Tucson played host to Professional Bull Riding as it opened its 2025 season on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15-16, in the Tucson Arena.
Over 20 competitors entered the arena for the two days, but the 19-year-old from Decatur Texas, John Cimber, went home with more than $57,000 in prize money and the Montana Silver championship buckle.
The PBR has started its season in Tucson for three straight years, offering fans a fun and interactive experience.
In the PBR, there are three rounds that can last two to three days. The first two rounds riders get scores that rank them from best to worst; riders do not get scored if they fall off before eight seconds. Out of these rankings only the top 12 get a third ride in the championship round.
This year, Cimber was the only rider to stay on for all three rides, including a monster third ride in the championship round that earned him a score of 92.5. His total score for the three rides was 269.25.
“First weekend I wanted to start it off on the right foot and went bull for bull, but I made it work and got the win,” he said after the ride. “This is the first event I came to (last year). I look up to my dad and he’s been my coach and he’s my team coach now so it just feels good having him here in my corner and my family too.”
With Cimber’s win in Tucson, he now ranks No. 1 in the world going into the 2025 season.
Coming in behind Cimber was Dalton Kasel, who slipped from first place after falling off in the championship round. Kasel still secured 178 points and took home more than $24,000 in winnings.
Although fans root for riders to stay on the bull for a full eight seconds, they are not the only ones who get scored. Bulls also get scores for how hard they buck, how high they jump and how fast they spin. The score also reflects if they were able to buck off their rider.
The top two bulls from the weekend were Younts Brody’s Pet and Man Hater, who tied for first with scores of 46.5. Younts Brody’s Pet received the number one spot and the tie breaker after two rides, bucking off both riders. Man Hater only had one rider in the championship round.
Fans who missed the season opener in Tucson can rewatch days one and two of the broadcast on the PBR’s YouTube. The PBR now heads to Ontario, Calif., this weekend for the next stop on the 2025 tour.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
