The applause still echoed across the hall as riders embraced, grooms wiped away proud tears, and cameras flashed under the glowing chandeliers. It was a night heavy with emotion, relief and triumph — a fitting stage for the 2025 GCL Season Awards, where the world’s elite show jumping community gathered in Prague to celebrate a season that pushed every boundary of excellence.
Just steps from the iconic O2 Arena, riders, owners, breeders, and supporters filled the room with warmth and anticipation. The ceremony, presented by GCL Founder and President Jan Tops, marked the final Awards Night before the league celebrates its historic 10-year milestone in 2026 — giving the evening a sense of legacy, gratitude, and beginnings still to come.
Valkenswaard United Carve Their Place in History
Few championship moments have been met with such roaring appreciation as the crowning of Valkenswaard United, who lifted the 2025 GCL title and etched their name into history as the first team ever to claim three Championships. Their triumph came after a season fuelled by composure, discipline, and the cool execution of riders Gilles Thomas and Hans-Dieter Dreher — whose precision carried the blue-and-gold banner from the opening round through every pressure-filled stage.
Finishing on 326 points, the champions held off the hard-charging Cannes Stars by 11, while the consistent Shanghai Swans secured third with 272. A season defined by strategic brilliance, elite horsepower, and unwavering nerve, the finish reflected a year fought metre by metre.
Shock Twist in Riyadh Redraws the Season Narrative
In one of the most dramatic turning points of the season, the Prague Lions suffered an unexpected elimination in Round 2 at Riyadh — a moment that reshaped the landscape of the Global Champions Playoffs. The opening allowed Riesenbeck International to surge forward, thanks to decisive rounds from Christian Kukuk and Emanuele Camilli, storming into fourth overall and securing the final direct ticket to the GCL Super Cup Semi-Final.
It was the kind of sport-defining twist that will live long in memory, reminding everyone in the room why the league’s tension becomes electric as the season closes.
2025 GCL Season Awards – Honouring Excellence
2025 GCL Season Awards Winners
GCL Horse of the Season – Chageorge
Rider: Christian Kukuk | Team: Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym
Courageous, reliable, and endlessly powerful, Chageorge captured the admiration of the sport with performances that shaped Riesenbeck International’s campaign. Among 328 horses competing through 2025, his commanding 775-point season set him apart.
“It’s an honour to have him as part of our team — he has always shown huge quality,” said Kukuk, who first partnered the horse as an eight-year-old.
Breeder Paul Schockemöhle added, “It means a lot to see the horses at this level. I aim to improve quality every year — not quantity.”
Top 3 – GCL Horse of the Season:
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Chageorge – 775 points
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Gentleman – 713 points
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Lady van de Haarterhoeve – 630 points
Rider of the Season – Gilles Thomas (Valkenswaard United)
The calm heartbeat behind his team’s record-breaking title run, Gilles Thomas stood tall in one of the most fiercely contested seasons in recent memory.
“To receive this award means so much. We worked hard every week, and this belongs to the entire team — riders, owners, and everyone behind the scenes,” he reflected emotionally.
Top 3 – Rider of the Season:
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Gilles Thomas – 1312 points
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Katrin Eckermann – 1248 points
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Simon Delestre – 1231 points
U25 Rider of the Season – Carlos Hank Guerreiro (Mexico Amigos powered by H5 Stables)
Displaying maturity far beyond his years, Carlos Hank Guerreiro earned the U25 title with clutch performances that elevated his team all season.
“Winning this is the highlight of my year. Competing at this level is the best development any rider could ask for,” he said.
Top 3 – U25 Rider of the Season:
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Carlos Hank Guerreiro – 727 points
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Robert Murphy – 454 points
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Thibeau Spits – 375 points
As anticipation now shifts to the thrilling close of 2025, the stage is set for tomorrow’s GCL Super Cup Quarter Final, launching at 20:10 inside the spectacular O2 Arena. Twelve teams, one trophy, and a season’s worth of resolve come down to the final showdown.
The world now waits.
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