Adriano Moraes

2009 ADRIANO MORAES Moraes was the PBR’s first World Champion, and the first man ever to earn three world titles until fellow Brazilian Silvano Alves joined him in 2014. Moraes blazed the trail to bull riding glory for his countrymen from Brazil, serving as a mentor for dozens of talented riders who have made the transition to the United States. A man of deep faith and strong values, he continues to lend his talents to the PBR in both Brazil and the U.S. Adriano Moraes did much more for the sport of bull riding than win three World Championships. Moraes said until then, “nobody knew that South America had rodeos and bull riding.” In fact, according to Moraes, there were 36 events in Brazil the year before he came to the U.S. for good. He won 12 and his rival won 12, but it was Moraes who was invited to compete at PBR events, largely because of his personal desire and dedication to the PBR. Today he still sees the PBR as an opportunity. But now his vision is less about seeing international riders come to America than it is about growing subsidiaries such as PBR Brazil, PBR Australia and PBR Mexico, as well as establishing standalone PBR events in European countries.