Top 10 Best Bull Riders of All Time

Bull riding isn't just a sport, it's a battle of man versus beast, guts versus gravity. You strap in for eight seconds of chaos, hoping you've got the skill, strength, and sheer determination to hang on while 1,500 pounds of pure muscle does everything in its power to send you flying. It's not for the faint of heart, and the best of the best have turned it into an art form.

Over the years, some riders have set the gold standard, redefining what it means to be tough, talented, and fearless. These guys have put their bodies on the line, racked up championship titles, and made history with rides that fans still talk about today. Some have stared down the rankest bulls in the sport and come out on top, while others have inspired generations with their skill, resilience, and sometimes even their comebacks from brutal injuries.

This list is where you get to weigh in. Who do you think stands above the rest? Maybe it's a legend whose name is forever linked to some of the most iconic rides in history, or maybe it's a modern-day cowboy who's still out there proving he's got what it takes. Cast your vote and see where your favorites stack up.
The Top Ten
Lane Frost Lane Frost was a professional bull rider who won the 1987 PRCA World Championship. He was fatally injured during a rodeo event at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1989. Frost was posthumously inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1990.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Lane and Tuff when I worked at a country bar. Very, very nice guys. I kind of followed what they had going on, being a former bull rider myself. I'm generally cold, but hearing of Lane's death really hit me in the heart. Good person, great bull rider, and someone I wish I could have been real friends with.

Out of 309 cowboys, Lane was the first and only bull rider to ever ride Red Rock. In fact, he rode him four out of seven times. Lane won the Challenge of the Champions against Red Rock 4-3. The best bull rider vs the best bull.

J.B. Mauney J.B. Mauney is a professional bull rider known for competing in both the PBR and PRCA circuits. He won the PBR World Championship in 2013 and 2015. Mauney is among the highest-earning riders in PBR history.

Never backed down from any bull or any competition. Even refused re-rides that would have won him more points/events because his focus was giving his best performance on every ride. Still remember the chills I had watching him ride Bushwacker and Asteroid - simply amazing!

J.B. Mauney is by far my favorite. I love watching his ride on Bushwacker, where he made history for being the first cowboy to ride Bushwacker for the full 8 seconds. That had to have been a pretty scary 8 seconds and an awesome celebration afterward!

Tuff Hedeman Tuff Hedeman is a retired professional bull rider and a three-time PRCA World Champion. He was a close friend of Lane Frost and later became a key figure in the development of professional bull riding organizations. Hedeman served as president of the PBR and later founded the Championship Bull Riding (CBR) tour.

Tuff was and still is a beast. Met him in Amarillo and see why some people ignorantly assume he's weak because of his stature, but that man is tough as nails. You can feel it in his handshake, at least until your hand goes numb from his grip.

Tuff is no puss. A promise is a promise. I believe that Tuff should be shoulder-to-shoulder with Lane in number one. By the way, you don't get nicknamed "Tuff" by being a puss. All bull riders are tough, but to have that nickname, you had to be the toughest!

Outstanding to ride for first. Enemy of Lane Frost. Deserves more respect.

Chris Shivers Chris Shivers is a retired professional bull rider who won two PBR World Championships in 2000 and 2003. He was the first PBR rider to earn over $1 million in career earnings. Shivers retired from professional bull riding in 2012.

Chris is my favorite, with Lane being the best. Then my uncle Ronnie Roach rode circles around Don Gay back in the day. Just didn't have the money or political backing that Don had.

Chris Shivers was definitely an all-time great. He is now second in career 90-point rides and has some of the most memorable rides in history.

I think he is the most rank bull rider there has ever been. In my opinion, he is first, then Lane, but Lane is a rank bull rider too.

Ty Murray Ty Murray is a former professional rodeo cowboy and bull rider who won nine PRCA World Championships. He was instrumental in the founding of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) organization. Murray was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2000.

Best rough stock rider ever. Had he only ridden bulls, he could have been the best ever. Bareback horses and broncs took a toll on Ty.

Don Gay Don Gay is a retired bull rider who won a record eight PRCA World Championships. His championships were achieved between 1974 and 1984, making him one of the most successful bull riders in history. Gay was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.

