What’s happening?
Townsville will become the centre of Australian bull riding this weekend as it hosts the 2025 PBR Australia Grand Finals. Over two thrilling nights, October 31 and November 1, at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, the country’s best riders will battle for national glory, with $150,000 in prize money and a $100,000 championship bonus up for grabs.
Leading into the finals, Queensland’s Kurt Shephard from Mareeba sits at the top of the National Standings after securing victory at the 2025 Tamworth Invitational. Shephard finished Tamworth with two qualified rides from three and a total of 169.50 points, highlighted by an 85.75-point effort in the final round. Brazil’s Luan Crystian Camara finished close behind with 166 points, setting up a head-to-head title fight between the two riders.
Why it matters
The PBR Australia Grand Finals marks the pinnacle of the season and brings major economic benefits to North Queensland. Last year’s event attracted more than 10,000 spectators and generated over $4.23 million in total economic impact for Townsville, reinforcing its reputation as a premier host city for major sporting events.
By the numbers
• A total of $150,000 in prize money will be contested across two nights of high-stakes finals action.
• The new national champion will also take home a $100,000 championship bonus.
• Queensland’s Kurt Shephard enters the finals with 2,212.33 points, holding a 326.83-point lead over Brazil’s Luan Crystian Camara.
• Last year’s Townsville finals drew 10,000 spectators, generating 11,352 visitor nights and $4.23 million in total economic impact.
• This weekend, 30 elite riders from Australia and overseas will compete for the nation’s most prestigious buckle.
Zoom In
The competition will feature several standout Australian riders currently competing in the USA, including world No. 3 Brady Fielder from Clermont and Callum Miller from Warwick, who ranks inside the world’s top 50. Queensland’s emerging stars, brothers Macaulie and Boston Leather from Calliope, and Thomas Triplett from Bungundarra, will also return to the arena. On the bull side, MJ and Keliher Bucking Bulls’ Alpha Blokes Warden and Mooseys Moto Moto continue their dominance, with The Warden collecting his ninth ABBI YETI High-Marked Bull of the Event Award this season.
Zoom Out
PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young said the event has grown into one of the richest and most prestigious in the country. “When we established this event back in 1999, the vision was always to grow it into one of the richest and most prestigious bull riding events in Australia,” he said. “Today, with over $150,000 in prize money and a $100,000 championship bonus on the line, it’s incredibly rewarding to see that vision come to life.”
Local Impact
The PBR Australia Grand Finals continues to bring significant tourism and spending to Townsville, supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
What to look for next
The official Grand Finals lineup will be announced on Tuesday, 28 October. While Saturday’s event is sold out, tickets for Finals Friday remain available.
