Professional bull riding is one of the few sports where athletes can go from rodeo dirt to million-dollar fortunes in just a few explosives 8-second rides. But who is sitting atop the financial leaderboard? This article discusses the richest bull riders of all time, their career earnings, and how to parlay their success into sustainable wealth.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Richest Bull Riders in History
| Rank | Name | Career Earnings | Net Worth (Est.) | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | J.B. Mauney | $7.4 million+ | $5 million+ | 2× PBR World Champion, 300+ career rides |
| 2 | Jose Vitor Leme | $4.2 million+ | $3.5 million+ | 2× PBR World Champ (2020, 2021) |
| 3 | Jess Lockwood | $3.8 million+ | $3 million+ | Youngest PBR Champ (2017, 2019) |
| 4 | Chris Shivers | $3.5 million+ | $2.8 million+ | First rider to earn $3M in PBR |
| 5 | Silvano Alves | $3.3 million+ | $2.5 million+ | 3× PBR World Champion |
Data sources: PBR, Forbes, and industry estimates
How These Riders Built Their Fortunes
1. J.B. Mauney – The King of Bull Riding ($7.4M+ Earnings)
Source: people.com
- Record Holder: Highest career earnings in PBR history
- Sponsorships: Long-term deals with Wrangler, Ariat, and Resistol
- Business Ventures: Owns a cattle ranch and rodeo training facility
2. Jose Vitor Leme – The Brazilian Phenom ($4.2M+ Earnings)
Source: focusdailynews.com
- Dominance: Holds PBR record for most 90-point rides in a season
- Endorsements: Major deals with Monster Energy and Montana Silversmiths
3. Jess Lockwood – The Young Millionaire ($3.8M+ Earnings)
Source: ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com
- Fast Rise: Won first PBR title at age 20
- Media Star: Featured in documentaries and ESPN specials
The Financial Reality: Richest vs. Lowest-Earning Bull Riders
Comparison of Earnings
| Tier | Rider | Annual Earnings | Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 1% | J.B. Mauney | $1M+ | PBR wins, sponsorships, ranching |
| Mid-Level | Cody Teel (Active Pro) | $150K | Regional events, minor sponsors |
| Struggling | Rookie Rider (Local) | 15K−30K | Small rodeos, no sponsors |
Graph Interpretation:
- Elite riders earn 50x more than local competitors
- Sponsorships account for 40%+ of top earners’ income
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How to Become a High-Earning Bull Rider?
1. Win Major Championships
- NFR Wins: $100K+ per event
- PBR World Title: $1M+ bonus
2. Build a Personal Brand
- Social media following (100K+ fans) attracts sponsors
- Merchandise (hats, gear) creates passive income
3. Diversify Income
- Ranching (cattle breeding)
- Coaching (training camps)
Is Bull Riding a Path to Wealth?
While only the top 0.1% ever reach the millionaire level, the potential is there for those who dominate the PBR circuit and earn their reputations smartly. JB Mauney’s $7.4M career proves that with skill, branding and business savvy, bull riding can be more than a sport—it can be a fortune-making career.
