What’s happening?
PBR Australia has locked in a big 2026 season with more events, new towns, a new Challenger Series and more than a million dollars in prizemoney across the year.
The schedule spans the Monster Energy Tour, PBR Origin, Touring Pro, Junior and the new Challenger Series.
Toowoomba remains part of the national program, keeping the city on the major path for bull riding.
The season starts in Scone on 7 February and moves to Beaudesert on 27 and 28 February.
Why it matters
The announcement follows a record 2025 season that lifted the sport to new heights. PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young said the standard set in 2025 has raised expectations.
“With the finale of 2025 season finishing on such a great note and Kurt Shephard breaking not only a PBR Australia but also an Australian Rodeo record in single career earnings in the discipline of bull riding, 2026 is shaping up to be a hotly contested season,” he said.
Glen Young said the pace will be intense from start to finish.
“It’s going to be a hectic season from start to finish, which is going to see our regular road warriors back on tour as well as a number of internationals looking to come and participate chasing the Gold Buckle and $100k year-end bonus, this could potentially be the season where new records are broken.”
Local impact
Toowoomba keeps its place on the 2026 schedule and remains a key stop in regional Queensland.
It brings fans, visitors and junior riders into the sport and helps support interest in training through the Can-Am Junior Academy.
The city continues to play a part in building the next wave of Queensland riders.
By the numbers
-
More than a million dollars in prize money and bonuses will be awarded.
-
Over 29 events will run from 31 December 2025 through the second weekend of November.
-
Kurt Shephard finished 2025 with 2,263.33 points and more than $180,000 in earnings.
Zoom in
The new Challenger Series is one of the biggest changes for 2026. It sits between the Can-Am Junior Academy and the Monster Energy Tour.
Riders will move up once they reach a set earnings level. It gives young athletes time to adjust to bigger crowds and higher stakes. It also fast-tracks those who are ready for major arenas.
The junior scene also finished 2025 with strong results. Chase Berry won the Pee Wee Division. Nash Goddard won the Junior Division. Queensland rider Chase Wieland won the Senior series buckle. Liam Birks secured the Rising Star title.
Zoom out
PBR Australia continues to widen its reach. The 2026 schedule covers Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. New stops include Coffs Harbour, Traralgon and St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown.
The PBR Origin Series also returns. It starts in Newcastle on 30 May, moves to Brisbane on 6 June and ends in Sydney on 1 August. After the Blues claimed the title for the first time this year, the Maroons want it back.
What to look for next
Tickets for Toowoomba events will be part of the national release cycle. Fans can check pbraustralia.com.au for updates.
-
PBR Origin tickets open on 30 January.
-
Grand Finals tickets go up on 20 March.