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Guilherme Marchi
Guilherme Marchi
Guilherme Marchi
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Guilherme Antônio Marchi (pronounced Gih-lare-mee Marky) (born July 22, 1982) is a Brazilian former professional rodeo cowboy who specialized in bull riding, and competed in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit. He was the 2008 PBR World Champion.

Key Information

In 2023, Marchi was ranked No. 14 on the list of the top 30 bull riders in PBR history.[1]

Background

[edit]

Marchi is 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) tall and weighs 198 pounds (90 kg). He is from Leme, São Paulo, and is of Italian descent on his father's side. He rode bulls right-handed. His special interests include soccer, team roping, and surfing.

Career

[edit]

Marchi rode the first few years of his professional career in Brazil before moving to the United States. He competed very briefly in the Championship Bull Riding (CBR) tour in 2004 before joining the PBR full-time. He debuted late in the Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) season that year, qualifying for his first-ever PBR World Finals and finishing 41st in the world. After finishing in the runner-up position for the PBR World Championship in three consecutive years, he won his world title in 2008. Statistically, Marchi was one of the most consistent riders on the tour. He would go on to qualify for the World Finals all 15 years of his PBR career (2004 through 2018).

In 2005, Guilherme Marchi was the biggest threat to Justin McBride's goal of being the PBR World Champion. McBride won, Marchi came in second. However, Marchi was the PBR World Finals event champion that year.

In 2006, during one of the last few regular-season BFTS events before the World Finals, Marchi won the first round of the event in Greensboro, North Carolina, and became eligible for the Mossy Oak Shootout. He successfully rode his bull and won the $90,000 bounty.[2] At the World Finals, Marchi once again failed to win when fellow Brazilian Adriano Moraes came from behind to claim the PBR world championship, with Marchi placing second.

Yet again, in 2007, Marchi finished the season in the No. 2 position behind Justin McBride at the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas.

In 2008, Marchi dominated the PBR circuit, riding nearly 75% of his bulls, winning five events, and earning over $1.5 million (nearly three times as much as any other PBR rider) on his way to his PBR world championship title and the $1 million bonus that went with it.

In 2009, Marchi won the PBR Canada Finals event in Calgary, Alberta.[3]

In March 2014, in the opening round of the BFTS event in Phoenix, Arizona, Marchi became the first bull rider to successfully complete 500 qualified rides in the PBR, riding Pandora's Pyxis.[4]

On April 8, 2017, Marchi rode Shocker for 86.25 points in Round 2 of the BFTS event in Billings, Montana. In doing so, he became the first PBR rider to reach 600 qualified rides and received a commemorative belt buckle.[5]

On August 12, 2018, Marchi announced that 2018 would be his final year of bull riding, with the intention of retiring after the PBR World Finals.[6] He finished his professional career with 635 qualified rides (the most in PBR history), 36 PBR event wins, 15 consecutive qualifications to the PBR World Finals (2004 through 2018), and over $5.3 million in career earnings.[7]

Marchi officially retired from bull riding following his victory at the 2018 PBR Brazil event in Goiânia, Goiás.[8][9]

Post-career

[edit]

In 2023, Marchi became the assistant coach to head coach J.W. Hart of the Kansas City Outlaws; one of eight bull riding teams in the PBR Team Series, which debuted the previous year and holds events in the United States from the summer through autumn. It concludes with the Team Series at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marchi also works on the team's recruiting and development efforts for riders in Brazil.[10] In early August of that year, the Outlaws won their own hometown event; Outlaw Days in Kansas City, Missouri.[11] Two weeks later, the Outlaws won their second event of the season at Stampede Days in Nashville, Tennessee; the hometown event of rival team, the Nashville Stampede.[12] The Outlaws later won the second-to-last event of the 2023 regular season event at Ridge Rider Days in Glendale, Arizona; the hometown event of rival team, the Arizona Ridge Riders.[13] In October, the Outlaws finished in second place during the Team Series regular season. As a result, both them and regular-season champions, the Austin Gamblers, received first-round byes and automatically qualified for the second day of the Team Series Championship. The Outlaws were eliminated after the second day of the Championship.[14]

