As the calendar turns to June, the Longines Global Champions Tour lands in Cannes, ready to deliver a blockbuster weekend of world-class show jumping. Running from June 5 to 7, this year’s edition brings together a constellation of equestrian talent in a city known for its star-studded history and Mediterranean elegance.
Nestled along the iconic French Riviera, Cannes transforms once again into a haven for elite sport. The Tour’s glamorous European swing continues with this stunning coastal stop, where the glint of gold medals competes with the gleam of luxury yachts moored in the scenic Port of Cannes. With each passing year, the venue has elevated its status, now drawing thousands of spectators who flock to experience the thrill of top-tier competition under the lights.
Cannes will welcome a competitive mix of show jumping royalty and fresh-faced challengers eager to leave their mark. Renowned figures in the sport such as Ben Maher, Max Kühner, Harrie Smolders, and Edwina Tops-Alexander are just a few of the big names who will headline this pivotal stop. They’ll be joined by other established stars including Marcus Ehning and Maikel van der Vleuten, all pushing hard for championship points and a coveted spot at the season-ending Super Grand Prix in Prague.
French contenders will be riding with pride on home soil. Simon Delestre, Julien Epaillard, and Julien Anquetin, alongside rising star Ines Joly, are among those expected to ignite the crowd as they aim for podium finishes and personal milestones. For many of these athletes, a win in Cannes carries added meaning—etched forever into the legacy of a venue that blends history with high performance.
Germany’s presence will be as formidable as ever. With riders like Christian Ahlmann, Philipp Weishaupt, and Hans-Dieter Dreher returning, plus last year’s Cannes victor Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann back to defend her title, the stage is set for a gripping clash of nations and personalities.
Over 20 previous Grand Prix winners are set to compete this year, ensuring a field as deep as it is decorated. Veterans such as Malin Baryard-Johnsson and John Whitaker will share the arena with top-ranked names like Eduardo Alvarez Aznar and Sanne Thijssen, creating an electric mix of experience and momentum.
But the seasoned stars won’t be the only ones in the spotlight. Young talents are making waves across the Tour, and in Cannes, the likes of Sienna Charles, Clara Pezzoli, Max Wachman, and Sara Vingralkova will get their shot at upsetting the hierarchy and turning heads on one of the sport’s most glamorous stages.
Cannes offers more than elite athleticism—it delivers a sensory feast. From the soft glow of the Riviera evenings to the buzz of spectators seated just metres from the action, the event immerses fans in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Once known simply as the “International Show Jumping of Cannes,” the competition has grown in stature since joining the LGCT circuit, drawing an annual audience of over 15,000.
For global fans, every moment of this three-day spectacle will be streamed live on GCTV, from the first fence to the final jump-off. With so many titles, reputations, and dreams on the line, the anticipation is sky-high. The only question now is: which rider will command the spotlight and make Cannes their moment of glory?
