Callum Miller Qualifies for Career-First PBR World Finals

AIRDRIE, Alta. – Warwick, Queensland, Australia’s Callum Miller, considered a Canadian by association, will be making his first trip to the PBR World Finals in Texas starting May 9.

In an uncharacteristic season, Canadian bull riders were unsuccessful in their efforts to qualify for the record $3.13 million payout through the PBR Unleash The Beast standings.

But for Miller, who has spent the majority of his PBR career in Canada, this year is one for the books.

“It was Monday morning that I got the call. It all worked out,” Miller said.

“I am a little bit disappointed in it, too, I wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be at. I wanted to be a little bit more consistent. In the end though, we got it there. We just need to be consistent here the next couple of weeks.

Winning a PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour event in Reno, Nevada, at the start of the year thrust the 29-year-old into the elite tour spotlight.

Off the back of a 13-event premier series season, Miller’s regular season was headlined by his outing in Sacramento, California in February. Marking only his second Unleash The Beast event, Miller finished third. He also looks back fondly on the PBR’s stop in Billings, Montana, at the start of April where he finished eighth. Conquering Jelly Roll, a bull who many were having issues with, for 87.5 points gave another big boost to the Aussie’s confidence.

“With Sacramento, it was just getting my feet wet and getting a bunch of scores on the board. Knowing I can do it at that level,” he said.

“Billings stands out because I got a bull rode that didn’t have too many rides on him. It was good to get that one done.”

With one week off to prepare for the PBR Velocity Tour Finals in Corpus Christi, Texas, Miller said he is keeping things business as usual. From the gym to riding horses, training alongside Brady Oleson and fellow World Finals qualifier Brady Fielder, Miller says now is the time to get consistent.

“This last week we have been working out every day with one of the Brazilian trainers, riding the horse around. This will be the first time for me at the Velocity Finals as well. Keep it simple, go in and do my job. Stay on everything and try not to overthink it,” he said.

“It has been really good going with those guys. The main thing is just that the next day is a new day. Don't dwell on the past, keep smiling and enjoy it.”

Miller says despite the longer, three-stage format for the 2024 PBR World Finals, which begins with Eliminations at historic Cowtown Coliseum May 9-12, he will be putting his head down and riding everything he possibly can.

“In my mind it’s confusing, so I have been trying to not think about it,” Miller laughed.

“You just have to stay on everything, and they will keep paying you.

As for what the future holds beyond his Finals filled month of May, Miller says he will be coming back to Canada for the PBR Canada Cup Series run through Manitoba and Ontario, hitting a few pro rodeos and summer PBRs, until it's time to make decisions on another PBR Teams opportunity.