José Vitor Leme Immortalized in Bronze: PBR Unveils Statue Honoring Two-Time World Champion
The PBR (Professional Bull Riders) unveiled a stunning bronze statue of two-time World Champion José Vitor Leme today at the entrance of the iconic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas.
The lifelike sculpture captures Leme mid-ride atop a powerful, airborne bull, his trademark focus and determination frozen in time. Cast in full bronze and standing over 10 feet tall, the statue sits atop a circular base wrapped in a tire-like design—symbolizing both the arena grit and horsepower behind Leme’s legendary rides. The unveiling took place as part of the opening ceremony for the 2025 PBR Global Invitational, drawing fans, fellow riders, and officials from around the world.
“José Vitor Leme changed the game,” said PBR CEO Sean Gleason during the dedication. “His performances weren’t just dominant—they were poetic, athletic, and unforgettable. This statue is our way of saying thank you, and ensuring that future generations of riders remember what greatness looks like.”
Leme, 28, became emotional as he addressed the crowd in both English and Portuguese.
> “I never dreamed of something like this,” Leme said. “To be honored in this way, in a place where I’ve lived some of the greatest moments of my career, is truly humbling. This statue is not just mine—it belongs to every young rider in Brazil chasing the dream.”
Leme, who won back-to-back world titles in 2020 and 2021, is widely regarded as one of the most athletic and skilled riders in PBR history. His 98.75-point ride on Woopaa at the 2021 World Finals still holds the record for the highest-scored ride in PBR history. He is also known for his humility, sportsmanship, and relentless drive.
The statue was designed by renowned western artist Lisa Perry, who studied hundreds of hours of footage and worked closely with Leme and his team to ensure an authentic likeness. “I wanted to capture the sheer intensity of the moment—man and beast in flight, suspended between danger and glory,” Perry said.
Fans flooded social media with photos and tributes, many calling the statue a “monument to modern bull riding.” Plans are already underway to make the statue a central feature of a new PBR Hall of Fame experience slated to open in Fort Worth in 2026.
