For Me Or For Us?

The PBR is shifting its attention away from individual competition to teams. PBR teams is a competition that pits 5 riders per team against each other. Those five riders’ scores add up to create the team’s score. It’s a fun, exciting change from the individual season.

Here’s a little history of the PBR for those of you who are unfamiliar:

The Professional Bull Riders was formed in 1992 by 20 of the world’s best riders. The ultimate goal for these riders was a staggering prize of one million dollars. 1994 brought along the PBR’s first individual championship series. An exciting competition putting the world’s rankest bulls against the world’s best riders.

The sport of bull riding has been on the rise ever since. Now bringing over 600 riders hoping to compete in the PBR World Finals. The ultimate prize in bull riding is a huge payout throughout the year and a nice buckle to go with it. If I had the backbone to do it, I’d give it a go. Mostly for the buckle!

If you think the riders are the only ones who get judged, you’d be wrong. The bulls compete throughout the season for their own prizes. The Stock Contractors bring their best bulls to show off their strength and dexterity. Some believe the bulls are the best athletes in the arena. Throwing around that much weight and jumping that high is incredible. It’s even more incredible to watch.

Photo Courtesy of PBR

The individual season can only go on so long. And for thirty years, the riders and fans went without any PBR competitions after the World Finals. But that all changed in 2022. 2022 brought the inaugural season of the PBR Teams series. Your favorite riders were drafted to eight different teams. Competing as a team, unlike the individual events they are used to. 2024 saw two more teams added.

As it stands, there are ten teams. Arizona Ridge Riders, Austin Gamblers, Carolina Cowboys, Florida Freedom, Kansas City Outlaws, Missouri Thunder, Nashville Stampede, New York Mavericks, Oklahoma Wildcatters, and the Texas Rattlers.

Phot Courtesy of PBR Facebook

The teams tour adds an exciting twist to the already high-intensity sport. It adds the “pressure” for each rider to perform for the guys next to them. If you’ve ever played a team sport, you know you don’t want to be the guy to let the team down. It’s not a good feeling when you do.

As I watch the events, I can’t help but wonder: do these athletes prefer to be on a team or ride on their own? If you look at all the events, you can’t tell. The riders go out and give their all in both the team and the individual tours. Obviously, this is their livelihood, so you would think no matter what it's full go. But that doesn’t mean they don’t prefer one over the other.

If you look at the logistics, there are different reasons to like each format. Here are some reasons I have heard riders say about each format.

Teams:

Guaranteed salary

Support of teammates and coaches

Pressure being spread to each person riding on the team.

Individual:

Rider in total control

The glory to me

Old school western style

So bull riding has benefits on both sides. And plenty to like. Whether you like the teams format or individual riding, I think we can agree these men are incredible athletes. If you haven’t seen teams riding, I highly encourage you to check it out. Especially if you enjoy bull riding.

Photo Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

As I finish thinking about bull riding, I still think. What do other sports’ competitors think about being on a team? Or do you rather compete as an individual? The main sports I think of with both types of competitions are tennis, golf, bowling, ice skating, and track (excluding all-star game activities). Is it worth it, or fun, to be on a team for those sports? It can be, but it can be stressful. Depending on others is always an adventure, but having someone there to share the excitement is fun. 

For me, there’s nothing like the bond you build as you join up and take on the opposition. Going in next to the people you put your blood, sweat, and tears with is nothing short of incredible. Sharing the excitement of a hard-fought playoff victory is as fun as it gets.

What do you think? Team sports or individual events? Let us know!