Martin
John Crimber has captivated the world of professional bull riding with his fearless rides and record-breaking achievements. At just 20 years old, this Brazilian-born prodigy has become the No. 1 overall draft pick in PBR history and the youngest rider to earn $1 million. His story blends family legacy, early triumphs, and meteoric rise, inspiring fans globally.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Crimber |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 2005 (age 20 as of February 2026) |
| Birthplace | Brazil (raised with Brazilian rodeo roots; later based in Decatur, TX) |
| Height | 5’6.9″ (or approximately 5’7″) |
| Weight | 141 lbs |
| Family | Son of Paulo Crimber (10-time PBR World Finals qualifier, Florida Freedom coach) |
| Early Career | – Mutton busting champion from age 5 (won 20+ titles, prizes like bikes and cows) – Two-time National High School Rodeo Association world champion |
| Professional Debut | Turned pro at 17 in 2023 PBR Challenger Series (won 9 events, No. 2 standings) |
| PBR Team | Florida Freedom (No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024) |
| Major Achievements | – Youngest PBR rider to earn $1 million – 2024 Teams MVP and Teams Championship MVP – 2025 Regular-Season Live Legendary MVP (back-to-back) – PBR Canada Champion – Multiple 90-point rides, high ride percentages |
| Career Stats (Key Highlights) | – 2023: 9 event wins – 2024: $1M+ earnings, elite ride % – 2025: Ongoing top rankings, perfect rounds (e.g., 3-for-3 in Denver) |
| Riding Style | Aggressive with tight hand control, hip torque, and bull anticipation; trained by father Paulo |
| Social Media | Instagram: @johncrimber1 (480,000+ followers) |
| Sponsors | Ariat (cowboy lifestyle endorsements) |
| Current Status (Feb 2026) | Top PBR rankings, eyeing World Finals; rides for Florida Freedom |
| Notable Records | – Youngest $1M earner in PBR history – First overall draft pick – Two-time Teams MVP |
Early Life and Family Roots
John Crimber was born on August 10, 2005, in Brazil, into a rodeo dynasty that shaped his destiny from infancy. His father, Paulo Crimber, a 10-time PBR World Finals qualifier and current head coach of the Florida Freedom, introduced John to the sport before he could walk. Growing up amid the dust and thunder of Brazilian rodeos, John idolized his dad’s grit, absorbing lessons in resilience and technique.
The Crimber household buzzed with rodeo energy. Paulo’s career, marked by consistent top finishes, instilled discipline in young John. By age five, John was competing in mutton busting—clinging to sheep for prizes like bicycles, motorcycles, and even a cow. These humble starts, winning over 20 titles, built his unshakeable confidence. Stories from Paulo recount John’s instinctive balance, hinting at a prodigy in the making. This foundation propelled John Crimber toward professional stardom.
Brazil’s vibrant rodeo culture amplified his passion. Local events sharpened his skills against seasoned competitors, fostering a competitive edge. Family support was key; Paulo coached from the sidelines, emphasizing mental toughness alongside physical prowess. By his early teens, John’s rides drew crowds, signaling the dawn of a new era in bull riding. His heritage as Paulo’s son fueled whispers of dynasty.
Mutton Busting to Junior Championships
John Crimber’s transition from sheep to steers showcased explosive talent. At seven, he dominated mutton busting circuits across Brazil, amassing trophies that filled family shelves. These events, often chaotic with cheering crowds, taught him crowd control and split-second decisions—essentials for bull riding.
By 12, John entered junior rodeos, facing calves and steers. His two-time National High School Rodeo Association world champion titles highlighted precision and power. Balancing school with travel, he honed skills at Paulo’s Florida training ranch after relocating. Videos of his flawless 8-second rides went viral on social media, boosting his Instagram following to over 480,000.
These years built endurance. John endured falls, studying footage obsessively to refine technique. Paulo’s guidance focused on body position and bull anticipation. Achievements like high school rodeo golds positioned John Crimber as a rising star, drawing PBR scouts early. His junior dominance foreshadowed professional breakthroughs.
Entry into Professional Bull Riding
John Crimber turned pro at 17, storming the PBR Challenger Series. In 2023, he won nine events, finishing No. 2 in the world standings—a feat for any rookie, let alone a teen. His aggressive style, marked by explosive exits and high scores, rewrote expectations for young riders.
The 2024 PBR Draft cemented his status. Selected first overall by the Florida Freedom, John joined his father’s team, blending family synergy with elite competition. Rookie season exploded: he claimed 2024 PBR Teams MVP and Teams Championship MVP, leading Freedom to victory. Stats dazzled—impressive ride percentages and consistent 90-point rides.
Social media amplified his ascent. John Crimber‘s Instagram (@johncrimber1) shared training montages, fan interactions, and ride highlights, growing his brand. Endorsements from Ariat celebrated his cowboy ethos. This pro entry wasn’t just entry—it was domination.
Record-Breaking 2024 Season
2024 marked John Crimber‘s pinnacle. As Florida Freedom’s cornerstone, he delivered clutch performances in high-stakes Monster Energy Team Challenge events. Against teams like Kansas City Outlaws and Oklahoma Wildcatters, his perfect rides secured wins, earning MVP honors.