In 2024, the Kansas City Outlaws were the Team Series regular-season champions. As a result, both them and second-place team, the Carolina Cowboys, received a first-round bye and automatically qualified for the second day of the Team Series Championship.[15] The Outlaws finished third at the Team Series Championship that year.[16]

The Kansas City Outlaws were eliminated after the first day of the 2025 Team Series Championship event.[17]

In January 2026, the Kansas City Outlaws defeated the Oklahoma Wildcatters to win the Monster Energy Team Challenge at the Unleash the Beast Series (UTB) event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[18]

Honors

[edit]

On November 5, 2019, Marchi was inducted into the PBR Ring of Honor.[19][20]

On May 14, 2022, he was inducted into the Bull Riding Hall of Fame.[21]

In 2023, he was ranked No. 14 on the list of the top 30 bull riders in PBR history.[1]

Personal life

[edit]

On April 19, 2018, Marchi married long-time girlfriend Maria in Texas. She is his second wife. They have a son. Marchi also has two other children, a daughter and son, from his first wife, Patricia. All of his children were born in the United States.

While competing in the U.S. PBR circuit, Marchi lived in Ferris, Texas. After retiring from bull riding, he moved back to Brazil with his family, where he helped his father-in-law run his ranch, put on bull-riding clinics, and trained bucking bulls.

Since becoming assistant coach to the Kansas City Outlaws, Marchi moved back to the United States; now residing in head coach J.W. Hart's hometown of Marietta, Oklahoma.[22]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Guilherme Marchi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Guilherme Marchi is a retired Brazilian professional bull rider renowned for his record-setting longevity and consistency in the sport, particularly within the (PBR) organization, where he holds the all-time record for the most qualified rides with 635 and was the first competitor to reach both 500 and 600 qualified rides on the elite tour. Born July 22, 1982, in Itupeva, São Paulo, , Marchi grew up on a before his family relocated to when he was 12, where his parents operated a and ; he began riding bulls at age 15, inspired by his older brother, and quickly progressed to compete in open events after finishing school in Jacareí. After claiming the Brazilian national championship in 2002 and finishing as reserve champion in 2003, he moved to the in 2004 to pursue opportunities on the PBR's Built Ford Tough Series, making his debut qualified ride that September in . Marchi's breakthrough came in his first full season in 2005, when he finished second in the world standings, a position he would hold two more times in 2006 and 2007 before capturing the 2008 PBR World Championship with a 72.55% riding percentage, five event wins, and over $1.5 million in earnings that year. Over his 14-year career on the premier series, he amassed 36 event victories, earned more than $5.2 million in lifetime prize money—ranking him among the top earners—and qualified for 15 consecutive PBR World Finals before retiring at the 2018 event in Las Vegas. In recognition of his contributions, Marchi was inducted into the PBR Ring of Honor in 2019 and later served as head coach for Team Brazil at the PBR Global Cup.

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Guilherme Marchi was born on July 22, 1982, in Itupeva, São Paulo, Brazil. Of Italian descent through his father's side, Marchi grew up in a family environment that instilled values of hard work and respect for animals from an early age. His parents, Ademar and Marcia Marchi, raised him and his siblings—older brother Juliano and younger sister Giovanna—on a family farm outside the rural town of Itupeva in São Paulo state. Life on the farm involved daily interactions with horses and cows, fostering a deep connection to livestock and the rhythms of rural labor, as Marchi later recalled his parents as warm, community-oriented figures who emphasized perseverance. At age 12, the family relocated to the coastal small town of , where his parents opened a and , marking a shift from inland life to a seaside setting still rooted in modest, close-knit community dynamics. In this environment, Marchi attended local schools, balancing education with outdoor activities like soccer and daily before classes, which built his physical resilience and social bonds in a typical Brazilian small-town atmosphere. He completed his schooling in Jacareí after another move, maintaining the rural values of diligence and family closeness shaped by his formative years. This early exposure to animals and hard work on the naturally extended to his later pursuits involving .

