John Crimber has been chasing buckles since before he could spell the word. The No. 1 overall draft pick and youngest rider in PBR history to earn $1 million, he’s the son of PBR Hall of Famer, 10-time PBR World Finals qualifier and Florida Freedom Head Coach Paulo Crimber. John’s journey began on sheep, winning more than 20 mutton-busting titles — and prizes that once included a motorcycle, a bicycle and even a cow in Brazil.

By 18, he was rewriting the record books — winning nine Challenger Series events, finishing No. 2 in the world, and proving he was built for the big leagues. Drafted first overall by the Florida Freedom, he stormed through his rookie Teams season to win both the 2024 PBR Teams MVP and Teams Championship MVP, then went back-to-back in 2025 as the youngest ever two-time Regular-Season Live Legendary MVP.

Then came 2026.

After battling through one of the fiercest world title races in recent memory, Crimber surged on Championship Sunday inside Dickies Arena to be crowned the 2026 PBR World Champion, becoming the second-youngest rider in league history to win a gold buckle. Following the emotional victory, Crimber dedicated the championship to his father, Paulo, whose own riding career was cut short before ever capturing the sport’s ultimate prize.

These days, Crimber rides with equal parts swagger and sincerity — a cowboy who jokes with his teammates one minute and locks in the next. He’s already logged some unforgettable moments, including a career-high 95-point ride on Big Bank inside AT&T Stadium. Away from the dirt, he owns 16 bulls, including Biscuit and his baby, Pookie, and fuels up on Nerds Gummy Clusters, Hot Cheeto Puffs and a Monster Energy before turning on his playlist he calls “rap and heartbreak” — a mix of NBA YoungBoy and Megan Moroney.

Raised in Decatur, Texas, Crimber still looks up to his dad, the man who taught him that being great in the arena means staying humble outside of it.

Still just 20 years old, Crimber now rides not only as one of the sport’s brightest stars, but as a World Champion carrying on his family’s legacy.