What’s happening?
All eyes were on Townsville as the nation’s top bull riders battled for supremacy at the 2025 PBR Australia Grand Finals. Mareeba cowboy Kurt Shephard emerged victorious, securing the PBR Australian Championship with an aggregate score of 2,263.33 points and claiming the coveted $100,000 gold buckle.
The event showcased the sport’s elite, with Brazil’s Luan Crystian Camara finishing as Runner-Up and Rookie of the Year with 1,910.50 points, and American Daniel Keeping taking out Average Champion with a flawless 4-for-4 performance totalling 343.25 points.
Why it matters
The PBR Australia Grand Finals cement Townsville as a hub for elite rodeo competition and sports tourism. The championship not only recognises world-class athletes but also delivers a significant boost to the local economy while promoting Australian talent on the global bull-riding stage.
Local Impact
The event drew over 10,000 spectators across two sold-out nights, generating 11,352 visitor nights and an economic impact of $4.23 million for the Townsville region last year. Supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, it continues to bring national attention and tourism revenue to North Queensland.
By the Numbers
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$100,000 prize awarded to champion Kurt Shephard, who finished the season with 2,263.33 points.
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30 elite riders competed, representing Australia, Brazil, and the United States.
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The event previously delivered $3.98 million in overnight visitor spend and 11,352 visitor nights, showcasing its tourism value.
Zoom In
For Shephard, the win capped off a remarkable year, both professionally and personally. “It’s been a great year for Kurt, becoming a father and winning his first PBR Australian gold buckle caps off a stellar year,” said PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young.
Young praised both Shephard and Camara, calling their season-long rivalry “nothing short of epic.” He added, “They are both great cowboys, but more importantly, they ride with a purpose, which is key in this sport to achieving goals.”
Meanwhile, Brady Fielder made global headlines by becoming the first rider in the world to reach 100 qualified rides in a single season.
Zoom Out
PBR Australia continues to grow under the global Professional Bull Riders brand, which hosts over 200 events annually across five countries. In Australia alone, more than 75,000 fans attend 20-plus events each year, including the Monster Energy Tour and the PBR Origin Series.
What to look for next
With the 2025 season now complete, attention turns to the next generation of Australian bull riders through PBR’s Can-Am Junior Academy and the upcoming 2026 PBR season, where new talent will aim to challenge Shephard’s dominance.
