Under the blazing Riyadh lights, amid thunderous applause and raw emotion, Gilles Thomas etched his name into show jumping history. The Belgian rider, just 26, claimed his first Longines Global Champions Tour Championship title — a victory that felt as much about heart as it was about horsepower.
Thomas’s journey through the 2025 season was a masterclass in consistency, precision, and calm under fire. Across glittering destinations — from Doha to Monaco, Rome to Shanghai — he proved himself against legends, culminating in a night of triumph in Riyadh that will long be remembered.
“It’s hard to put into words,” said an emotional Thomas, the youngest LGCT Champion ever. “This season has been full of incredible moments, and to stand here with this title is unbelievable. It’s a reward for so much hard work from my whole team, my horses, and everyone who supports me.”
A Season Defined by Class and Grit
The Longines Global Champions Tour Championship reached its crescendo in the Saudi capital, with the world’s elite riders battling under floodlights for the season’s final points. Two-time champion Harrie Smolders finished a valiant second overall after a series of powerful performances, while Denmark’s Andreas Schou took third, continuing his remarkable run of top finishes.
Both men spoke of their admiration for Thomas’s composure. Smolders praised, “Gilles rode an exceptional season and deserves every bit of his victory. For me, finishing second in a Championship of this quality is something to be proud of.”
The Riyadh presentation ceremony reflected the grandeur of the achievement, led by His Highness Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Mousaad Al Saud, alongside senior officials from the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and Longines.
Beyond the Saddle – A Tribute to Teamwork
As the champagne flowed, attention also turned to those behind the scenes — the grooms whose care powers every stride. Sanne Melsen, Morgane Tresh, and Francisco Caba Guil were honoured for their dedication throughout the 2025 season, highlighting the human bonds at the heart of equestrian sport.
For President and Founder Jan Tops, this was a fitting conclusion to a tour that continues to redefine global show jumping.
“Every destination brought something unique — from Doha to Shanghai, Monaco to Rome, and now Riyadh,” Tops said. “This season has been about evolution, excellence, and emotion. Gilles Thomas’s victory perfectly captures the spirit of the Tour.”
Grand Prix Glory for Jana Wargers
While Thomas claimed the overall crown, Jana Wargers stole the show in the LGCT Grand Prix of Riyadh with a stunning double-clear on Dorette OLD, clocking 41.71 seconds to seize victory. Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Cordial finished second, with Champion Gilles Thomas taking third aboard Ermitage Kalone — a fitting close to his fairytale weekend.
A jubilant Wargers said, “I have no words — my horse was unbelievable today. To win this Grand Prix, especially here in Riyadh, is just incredible.”
2025 Final Standings – Longines Global Champions Tour Championship
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Gilles Thomas (BEL) – 287 pts
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Harrie Smolders (NED) – 246 pts
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Andreas Schou (DEN) – 221 pts
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Denis Lynch (IRL) – 219 pts
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Christian Kukuk (GER) – 209 pts
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Simon Delestre (FRA) – 204 pts
Looking Ahead – The Stage Is Set for Prague
With Riyadh bringing down the curtain on the 2025 season, all eyes now turn to the GC Prague Playoffs, where the winners of each Grand Prix stage will meet in the €1.25 million Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix.
After a season of breathtaking sport, teamwork, and passion, one truth stands clear — the Longines Global Champions Tour Championship remains a pinnacle of global equestrian excellence.
Read more global equestrian highlights at RaceBuzz.
