Under the glittering lights of the King Abdullah Financial District, anticipation runs high as the Longines Global Champions Tour of Riyadh prepares to bring down the curtain on a breathtaking 2025 season. For the riders, it’s more than just a championship decider—it’s a test of nerve, precision, and heart in one of the sport’s grandest arenas.
For fans, it’s a celebration. The Saudi capital, now an established fixture on the world show jumping map, will play host to 51 of the globe’s finest riders, all vying for glory from October 30 to November 1. The desert city will once again become the stage where dreams are made—and sometimes broken—as riders chase a share of over €10.5 million in prize money across the LGCT Championship, GCL Championship, and LGCT Riyadh classes.
Championship Battle Reaches Boiling Point
The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riyadh will decide the final chapter of this year’s championship. While Belgium’s Gilles Thomas has already secured the coveted 2025 LGCT Champion of Champions title, the remaining podium places are still wide open.
Among those looking to leave their mark are Harrie Smolders, the composed Dutchman with a history of championship consistency; last year’s runner-up Christian Kukuk; the steady Andreas Schou; and Maikel van der Vleuten, whose trademark speed could yet upset the order. Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Britain’s two-time champion Scott Brash are also in the mix—names that carry both reputation and determination.
They’ll face stiff competition from 2024 LGCT winner Max Kühner, the ever-competitive Daniel Deusser, two-time champion Edwina Tops-Alexander, the in-form Katrin Eckermann, and crowd favourite Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann. All have tasted victory before, and any one of them could steal the spotlight in Riyadh’s high-pressure final leg.
A World-Class Line-Up on Saudi Soil
This year’s field represents 20 nations and a cross-section of elite equestrian talent. The starting list reads like a roll call of modern show jumping: Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), Pieter Devos (BEL), Simon Delestre (FRA), Abdel Said (EGY), Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli (SWE), John Whitaker (GBR), Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts (BEL), Michael Pender (IRL), and Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) among others.
Saudi Arabia’s own stars—Abdullah Al-Sharbatly, Abdulrahman Al Rajhi, Ramzy Al-Duhami, and Khaled Al-Mobty—will look to use the home advantage to inspire a passionate crowd and deliver memorable performances on their native soil.
One Final Ticket to the GC Playoffs
Beyond the championship itself, the Riyadh showdown offers riders one last golden opportunity—a place in the GC Prague Playoffs next month, where the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix will bring the season to its dramatic close.
Jan Tops, Founder and President of the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League, reflected on the significance of the moment:
“The Finals in Riyadh are always a defining moment in our season—where everything comes down to precision, consistency, and courage. The quality of this year’s riders and horses is exceptional, and the atmosphere promises to be electric. We are proud to bring world-class sport to Riyadh once again.”
A Fitting Stage for a Grand Finale
From New York to Paris, Shanghai to Monaco, the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour has delivered a spectacle of skill and sportsmanship across the globe. Now, it all comes to a head in Riyadh—a city that continues to prove its growing stature as a world-class host of equestrian sport.
Fans worldwide can follow every moment live on GCTV and through the official LGCT social channels as the final fences are jumped and champions crowned.
For more global equestrian updates and race coverage, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
