Photo by Isarte Communication – Déia Abreu
On the biggest stage of bull riding in the world, Brazilian José Vitor Leme, born in Ribas do Rio Pardo (MS) won the 2020 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) World Championship.
A year marked by several 8 seconds of victories and many glories; this was 2020 for the young Brazilian, only 24 years old, who is part of the elite athletes of PBR.
Cowboy number 1 in the world today, this year he won 16 rounds, ended the year with 63% success rate (during the year, reached almost 80%), took the gold buckle home, the One-Million-Dollars check, but more than that, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a World Champion.
Our team went there to personally check out the event that took place in November, at the AT&T Stadium; in Arlington, Texas, USA, where José Vitor guaranteed the World Champion Cup in advance; when he won the third round (there were a total of 5 rounds), facing Woopaa (Barker Bucking Bulls), the number 1 bull from the ranking of ABBI (American Bucking Bull Inc.)
Leme was in perfect shape to match the powerful bovine athlete jump to jump, reaching 8 seconds of success and a gigantic score of 95.75 points, the highest of the year in the American PBR and the highest of José’s career in the lands of Uncle Sam. “An inexplicable moment, we didn`t expect to ride like that in a World Final event, having the World Title with that ride will remain in my memory and in the history of PBR. I tried to do my best and I want people to remember me for the good things I have been able to do. I can only thank God”, said the young man.
In an exclusive interview for our magazine, he talks about his achievements on the American soil since the end of 2017, from when he landed here for the first time in the World Finals in Las Vegas until today. The Brazilian cowboy’s earnings have already surpassed the $3 million mark in recent years: “When I got here, I had nothing, if I was asked what I had, it was just a bicycle. Here in the United States we get the credit for working hard. It’s inexplicable to me because my life has changed so fast. Only God can explain it. I came to the right place. And I can only be thankful.”
Grateful for all the achievements, he says that the fact that the PBR managed to find alternatives to continue holding events during the pandemic helped him a lot. “I am grateful to PBR for having continued this work, to have continued holding the events, even in such a difficult year, and if I am a champion today it is thanks to them, who have endeavored to maintain the 2020 season.”
Since his arrival, he has been dedicated to improving himself in the sport, invested his money in his ranch in Texas, trained a lot, learned English, and married Amanda Rodrigues, a Brazilian lady with whom he`s waiting for their first child.
Regarding his recent fame, he says he is not yet used to it, but he really likes this affection and support from the fans. “It’s really crazy, because when I go to the market, people know me, say hello and I don’t even know who they are, but it’s really cool. A lot of people giving me strength, this is very cool; I had a simple life in Brazil, here it is quite different.”
José Vitor was the 19th cowboy to win the World Title in these 27 years of competition, he was also the seventh Brazilian to lift the cup and is among one of the best athletes of all time.
The next season of PBR starts in January 2021 and instead of happening in NYC (New York City) as usual, the opening stage will be in Georgia.
More information and complete coverage with all competitor mounts, you can find on my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/marisaabel
