A comprehensive analysis of more than 15,500 rides at the premier level over the past two years revealed that bull performance at the top tier is exceptionally consistent. Key findings include:

• 96% of all bull scores above 19 points fall between 20.0 and 22.0, and
• 81% of those scores land within just a single point—between 20.5 and 21.5.

This data highlights two realities:

1. Elite bulls perform at remarkably similar levels.
2. Judges have been effectively constrained to just three scoring “buckets”—20.5, 21.0, and 21.5—under the half-point system.

With such a narrow scoring range, differentiating between rides becomes challenging, often resulting in ties for round placements, game outcomes, or high-marked bull honors—even when performances clearly differ. The transition to .1-point increments gives judges the ability to acknowledge those differences with greater fidelity.

Under the new system, judges will have the flexibility to more precisely reflect what they see in the arena. For example:

• A bull that outperforms a 21.0 but is not quite a 21.5 can now be marked 21.2.
• A bull that is stronger than a 20.5 but a shade below a 21.0 can now be scored 20.8.

Under the previous half-point increment system, both might have been given a 21.0, masking their distinct performances.

The same principle applies to rider scores, where dominance, exposure, control, and spurring can now be reflected with greater nuance and accuracy. The result is authentic scoring separation that rewards excellence.

Although ties and split positions can still occur, they are expected to become significantly less common.

Built-In Variance for Scoring Balance

To ensure symmetry between the two scoring components, a variance cap will be implemented: a rider’s score may not exceed the bull’s score by more than 3.0 points. A rider may, however, be marked any amount below the bull score based on the judge’s professional evaluation.

Combined with the .1 scoring increments, this variance system promotes consistency, fairness, and a scoring model that better aligns with real performance differences.

Statement from PBR Commissioner & CEO Sean Gleason

“PBR is refining how outs are scored. While utilizing half-point increments as the foundation of our scoring system has served us well, analytics show we can attain greater precision, enhancing fairness and differentiation of ride scores. These changes continue PBR’s commitment to the credibility of our competition and the accuracy of our judging system. We are giving judges the tools necessary to score rides with greater fairness, detail, and accuracy. The result: a more accurate and trusted scoring system for the next generation of bull riding.”

A More Accurate System for Fans, Riders, and Coaches

Judges already commonly write tenths on their score sheets for their own internal evaluation. The formal adoption of .1 increments brings the sport’s official scoring in line with the way judges naturally assess rides—delivering a more precise and transparent system for everyone involved in the sport.

The new scoring structure ensures judges can reflect even the most subtle differences in performance, enhancing fairness and elevating PBR’s competitive landscape heading into 2026 and beyond.