I was blessed to have ridden in Donny's era and knew him, Lane, Denny, and all of the NFR qualifiers. Put simply, Donny Gay is the greatest there ever was or that will ever be, and was absolutely revered by the other riders. In his day, the PRCA was the only show in town, and Donny rode against and won against all the top hands. Now, the very top bull riders are in the PBR.

Despite what some are saying on this post, Donny was not only a great rider who had supreme belief in himself, but more than that, he was absolutely determined to win. I have seen him ride bulls when a normal human could hardly walk. He also went to every single rodeo he could ride in, whereas some of the guys who could really ride, such as Denny, went to half the rodeos Donny did. In other words, Donny did whatever was necessary to win, and that's why he has 8 gold buckles. When it comes to winning bull riding championships, no one else comes close.

Adriano Moraes Adriano Moraes is a retired Brazilian bull rider who won three PBR World Championships. He was the first rider to win a PBR World Championship in 1994. Moraes was inducted into the PBR Ring of Honor in 2009.

Best Bull Rider of All Time by far. He set the mark for all riders in the sport. He was a three-time world champion that helped mold Alves, Marchi, and all other Brazilian riders to be as good or better than most riders in the world.

Adriano made tough bulls look easy, and he is by far a better bull rider than most of the riders on the top 10 list! I noticed there are no Brazilian riders on the list... but there have only been two riders who have won three World titles, and they are both Brazilian!

A number one rider and the reason I got so interested in bull riding. Miss seeing him and glad he got out before he got permanently injured. A good Christian family man and ambassador for bull riding.

Jess Lockwood Jess Lockwood is an American professional bull rider who won the PBR World Championship in 2017 and 2019. He became the youngest PBR World Champion at age 20. Lockwood has been recognized for his aggressive riding style and consistency.

Two-time world champion at the age of 22.

He is a really good bull rider and can do anything he puts his mind to.

Justin McBride Justin McBride is a retired bull rider who won two PBR World Championships in 2005 and 2007. He was one of the highest-earning riders in PBR history at the time of his retirement. McBride transitioned to a career as a PBR commentator after retiring.

Justin McBride was my favorite rider growing up, and the man is cemented as a legend of the sport. He is now a three-time world champion, as he has two from his PBR riding days and now has a team championship as a coach.

Best form, best attitude, best results on most difficult bulls, quiet precision, modest, not a camera hog, overall most admirable.

Terry Don West Terry Don West is a former professional bull rider known for competing in both PRCA and PBR events. He won the PRCA World Championship in 1996 and also set records in other rodeo circuits. West was known for riding the legendary bull Bodacious successfully.

When Terry Don was at his best, nobody else could touch him. I guess you could say that about a lot of the cowboys listed here, but comparing him to all others in their prime, I would vote for Terry Don as number one.

Think five world championship buckles and holding lots of records, like riding Bodacious for the first time for 8 seconds. He also rode most of the top-name bulls. Then, instead of getting thrown off, he also rode 55 bulls before he was thrown off - the world record. Terry Don West is one of the best bull riders ever, giving Tuff Hedeman and Lane Frost a run for their money or beating them.

The Newcomers

? Chase Outlaw Chase Outlaw is a professional bull rider known for his resilience after recovering from a severe facial injury in 2018. He has competed in the PBR World Finals multiple times. Outlaw is recognized for his aggressive riding style and strong comeback performances.

Mr. Outlaw, I pray for your safety and that you will win the world title and championship. Love to watch you ride and look forward to seeing more. Be safe, God bless.

Best all-around, especially when you consider his inspiring comments after each ride. The most fun to watch.

Guess you could say the true Outlaw of Professional Bull Riding.

? Mason Lowe Mason Lowe was a professional bull rider who competed in the PBR. He tragically passed away in 2019 after suffering injuries during a PBR event. Lowe was known for his talent and passion for the sport.

So sorry this young man was taken so soon. He was one of the best. May he rest in peace.

So many mourn his loss! He was so young!

The Contenders
Guilherme Marchi Guilherme Marchi is a retired Brazilian bull rider who won the PBR World Championship in 2008. He became known for his consistency, holding the record for the most qualified rides in PBR history. Marchi retired from professional competition in 2018.

