Successful Bull Rider From Walla Walla Headed To World Finals

Who Is the Best Bull Rider in Washington State?

According to PBR.com, Derek Kolbaba from Walla Walla is currently ranked #11 in the world. This weekend he is headed to the PBR World Finals.

Who is Derek Kolbaba?

Derek Kolbaba was born on April 21st, 1996, in Walla Walla, Washington. He is a professional bull-rider, who, according to some estimates, is worth $1.5 Million.

Household names like Levi's and Monster Energy sponsor him, and it's easy to see why.

What are the PBR World Finals?

Derek is competing in the Professional Bull Riders World Finals this month, which you can watch on the CBS Sports Network.

This year's competition takes 40 of the best bull riders in the world and puts them through their paces May 13th through the 22nd.

Where are the PBR World Finals?

This year's event is in Fort Worth, Texas.

Getty Images

Is Bull Riding Dangerous?

Yes. In bull-riding you don't get benched, you get hospitalized, or worse. Statisticians estimate an average of two deaths per year for the sport, not including amateurs.

Has Derek Kolbaba Ever Been Injured?

Yes. In 2021, his lung was punctured, causing blood clots, and he lived with a chest tube for a week or so. Shortly after leaving the hospital, at his home in Walla Walla, he looked ready to rock'n'roll again.

Why Bull Ride?

Besides the adrenaline rush riders must feel, and the satisfaction of mastering a rare skill, athletes at Derek Kolbaba's level are competing for some pretty big coin. The World Finals winner gets $300,000. And the World Champion grabs $1 Million!

So what do you think, are you the next Derek Kolbaba?

Walla Walla Bull Rider Derek Kolbaba in Action

PBR Events with Walla Walla's Derek Kolbaba

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Filed Under: bull riding, bull-riders, Derek Kolbaba, PBR, PBR World Finals, walla walla

Categories: Politics