Who Is A 7 Million Dollar Bull Rider? The bull rider widely known as the “$7 Million Dollar Bull Rider” is J.B. Mauney. He was the first bull rider in history to achieve this career earnings milestone on the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit.
When it comes to bull riding legends, one name and one staggering number dominate the conversation: J.B. Mauney and $7 million. Mauney, known as “The Dragon Slayer,” is the first bull rider in history to surpass that monumental career earnings milestone. His journey from a North Carolina kid to the highest-earning cowboy of his time is a testament to extraordinary talent, relentless grit, and a defining moment in the professionalization of rodeo.
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Who is J.B. Mauney?
James Burton “J.B.” Mauney is an American rodeo legend and a defining figure in the modern Professional Bull Riders (PBR). His career is a benchmark for success and longevity in one of the world’s most dangerous sports.
- The $7 Million Man: In November 2016, Mauney made PBR history by becoming the first rider to surpass $7 million in career earnings, a record that would stand as a testament to his dominance for years to come. His official career earnings were $7.4 million from competition wins alone.
- Championship Pedigree: A two-time PBR World Champion (2013, 2015), Mauney’s career was built on consistency and clutch performances. He qualified for the PBR World Finals 15 consecutive times and holds the record for most Premier Series wins in league history (32).
- The Dragon Slayer: Mauney earned his iconic nickname by consistently choosing to take on the toughest bulls in the rankings. His most famous victory was a 95.25-point ride on Bushwacker in 2013, ending the bull’s legendary bucking streak and cementing his place in cowboy lore.
Breaking Down the $7 Million: Career & Earnings
Who Is A 7 Million Dollar Bull Rider? Mauney’s financial milestone wasn’t a single jackpot but the result of unparalleled consistency at the highest level of the game. Over a 16-year career, his earnings came from a combination of prize money, championship bonuses, and sponsorships.
J.B. Mauney’s Career Earnings Breakdown
| Earnings Category | Amount (Estimated) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Career Winnings | $7,448,292 | Highest in bull riding history at his peak. |
| PBR Premier Series Winnings | $6.3 Million+ | From 32 event wins and consistent top finishes. |
| Sponsorship Deals | $1.1 Million+ | Major partnerships with brands like Wrangler and Resistol. |
| Biggest Single Paycheck | $1.26 Million | Bonus for winning the 2013 PBR World Championship. |
His success helped elevate the economics of the sport. Over the course of his career, the average Premier Series event purse increased significantly, paving the way for the next generation of high-earning riders.
| Career Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| J.B Mauney Career Earnings | Mauney’s total career earnings, combining both PBR and PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) competitions, are over $7.6 million. |
| Achievements | He is a two-time PBR World Champion (2013 and 2015) and is considered one of the greatest bull riders of his generation. |
| Nickname | He earned the nickname “The Dragon Slayer” for consistently selecting and successfully riding the toughest, highest-ranking bulls in the sport, famously saying, “If you want to be the best, you’ve got to ride the best”. |
| Retirement | Mauney retired from professional bull riding in 2023 following a neck injury. |
| Current Role | As of 2024, he serves as the head coach for the Oklahoma Wildcatters in the PBR Team Series. |
While Mauney was the first to reach $7 million, other riders have since surpassed that total. Most notably, José Vitor Leme became known as the “$8 million dollar bull rider” after setting a new single-season earnings record.
Legacy and Impact on the Sport
Mauney’s legacy extends far beyond his bank account. He is considered one of the greatest bull riders of his generation and was ranked No. 9 on the list of the top 30 riders in PBR history.
- Cultural icon: Mauney became the face of the PBR, garnering mainstream attention and sponsorship. His fearless style and blue-collar personality resonated deeply with fans, earning him a reputation as a tough, talented competitor for fans and kids alike.
- Toughness standard: His career was a marathon of pain and perseverance. Mauney famously battled multiple serious injuries, including broken bones and torn ligaments, embodying the Cowboy Code of Grit.
- Passing the torch: After a career-ending neck fracture in 2023, Mauney seamlessly transitioned into coaching. He is now the head coach of the Oklahoma Wildcatters in the PBR Team Series, educating the next generation. In a heartwarming twist, he also purchased the bull, Arctic Assassin, that caused his final injury, and gave him a peaceful retirement on his ranch.
The New Era of Earnings
While Mauney was a trailblazer, the financial landscape of bull riding continues to evolve. As of 2025, Brazilian phenom José Vitor Leme holds the title of highest-paid PBR rider, with career earnings of more than $8.3 million. Leme’s record-breaking single-season payout of more than $2.15 million in 2025 shows how the sport’s economic reach has grown since Mauney’s major milestone.
The Judging Perspective
Professional bull riding judges emphasize consistency, safety awareness, and experience in making scoring decisions. They evaluate rides based on control, style, and technical execution, while monitoring for rule violations that could put riders at risk. Emerging technologies such as sensors and video replay are being explored to help judges ensure objective decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions for Who Is A 7 Million Dollar Bull Rider?
Who was the first bull rider to earn $7 million?
Is J.B. Mauney the richest bull rider of all time?
As of 2025, while Mauney was the first person to break the $7 million barrier, José Vítor Leme now holds the all-time career earnings record with over $8.3 million. However, Mauney’s record-breaking success fundamentally changed the perception of potential earnings in the sport.
How do bull riders make money?
Bull riders’ income is primarily performance-based. It comes from:.
Prize money: Earned from individual events and championship bonuses.
Team Series salaries: The PBR Team Series provides riders with guaranteed base salaries, a relatively new standard in the sport.
Sponsorships: Deals with western apparel, equipment, and lifestyle brands.
Appearance fees: Compensation for special events and rodeos.
Why is J.B. Mauney called “The Dragon Slayer”?
He earned this nickname for his fearlessness in facing and triumphing over the most difficult, “unrideable” bulls in the sport, most notably his legendary victory over the Bushwacker bull.
Is J.B. Mauney still riding?
No. Mauney retired from competition in September 2023 after suffering a broken neck in a wreck. He remains active in the sport as head coach of the PBR Team Series Oklahoma Wildcats.