I know this guy, and I can tell you he is the best ever. Just watch the 2008 PBR finals and compare his ride to Justin McBride's. Just wins, but he did so hanging on for dear life off the side of the bull. Marchi's ride was spot on. Furthermore, I don't see very many 35-year-old men riding bulls at any level. PRCA bulls...second rate compared to PBR. The person with the previous comment is incorrect!

He is wonderful. He has been an inspiration to many! He is an awesome person! He has been a family friend for a long time!

Guilherme finished in the top 10 for eight years straight, including a 2008 championship. Has the most qualified rides ever and way ahead of 2nd place (JB). He should rank much higher, maybe even #1.

Silvano Alves Silvano Alves is a Brazilian bull rider who won three PBR World Championships in 2011, 2012, and 2014. He was the first rider in PBR history to win back-to-back world titles. Alves is known for his calculated and consistent riding style.

Silvano Alves, by riding percentages and titles at a still-young age. Producers say toughest bulls on Earth, then complain Silvano doesn't take rerides. He rode what they gave him. That is their job to have tougher bulls. Just don't think they like the Brazilians kicking our butts.

Silvano is amazing to watch on the bull. You think he's going off, only to right himself and go eight seconds. J.B. Mauney number one, Silvano number two. Lane Frost number three would've been one, Ty Murray number four.

Silvano Alves is the youngest bull rider to win three world titles and is the only bull rider to win back-to-back titles.

Larry Mahan Larry Mahan was a professional rodeo cowboy who won six PRCA All-Around World Championships. He also won a PRCA Bull Riding World Championship in 1965. Mahan was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.

The best ever and a great person who has kept his nose clean. The legend!

Jim Sharp Jim Sharp is a retired professional bull rider who won two PRCA World Championships. He was the first rider to complete all ten bulls at the National Finals Rodeo. Sharp was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2006.

We followed Jim Sharp since his high school days. Jim was the reason we started going to rodeos. When Jim Sharp was the first cowboy to ride all ten bulls at the NFR in Las Vegas, we were the only ones who got on the arena floor with Jim Sharp to take pictures. I wore the same colors as Jim, and everyone who looks at the pictures asks if he is our son. That day we were as proud as any "parents" could be. To us, he will always be number one!

Even Tuff Hedeman said in front of Donny Gay that Jim Sharp was the best bull rider he's ever seen. Bob Tallman said it right when he said that Jim Sharp rides the rank ones so well that he makes them look easy and should get scored higher. First man to ride 10 out of 10 at the NFR, then 9 out of 10 at the next NFR (that's 19 consecutive) against the best bulls in the business. Best bull rider ever = Jim Sharp.

Troy Dunn Troy Dunn is an Australian bull rider who won the PBR World Championship in 1998. He was the first Australian to achieve this title in PBR history. Dunn was inducted into the PBR Ring of Honor in 2016.

Troy would be the best Aussie we've produced. He rode Australia's rankest bulls and took on the world's best and won. One Australian deserves a top 10 spot, and two Brazilians. It's the best ever, not US best.

Troy was a top ten consistent rider plagued with injury, even though the Aussies seem to be naturally tougher than the Yanks.

Top 5, I think. Lane Frost is overrated. He wasn't around long enough for us to know how great he was. Certainly impressive, lovely man.

Jim Shoulders Jim Shoulders was a professional rodeo cowboy who won 16 PRCA World Championships, including seven in bull riding. He dominated the sport in the 1940s and 1950s. Shoulders was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.

Hard to compare eras of competitors, but Shoulders was right up there with the best for more than a decade.

He was my hero. I started riding bulls at 12 years old at Mansfield in 1974, at Cowbale Mansfield, Texas, on Friday night. Everyone asked me what bull rider you look up to. That is the bull rider, not Larry or Don Gay. I was a kid riding bulls. I know them behind the shots. I was just a kid thing!

Mike Lee Mike Lee is a retired professional bull rider who won the PBR World Championship in 2004. He became known for his longevity in the sport, competing at a high level for nearly two decades. Lee was the first rider to win both the PBR World Finals event and the World Championship in the same year.

Mike is as tough as rawhide but still gets the money at his advanced age. If not in the top ten in talent anymore, he's surely the best in the world for his age.