Introduction to Bull Riding

Guilherme Marchi first encountered during his teenage years in , where he grew up on a family farm that instilled early skills in handling animals such as and cows. At around age 15, inspired by his older brother Juliano's involvement in the sport and his father's production of local events, Marchi convinced his parents to allow him to try riding. He began with a bronc before progressing to his initial bull ride, an experience that ignited his passion and led him to commit to the sport despite his mother's preference for him to pursue a career in . Marchi's foundational training took place on the family farm in the region, particularly Itupeva, where he practiced extensively on a set up at home. This hands-on environment, combined with the rural upbringing, allowed him to develop balance, strength, and an intuitive understanding of behavior essential for . By age 16 or 17, around the late , Marchi made the deliberate decision to pursue the sport seriously, prioritizing it over formal education and integrating it into his daily routine after school. During this amateur phase, Marchi participated in local Brazilian rodeos and open bull riding competitions, honing his skills in regional events that served as stepping stones for aspiring riders. These grassroots opportunities in the late 1990s provided practical exposure to competitive pressure and varied bulls, building his resilience and technique before advancing further. His early successes in these venues, including consistent performances in youth-oriented rodeos, solidified his trajectory toward a dedicated path in bull riding.

Professional Career

Professional Debut

Guilherme Marchi turned professional in 1999 at the age of 17, beginning his career on the Brazilian rodeo circuit after starting to ride bulls at 15. His early success in Brazil, where he captured the national championship in 2002 and finished as reserve champion in 2003, paved the way for his international breakthrough. These accomplishments on the domestic scene provided a strong foundation, enabling a relatively swift adjustment to higher-level competition. Marchi made his debut on the (PBR) premier series on August 6, 2004, in . His first qualified ride followed shortly after in September 2004 at an outdoor event in , where he covered the bull for 85.5 points. That inaugural season saw him secure enough qualified rides—approximately a dozen on the elite tour—to qualify for the PBR World Finals, where he placed 10th overall with 417.25 points and earned $26,000 from the event. These initial outings highlighted his potential, though his total 2004 earnings remained modest compared to established American riders, reflecting his newcomer status. As one of the few Brazilian riders breaking into the predominantly American-dominated PBR circuit, Marchi encountered significant challenges in adapting to international competition. These included navigating language barriers, extended travel across the , and adjusting to the distinct styles of North American bulls, which differed from those in . Despite these hurdles, his resilience shone through in the mid-2000s, as he maintained a qualified ride percentage exceeding 50%—for instance, 62 out of 110 attempts (56.4%) in 2006—while steadily building earnings that exceeded $200,000 annually by 2005, establishing him as a rising force.

Rise to Prominence and 2008 Championship

Guilherme Marchi established himself as a top contender in the (PBR) Built Ford Tough Series through consistent high placements in the world standings from 2005 to 2007, finishing as runner-up each year behind champions (2005 and 2006) and (2007). These performances showcased his resilience and skill, as he qualified for the PBR World Finals annually and built momentum with strong outings despite close title races. A pivotal moment came in 2005 when Marchi captured the PBR World Finals Event Championship in , , posting an aggregate score of 523.75 points across the competition's rounds to edge out McBride by six points. This victory, which earned him $298,016.67, highlighted his ability to perform under pressure at the season's climax and solidified his status among elite riders. Entering the 2008 season, Marchi dominated the circuit with a near-75% riding and secured five premier series event wins, including the Kansas City Invitational (March), Portland Invitational (March), Des Moines Classic (May), Invitational (July), and Oakland Invitational (September). These triumphs propelled him to the top of the world standings with 14,505.25 points, more than 1,000 ahead of second-place , and positioned him to claim the $1 million world title bonus. At the 2008 PBR World Finals in , Marchi clinched the championship during Round 6 with an 87.5-point ride on the bull Rewind, locking in his season-long lead after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Although he placed second in the event aggregate with 622.50 points behind Robson Palermo, the title marked a historic breakthrough for Brazilian riders in the PBR, returning the world championship to for the first time since 2003.