Key stats: multiple event wins, top earnings, and a streak of qualified rides. Young’s age belied veteran poise; he adapted to bulls like four-legged phenoms, posting average scores above peers. Tampa’s sold-out crowds chanted his name during championship clinchers. John Crimber became PBR’s youngest $1 million earner, shattering records.
Off-arena, he embodied sportsmanship. Interviews revealed humility, crediting Paulo and fans. This season’s success, blending raw talent with strategy, established him as the league’s future face.
Dominance in 2025: Back-to-Back MVPs
Building on 2024, John Crimber repeated magic in 2025. He captured Regular-Season Live Legendary MVP—youngest ever for a second time—fueling Freedom’s playoff push. His versatility shone: 3-for-3 perfect rounds in Denver midweeks outlasted 90-rider fields.
Earnings soared past initial milestones, with 90-point rides routine. Against rivals like Arizona Ridge Riders, John’s consistency edged teams. As of February 2026, he ranks high in standings, eyeing World Finals. Paulo’s coaching refined his bull-reading, minimizing outs.
Media buzzed: PBR.com profiles hailed him as “born to ride.” Social growth exploded, with content blending training, family moments, and fan Q&As. John Crimber‘s 2025 cements legacy as a two-time phenom.
Key Career Statistics
| Season | Events Won | Ride % | Earnings | Highest Score | MVPs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 (Challenger) | 9 | High | Building | 90+ | – |
| 2024 (Teams) | Multiple | Elite | $1M+ | 90+ | 2 |
| 2025 | Ongoing | Top | Record | 90+ | 2 |
Riding Style and Techniques
John Crimber‘s style fuses Brazilian flair with American power. He excels in tight-hand control and hip torque, maintaining leverage on spins. Paulo’s drills emphasize foresight—predicting bull moves via shoulder twitches.
Strength training builds his 5’8″ frame for explosive power. Flexibility from gymnastics aids twists. Mentally, visualization routines precede rides, calming pre-event nerves. Fans note his smile post-ride, rare poise under pressure.
Injuries tested him—minor sprains healed swiftly via family rehab. This holistic approach yields high ride percentages, distinguishing John Crimber among peers.
Family Influence: Paulo Crimber’s Legacy
No story of John Crimber omits Paulo Crimber. A PBR veteran with 10 World Finals appearances, Paulo transitioned to coaching, leading Florida Freedom. Father-son dynamic thrives: Paulo strategizes lineups, John executes with flair.
Paulo’s tales of 90s rodeos inspire. Relocating to Florida united family pursuits. Siblings support sidelines, creating a tight-knit unit. This legacy pressures yet empowers John, forging unbreakable bonds.
Off the Arena: Personal Life and Brand
Beyond chutes, John Crimber engages fans via Instagram. Posts mix ride clips, gym sessions, and Brazilian barbecues, humanizing the star. At 20, he enjoys downtime fishing, reflecting his grounded roots.
Endorsements with Ariat promote cowboy lifestyle. Philanthropy hints emerge—supporting youth rodeos. In Karachi or global arenas, his charisma unites diverse fans. Privacy guards personal details, focusing narrative on achievements.
Challenges and Resilience
Bull riding’s dangers challenged John Crimber. Early falls taught recovery; a 2024 wrister sidelined weeks, yet he returned stronger. Mental hurdles, like playoff slumps, met therapy and Paulo’s wisdom.
Rivalries sharpen him—veterans test the phenom. Age scrutiny fades against results. Resilience defines him: each out fuels hungrier comebacks.
Impact on PBR and Bull Riding
John Crimber revitalizes PBR. His youth attracts millennials, boosting attendance. Records inspire juniors; clinics share tips. As Freedom anchor, he elevates team series.
Globally, Brazilian talent influx credits riders like John. Future? World title contention looms by 2026.
Future Prospects and Aspirations
At 20, John Crimber eyes PBR World Championship. 2026 targets: triple MVPs, $2M earnings. Paulo hints expansion—coaching youth. Fans anticipate dynasty continuation.
Training intensifies: new bulls, tech analysis. Social vows more content. Crimber’s horizon gleams boundless.
Conclusion
John Crimber embodies bull riding’s evolution—from Brazilian mutton busts to PBR throne. His records, family ties, and charisma position him as icon. As he charges forward, the sport rides higher, proving prodigies rewrite history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is John Crimber’s father?
Paulo Crimber, a 10-time PBR World Finals qualifier and Florida Freedom coach.
How old is John Crimber?
Born August 10, 2005, he’s 20 in 2026.
What records does John Crimber hold?
Youngest $1M earner, first overall draft pick, two-time Teams MVP.
Where was John Crimber born?
Brazil, later based in Florida, USA.
Has John Crimber won a PBR World Title?
Not yet; top rankings position him for 2026 contention.
What is John Crimber’s Instagram?
@johncrimber1, over 480,000 followers.
What teams does John Crimber ride for?
Florida Freedom in PBR Teams.
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