Mike has always been a fan favorite for what he does in and outside of rodeo. He's a great guy all around.

Up there with Lane Frost and Larry Mahan!

J.W. Hart J.W. Hart is a retired professional bull rider who competed in the PBR and was known as "The Iron Man" for his durability. He qualified for the PBR World Finals 12 consecutive times. Hart transitioned into bull riding commentary and event production after retiring.

J W Hart is one of the toughest and one of the best bull riders, by far, to never win the world. But to many of us, he was a world champion.

Toughest bull rider to date. He didn't miss a ride. That's why he got the name Ironman.

Cody Lambert Cody Lambert is a retired bull rider and rodeo cowboy who co-founded the PBR. He designed the protective bull riding vest that is now widely used in the sport. Lambert also served as the PBR's livestock director and has been involved in rodeo safety initiatives.
Freckles Brown Freckles Brown was a professional bull rider who won the PRCA World Championship in 1962. He became famous for successfully riding the legendary bull Tornado in 1967. Brown was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.

Those who never saw Freckles ride shouldn't be voting for these other bull riders. No one rode with more authority and control than Freckles.

He was an amazing athlete. Rode a bull, then just stepped off!

He was a great one from when I was young. Saw him in New Mexico. He and Lane Frost were tight.

Kaique Pacheco Kaique Pacheco is a Brazilian professional bull rider who won the PBR World Championship in 2018. He has been one of the most consistent riders in the PBR since his debut. Pacheco is known for his calm demeanor and technical riding ability.

Kaique Pacheco was fun to watch win in 2018 and come in second in 2015 and 2016. He is my favorite! He makes it look so easy!

Great bull rider. Fun to watch. Calm, poised. Hope he has a long, successful career.

Rides like he knows what the bull will do before the bull knows!

Denny Flynn Denny Flynn is a retired professional bull rider known for his performances at the National Finals Rodeo. He qualified for the NFR multiple times and was recognized for his high riding percentage. Flynn was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2010.

The man, the myth, the legend! Hailing from Arkansas, he could ride anything, no matter what the bull threw at him. He rode a perfect score of 50 points, and the bull he was riding scored a 48, for a combined score of 98! I know that it's not a technically impossible score to beat, but good luck beating a score of 98! Hats off to you, brother, one of the best ever. You completely deserve the Hall of Fame, along with a few others as well.

I will say that there are a couple that don't deserve that honor, but everyone knows who is truly great, versus who doesn't belong in the ranks of these great men.

Sage Kimzey Sage Kimzey is a professional bull rider who has won multiple PRCA World Championships. He has dominated PRCA bull riding since his rookie year and has qualified for numerous National Finals Rodeos. Kimzey is regarded as one of the top PRCA riders of his generation.

The best technical bull rider, Sage makes really rank bulls look like a day off. His body position and free arm allow him to make huge moves look easy.

If Sage keeps doing his thing, he will be better than Lane Frost.

George Paul George Paul was a professional bull rider who won the PRCA World Championship in 1968. He is known for his undefeated streak of 79 consecutive successful rides. The George Paul Memorial Bull Riding event is held annually in his honor.

George was the world champion in 1968. He set this accomplishment as a goal as a young man. After achieving this goal, he cut back his travel schedule considerably.

Those who knew George will tell you he was the best ever. No one has ever come close to riding 79 PRCA bulls like George did.

R.I.P.

He died too young, but nobody has duplicated what he did.

I would've put Daryl Mills on the list. Where was he?

The greatest ever, in my opinion. He combined the strength of a Brazilian with the finesse of Denny Flynn or Clint Bronger!

J.W. Harris J.W. Harris is a professional bull rider who won four PRCA World Championships. He later transitioned to the PBR, where he also competed at a high level. Harris is known for his toughness and ability to ride rank bulls.

J.W. Harris has lots of heart, lots of determination, and has ridden lots of great bulls. He's a great person on top of that.

Yeah, he belongs in the top ten in any arena!

I have watched J.W. numerous times, and he definitely deserves to be in the top ten. But everyone has to work to get where they need to be!

I am a true and lifelong supporter of J.W.

Sylissa Leeane, Red Elm, SD

He is the best and a great guy too! Love him.

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