The 2026 PBR World Finals in Fort Worth delivered one of the most dramatic, emotional, and unforgettable finishes in bull‑riding history. After nine rounds across two weekends and two arenas, the sport crowned its newest superstar John Crimber, the 20‑year‑old phenom who stormed back from early adversity to claim the 2026 PBR World Championship.
Crimber’s Finals started rough very rough. He bucked off his first five bulls at Cowtown Coliseum, shrinking his once‑comfortable lead in the world standings and drawing heavy criticism. But when the event shifted to Dickies Arena, everything changed. He rode July for 89.40 points in Round 6, followed by 84.95 on Icky Thump in Round 7, building momentum at exactly the right time. Then came Championship Sunday and Crimber delivered two of the biggest rides of his life:
91.35 points on What’s Poppin (Round 8)92.90 points on Tigger (Round 9)Both were round‑winning rides, and together they sealed his first world title.
Australia’s Brady Fielder kept the pressure on all weekend, but Crimber ultimately edged him by 187.83 points in one of the tightest races in recent memory.
After sealing the championship, Crimber dedicated the buckle to his father, Paulo Crimber a former bull rider whose own world title dreams were cut short. “This one’s for him, not me,” he said, visibly emotional.
Final Takeaway The 2026 PBR World Finals had everything: heartbreak, redemption, record‑setting rides, and the crowning of a new superstar. John Crimber’s comeback will go down as one of the greatest championship surges in PBR history and with riders like Hudson Bolton amd John Crimber rising fast, the future of the sport looks electric.
Photos below by Robbie Clark