Record Achievements and Later Years

Following his 2008 world championship, which laid the foundation for his legendary endurance in the sport, Guilherme Marchi sustained a high level of performance on the (PBR) circuit, marked by record-breaking achievements and consistent contention for top honors. He established himself as the all-time leader in qualified rides with 635 successful elite series outings, a testament to his unparalleled consistency over 15 seasons. This record underscored Marchi's ability to stay mounted on challenging bulls more than any other rider in PBR history, with a career riding of approximately 56%. Key milestones highlighted his progression toward this pinnacle. In March 2014, Marchi became the first PBR rider to reach 500 qualified rides, achieving the feat with an 84-point performance on Pandora's Pyxis during Round 1 of the Chute Out of the Money event in . Building on that accomplishment, he hit another historic mark on April 8, 2017, recording his 600th qualified ride aboard Shocker for 86.25 points in Round 2 of the Stanley Invitational in , an emotional moment that evoked comparisons to winning a world title. Marchi's sustained excellence translated into substantial accolades and financial success. He captured 25 premier series event victories, including the 2005 PBR World Finals, and accumulated $5,338,428 in career earnings, placing him third on the PBR's all-time money list at the time. His consistency shone in the world standings, where he finished as runner-up four times— in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2012—often falling just short of repeating as champion despite leading the points race for much of those seasons. Even amid physical demands, Marchi demonstrated resilience against minor injuries that tested his durability. In May 2012, he suffered a after being struck by Midnight Mood following an 87-point ride in Round 1 of the Boise Invitational, yet he returned to competition without long-term interruption. Similarly, in February 2016, soreness in his riding hand sidelined him briefly from the event, but he rebounded to compete effectively in subsequent outings, maintaining his pursuit of records through the 2018 season.

Post-Career

Retirement

In August 2018, after 15 years in professional , Guilherme Marchi announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2018 season, citing a desire to step away on his own terms following a career marked by resilience and record-setting consistency. Marchi's final appearances included the 2018 PBR World Finals in , where he delivered a qualified ride in the opening round and competed through the event's later stages, marking an emotional capstone to his tenure on the premier series. Following the World Finals, he achieved one last victory at the 2018 PBR Tour event in on December 2, riding Som de Peão for 87 points to win the championship round and secure the overall title, effectively ending his competitive career in his home country. During the 2018 PBR World Finals, Marchi delivered an emotional farewell speech to the crowd, reflecting on his journey from to global stardom and emphasizing perseverance: "If you have a dream, just believe in yourself. Never lose your faith. Make your dream come true, like my dream, my , came true." At the time of his , Marchi held the all-time record for qualified rides on the PBR's premier series with 635, a testament to his unparalleled durability that allowed for a graceful exit from the sport.

Coaching and Mentorship

Following his retirement from competitive bull riding, Guilherme Marchi transitioned into , drawing on his extensive experience as the PBR's all-time ride leader to mentor emerging talent. In 2019, he was elevated to for Team Brazil at the PBR Global Cup USA, leading the two-time defending champions in the international team competition. In 2023, he was appointed assistant coach for the Kansas City Outlaws in the PBR Team Series, serving under head coach J.W. Hart. In this role, Marchi focuses on scouting and recruiting young Brazilian riders, such as Cassio Dias, Leonardo Castro Ferreira, and Julio Cesar Marques, emphasizing their integration into the team's competitive framework. He conducts training sessions in , where riders practice daily on bulls, prioritizing physical conditioning, mental resilience, and strategic ride preparation to enhance performance. Marchi also contributes to team strategy, advocating for strong starts and finishes in events to maximize scoring opportunities and overall team momentum. Marchi's coaching extends to the Brazilian bull riding community, where he has remained active post-retirement by conducting clinics, assisting in ranch operations, and training bucking bulls to support the sport's growth in his home country. Under Marchi's guidance, the Outlaws achieved notable success in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, including a 4-3 record with an event win and third-place finish in 2023, followed by clinching the regular-season championship in 2024 by dominating the Carolina Cowboys in the final regular-season game. However, in the 2025 PBR Camping World Teams Championship, the team faced an early elimination in the play-in game against the New York Mavericks and Oklahoma Wildcatters, scoring 173.5 points (2-for-5 rides), finishing the season with an 11-25 record despite key rider returns.

