Richmond “Richie” Champion (born December 16, 1992) is an American professional rodeo cowboy who specializes in bareback bronc riding. He became the first bareback rider to earn $1 million at a single rodeo.
Born in Orange County, California, Champion has made a name for himself in the rodeo world, with multiple National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifications and significant career earnings.
You can follow Richmond Champion’s net worth, earnings, professional career, achievements, relationship status here.
Richmond Champion’s Biography
| Attribute | Detail |
| Full Name | Richmond Champion |
| Nickname | Million-Dollar Cowboy |
| Date of Birth | December 16, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Orange County, California |
| Current Residence | Stevensville, Montana |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Rodeo Cowboy |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Specialization | Bareback Bronc Riding |
| Joined PRCA | 2011 |
| NFR Qualifications | 8 (2014, 2016-2021) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Paige Lawrence Champion |
Richmond Champion was born on December 16, 1992, in Orange County, California, to Greg, a hotel company executive, and Lori, a consultant who competed in show jumping while in college.
The family moved between Texas, Arizona, Washington State, and Alaska during Champion’s childhood.
He began taking lessons in Western riding at 10 and showed great talent, eventually transitioning to bull riding in junior high.
Early Career
Champion started his rodeo career in high school, winning the Texas High School Rodeo Association bareback title in his senior year in 2011.
He earned a rodeo scholarship to Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where he attended for three years.
After graduating high school, Champion joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and competed on the PRCA rodeo circuit, winning several small rodeos.
Professional Career
Richmond Champion has had a successful professional career as a rodeo cowboy specializing in bareback bronc riding.
After graduating high school, he joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and won several small rodeos.
2014, he had a breakthrough season, placing at major rodeos such as the Fort Worth Stock Show, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and National Western Stock Show.
That same year, he won the inaugural The American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas, earning the nickname “Million-Dollar Cowboy” after winning the top prize of $1.1 million.
Champion has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) eight times. In 2019, he finished fourth in the world standings with $238,983, placing third in the Wrangler NFR average and earning $108,154.
He has also won several other major rodeos, including Rodeo Houston, PRCA Xtreme Bares and Broncs, Calgary Stampede, Lea County Fair Rodeo, and Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo.
Despite facing a herniated disc that required surgery in 2022, Champion made a strong comeback, qualifying for his eighth NFR and adjusting his rodeo schedule to balance his personal life and professional career.
Wife
Richmond Champion is married to Paige Lawrence Champion, a former Olympic figure skater representing Canada at the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014.
Richmond Champion’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Richmond Champion’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million. His career earnings in the PRCA exceed $954,000.
Career Earnings
Richmond Champion has had a successful career in rodeo, with significant earnings. His career earnings amount to $1,554,630.
This includes earnings from his participation in various rodeos and championships. Notably, in 2014, he won the inaugural The American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas, earning the top prize of $1.1 million.
This win earned him the nickname “Million-Dollar Cowboy.” In the 2019 season, he finished fourth in the world standings with $238,983, placed third in the Wrangler NFR average, and earned $108,154.
In the 2021 season, his earnings totaled $98,945.01. Despite a herniated disc that required surgery in 2022, Champion still earned $26,726.43 in winnings that year.
| Year | Earnings |
| 2014 | $1,100,000 (The American Rodeo) |
| 2019 | $238,983 (World standings) |
| 2021 | $98,945.01 |
| 2022 | $24,226 |
| Total (as of 2023) | $1,554,630 |
Endorsements
Richmond Champion is a brand ambassador for Yeti, Hooey Hats, and Tony Lama Boots.
FAQs
1. Who is Richmond Champion?
Richmond Champion is an American professional rodeo cowboy specializing in bareback bronc riding. He is known for being the first bareback rider to earn $1 million at a single rodeo and is a multiple-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier.
2. When and where was Richmond Champion born?
Richmond Champion was born on December 16, 1992, in Orange County, California. His family later moved to Texas, where he continued to develop his rodeo career.
3. What major achievement set Richmond Champion apart in rodeo history?
Richmond Champion won the inaugural The American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas, earning a record-breaking $1.1 million in a single day, making him the first bareback rider to achieve this milestone.
4. How did Richmond Champion start his rodeo career?
Richmond began riding horses at age 10 and competed in mounted shooting and roping before switching to bull riding in junior high. He later transitioned to bareback riding in high school, winning the Texas High School Rodeo Association bareback title in 2011.
5. How many times has Richmond Champion qualified for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR)?
Richmond Champion has qualified for the NFR nine times, consistently ranking among the top bareback riders in the world.
6. What challenges has Richmond Champion faced in his career?
Champion underwent back surgery in 2015 and returned to competition just two months later. He also faced professional challenges during his involvement with the Elite Rodeo Athletes (ERA), which affected his eligibility for PRCA events.
7. Who is Richmond Champion’s spouse, and what is her background?
Richmond Champion is married to Paige Lawrence Champion, a retired Olympic figure skater who competed in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and now works as an executive performance coach.
8. What role has mental preparation played in Richmond Champion’s success?
Richmond credits his success to strong mental preparation, focusing on consistency, persistence, and having the right mindset to overcome fear and perform at the highest level in bareback riding.
9. How did Richmond Champion secure his spot in the 2024 NFR?
Champion clinched the final qualification spot for the 2024 NFR by earning over $9,000 in the last 10 days of the regular season, narrowly edging out another competitor by just $200.
10. What are some of Richmond Champion’s notable rodeo wins?
Some of his significant victories include winning at The American Rodeo, placing at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, and performing strongly at major events like RodeoHouston and the Calgary Stampede.
