, Man Hatter has broken Woopaa’s record on the bull side, earning the highest bull score in PBR history at 49.5 points. This new rivalry ensures that the record for highest ride is constantly under threat, further pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Why the Record Stands as a Testament to Greatness
While Bell’s score may be surpassed, the 98.75-point ride remains the benchmark for a combined effort. What set Leme and Woopaa apart was their performance on the grandest stage – the PBR World Finals – where they won not one, but two record-setting world titles for both rider and animal. This track record of consistent excellence under ultimate pressure cements their place in history. As of 2025, Leme continues to be a dominant force, ranked No. 1 in the world, proving that the skill required for such a ride is something that endures throughout a career.
More Than Just a Number
The highest-point ride in PBR history, 98.75 points, is more than just a number in the record books. It’s the story of an extraordinary partnership between a rider of unparalleled determination and a bull of extraordinary talent. It shows that high performance in bull riding is a symphony of physical skill, mental toughness and perfect timing. As new competitors like Cassio Dias and Man Hater continue to chase that legendary score, they reinforce the enduring legacy of Jose Vitor Leme and Woopaa – a duo that showed the world how close bull riding can get to perfection.