Honors and Legacy

Awards and Titles

Guilherme Marchi achieved his crowning accomplishment in 2008 by winning the (PBR) , clinching the title after finishing as runner-up in the world standings the previous three years. This victory earned him a $1 million bonus, along with a season total of $1.53 million in prize money, including $164,000 from the World Finals. Earlier in his career, Marchi captured the 2005 PBR World Finals Event Championship, posting an aggregate score of 523.75 points over the 10-round event to claim the top prize of approximately $298,000. Marchi amassed 25 PBR premier series event wins throughout his career, demonstrating consistent excellence in high-stakes competitions. He also secured multiple strong placements in the annual world standings, finishing second overall in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2012. His success propelled Marchi to become one of the PBR's earliest earners, surpassing $1 million in career earnings during the 2008 season and ultimately accumulating over $5.3 million by retirement.

Hall of Fame and Rankings

Following his retirement from competition, Guilherme Marchi was inducted into the PBR on November 6, 2019, during the PBR Heroes & Legends Celebration in , , as a first-ballot honoree for his enduring contributions to the sport. Marchi is recognized as the all-time leader in qualified rides on the PBR's elite tour, with 635 successful 8-second rides, a record that underscores his consistency and longevity in professional bull riding. In 2023, the PBR ranked Marchi #5 among the top 30 greatest bull riders in its history as part of a comprehensive countdown series honoring the sport's legends, highlighting his role in elevating Brazilian talent on the global stage. Marchi's influence extends to inspiring and mentoring subsequent generations of Brazilian bull riders, particularly through his positions as assistant coach for Team Brazil at the 2019 PBR Global Cup and as a coach for the Kansas City Outlaws in the PBR Teams series, where he imparts techniques drawn from his championship experience.

Personal Life

Family

Guilherme Marchi was first married to , with whom he had two children: daughter Manela and son , both born prior to 2013. The family provided vital emotional support during challenging periods, including after Marchi's severe neck injury in 2013, when he spent the summer recovering in alongside and the children. In 2015, Marchi dedicated his pursuit of a second world title to his and children, aiming to celebrate any victory with them by his side. Marchi later married Maria, his second wife, in 2018. Together, they welcomed a , Guilherme Jr., at the end of 2017. Marchi and Maria have maintained a close family dynamic, with Maria dividing her time between business commitments in and life in the United States to support his career. As a father of three, Marchi balanced the rigors of extensive rodeo travel with family responsibilities throughout his professional tenure. Post-retirement, the family resides in Marietta, .

Philanthropic Efforts

Guilherme Marchi has been actively involved in charitable initiatives in Leme, , Brazil, where he owns a , particularly focusing on supporting vulnerable children. He has raised tens of thousands of dollars for a local orphanage through various fundraising efforts tied to his career. In addition to direct , Marchi hosted charity events at his in Leme to benefit the . These summer gatherings, organized in collaboration with his wife , have included competitions and a champions event featuring former world champions. For instance, in 2013, these initiatives aimed to generate additional funds while fostering around activities. As of 2013, Marchi's philanthropic commitments extended to long-term community support in , with plans to expand his personal involvement after from professional competition. He expressed intentions to construct a new home on his property with dedicated space to care for orphans directly. No public updates on these plans have been reported following his 2018 . Family members, including , participated in these events to amplify their impact.

