As anticipation builds across the international show jumping scene, Madrid is preparing to host a spectacular chapter of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2025. Set against the elegant backdrop of Club de Campo Villa de Madrid from 16th to 18th May, the event promises a fusion of elite competition, Spanish flair, and electric atmosphere. Riders and horses from across the globe will converge on the Spanish capital, bringing with them the intensity and excitement that defines this prestigious tour.
With the championship battle heating up, six of the current top ten contenders in the standings are confirmed to compete in Madrid. The presence of these leading names adds significant weight to this leg of the tour, as they look to solidify their positions in the rankings. Expect fierce competition as athletes like Gilles Thomas and Simon Delestre vie for critical points that could influence the overall outcome of the season.
The entry list reads like a who’s who of international show jumping. Esteemed competitors including Christian Ahlmann, Henrik von Eckermann, and Katrin Eckermann are set to bring their best to the ring. The event also welcomes back past Grand Prix winners from Madrid, with Marcus Ehning, Sanne Thijssen, and Maikel van der Vleuten eager to repeat their triumphs and etch their names into the record books once more.
The competition will see a diverse mix of 60 riders representing 18 different nations, creating a melting pot of talent and ambition. Among them are promising young talents under the age of 25, aiming to make their mark on one of the sport’s grandest stages. Local supporters will have plenty to cheer for too, with Spanish riders taking to the arena in front of their home crowd, adding a layer of national pride to the high-stakes competition.
A defining feature of the Longines Global Champions Tour is the coveted golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in November. With just a few spots remaining, Madrid will be pivotal in determining who will join the elite group already qualified, including Abdel Saïd, Emanuele Camilli, and Scott Brash. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and every stride counts as riders chase glory under the Spanish sun.
The venue itself is a true gem. Nestled in one of Europe’s most charismatic capitals, Club de Campo Villa de Madrid offers top-tier equestrian amenities and a scenic setting that blends sport with style. The location also boasts two golf courses, one famously designed by Seve Ballesteros, reinforcing the venue’s reputation as a hub of athletic excellence and luxury.
In what promises to be a deeply emotional moment, Eduardo Álvarez Aznar will bid farewell to his celebrated partner Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot. This beloved gelding will be officially retired in front of a home audience, marking the end of an era for Spanish equestrian sport. A tribute ceremony will honor the horse’s exceptional career and the bond it shared with Aznar, sure to be a poignant highlight of the weekend.
For those unable to attend in person, the entire event will be broadcast live on GCTV, and fans are encouraged to join the conversation online with #LGCTMadrid. With thrilling sport, touching moments, and world-class talent, the Madrid leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable event.
