Author Sheri Smith / Western Media and Sports / SmithPRO LLC
Leme earned the top marks in the 15/15 special round of competition, 91.25 points, aboard Cochise (Jane Clark/Gene Owen), earning $7000 and 150 world points.
The 15/15 is the top 15 bull riders vs the top 15 bulls.
It's a name we've heard often since Jose Vitor Leme came to America from Brazil. As so many other Brazilian professional bull riders, Leme came to America with the hopes of excelling in the PBR Monster Energy Unleash the Beast series.
And that he did.
In 2017 Leme received the invite from the PBR to compete in the PBR Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Finals after he won the PBR Brazil National finals.
Leme showed his skill by winning that event as well as the PBR World Finals event and earning the title of 2017 Rookie of the Year.
2017 had buckles piling up with these titles:
- PBR Brazil Rookie of the Year
- PBR Brazil National Title
- PBR Brazil Finals Event Winner
- PBR Velocity Tour Finals Winner
- PBR BFTS Finals Event Winner
- PBR BFTS Rookie of the Year
Bull riding is not where he made his mark in Brazil first. He is a former professional soccer player.
“I still have a lot to improve,” Leme said. “I'm 22 years old. I started riding bulls only four years ago. I have a lot to learn yet. This is what I want, to overcome myself every day more and always improve on my potential.” (from PBR.com)
Changing from professional soccer to professional bull riding has proven to be quite lucrative. In 2018 Leme brought in $535,175.66 and in 2017 $459,927.23
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| Leme 2018 World Finals Bottoms Up (TNT Bucking BullsHart Cattle Co.), for 89.75 points. photo: Andy Watson / Bull Stock Media |
You can find him at these links:
Profile
Monster Energy
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| Leme vs Bad Beagle PBR World Finals 2018 Phenom GeneticsRothe), marked 91 points photo: Andy Watson / Bull Stock Media |
More info:
https://www.pbr.com/en/news/features/other-features/2018/12/jose-vitor-leme-may-only-get-better-in-2019.aspx
https://everything-cowboy.com/featured-post/2017-pbr-brazil-champion-jose-vitor-leme-stays-perfect-win-round-4-world-finals-second-90-point-ride/