References

  1. https://pbr.com/news/2023/02/from-the-vault-reliving-guilherme-marchis-career/
  2. https://pbr.com/news/2020/03/from-the-vault-guilherme-marchi/
  3. https://pbr.com/news/2013/05/the-making-of-a-cowboy/
  4. https://pbr.com/news/2008/11/guilherme-marchi-locks-up-his-first-world-championship/
  5. https://www.pbr.com/athletes/riders/profile/2202/GuilhermeMarchi
  6. https://www.montanasports.com/sports/rodeo/world-champion-guilherme-marchi-head-coach-of-team-brazile-for-pbr-global-cup-usa
  7. https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-equestrian-news-bull-riding-news-olympics-news-mini-marchi-learning-the-ropes-years-after-dominating-the-professional-bull-riding-scene-former-world-champions-son-gears-up-for-glory/
  8. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/columns/jenni-carlson/2009/07/25/the-qa-with-guilherme-marchi-professional-bull-rider-defending-world-champion/61381471007/
  9. https://pbr.com/news/2019/11/marchi-in-2008-i-achieved-my-american-dream/
  10. https://www.pbr.com/results/512/
  11. https://pbr.com/news/2013/09/marchi-finding-strength-in-sadness/
  12. https://probullstats.com/season/season.php?year=2006
  13. https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/collections/awards/pbr/honorees/guilherme-marchi/
  14. https://www.pbr.com/results/548/
  15. https://www.pbr.com/results/654/
  16. https://teamropingjournal.com/news/pbr-world-title-goes-back-brazil/
  17. https://pbr.com/news/2017/04/marchi-s-600-rides-is-one-of-the-best-records-in-all-of-sports/
  18. https://pbr.com/news/2014/03/marchi-first-to-500-career-rides/
  19. https://pbr.com/news/2017/04/emotional-marchi-i-feel-like-i-won-a-gold-buckle-again/
  20. https://www.pbr.com/athletes/riders/all-time-money-earnings/
  21. https://pbr.com/news/2012/05/pueblo-notebook/
  22. https://pbr.com/news/2016/02/behind-the-chutes-air-time-makes-a-statement/
  23. https://pbr.com/news/2018/08/marchi-announces-he-will-retire-after-2018-pbr-world-finals/
  24. https://pbr.com/news/2018/11/marchi-begins-last-finals-with-qualified-ride-and-dance-moves/
  25. https://pbr.com/news/2018/11/marchi-says-goodbye-at-2018-world-finals/
  26. https://pbr.com/news/2018/12/marchi-ends-career-with-victory-in-goiania/
  27. https://pbr.com/news/2019/08/world-champion-guilherme-marchi-elevated-to-head-coach-of-team-brazil-for-2020-pbr-global-cup-usa/
  28. https://pbr.com/news/2023/08/marchi-thrilled-to-be-back-with-pbr-as-assistant-coach-of-red-hot-outlaws/
  29. https://pbr.com/news/2024/10/kansas-city-outlaws-dominate-carolina-cowboys-to-win-pbr-teams-regular/
  30. https://pbr.com/news/2025/10/missouri-thunder-win-last-chance-game-to-join-arizona-ridge-riders-and-carolina-cowboys-in-advancing-to-the-pbr-teams-championship-quarterfinals/
  31. https://eastoregonian.com/2008/11/12/world-title-brings-relief-for-marchi/
  32. https://pbr.com/news/2023/02/who-are-the-winningest-bull-riders-in-pbr-history/
  33. https://pbr.com/news/2023/08/named-best-rider-in-pbr-history-mcbride-appreciates-highs-and-lows-of-his-career-and-all-other-bull-riding-greats/
  34. https://pbr.com/news/2015/04/marchi-wants-second-world-title-for-family/
  35. https://pbr.com/news/2018/11/montana-silversmiths-women-of-the-pbr-takeasecondlook-maria-marchi/
  36. https://azdev.pbr.com/media/015b0dwc/section_02_riders_bulls_2018.pdf
  37. https://pbr.com/news/2023/10/who-is-kansas-city-outlaws-superstar-cassio-dias/
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