Who Is the Best Brazilian Bull Rider? Holds the crown as Brazil’s greatest bull rider in 2025. José Vitor Leme’s impossible comeback for his 3rd PBR title – plus these 5 untouchable records – ends the debate for American rodeo fans.
As of 2025, José Vitor Leme (Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil) is Brazil’s greatest bull rider – and arguably the best in PBR history. His recent third world championship title – won after overcoming an 851-point deficit and missing 11 events due to injury – cements a career defined by scattered records and superhuman resilience.
Table of Contents
Leme’s 2025 Championship: By the Numbers
| Metric | Statistic | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 World Titles | 3 (2020, 2021, 2025) | Ties Silvano Alves & Adriano Moraes |
| Season Earnings | $2.15 million (single-season record) | Career total: $8.3M+ |
| 2025 Comeback | From No. 31 → No. 1 in 7 weeks | Greatest surge in PBR history |
| Finals Performance | 8-for-8 (perfect rides) | Clinched title on 91-pt ride |
| Highest Ride Ever | 98.75 pts (on Woopaa, 2021) | PBR’s all-time record |
Why Leme Outranks Other Brazilian Legends
🥇 Silvano Alves (3-Time World Champion)
- Won titles in 2011, 2012, 2014—a record Leme now shares 5.
- Known for technical mastery but lacks Leme’s record-shattering dominance.
🥈 Guilherme Marchi (2008 Champion)
- Legendary longevity (600+ career rides) 5.
- No multi-title wins; eclipsed by Leme’s peak athleticism.
🥉 Kaique Pacheco / Eduardo Aparecido
- Consistent contenders but never crowned world champions
How Leme’s 2025 Victory Redefined Greatness
- Historic comeback: After a near career-ending injury, Leme came from 851 points behind to win by 67.5 points—a feat that analysts called “unimaginable.”
- Flawless finishes: His 8-for-8 ride streak included a championship-winning 91-point ride on Walkhard.
- Earning King: His $8.3M+ career earnings dwarf Alves’ $5M+.
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Brazil’s Bull Riding Dominance: The Secret Sauce
- Cultural craze: Rodeo rivaled football in states like Mato Grosso.
- PBR Brazil Pipeline: Feeder events identify talent like Leme early on.
- Technical innovation: Brazilian riders combine agility (from soccer/martial arts) with raw power.
Leme vs. Alves: The GOAT Comparison
| Criteria | José Vitor Leme | Silvano Alves |
|---|---|---|
| World Titles | 3 (2020, 2021, 2025) | 3 (2011, 2012, 2014) |
| Career Earnings | $8.3M+ | $5M+ |
| Ride Records | 98.75 (all-time high) | 95.5 |
| Clutch Factor | 2025’s epic comeback | Steady consistency |
| Legacy | Active + record-breaker | Retired |
Verdict: Leme’s athleticism and era-defining moments give him the edge.
What’s Next for Leme & Brazil’s New Generation?
- Leme’s 2026 Aim: Fourth title to break three-way tie with Alves/Moraes.
- Rising stars: Watch for Eduardo Aparecido (Top 10 mainstay) and Sandro Batista (2025 Finals standout).
The Bottom Line
Who Is the Best Brazilian Bull Rider? José Vitor Leme is the best Brazilian bull rider of all time. His 2025 Three-Pat—Reserved by Return for the Ages—combined with the highest riding score (98.75) and earnings ($8.3M+) put him above Silvano Alves in the GOAT debate. For a U.S. audience, his story resonates as a testament to resilience: “Nothing is impossible, even when you’re down.”
Who gets your vote? Leme, Alves, or a dark horse? Comment below!
