The GC Playoffs Verona will bring the 2026 international show jumping season to a close from November 19 to 22, with the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix and GCL Super Cup set to headline a four-day programme at the Veronafiere Exhibition Centre in Italy. The event will bring together leading riders, horses and teams, with more than €11 million in prize money on offer.
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The decision to move the GC Playoffs from Riyadh follows recent regional developments and significant logistical challenges surrounding the staging of an international sporting event of this scale. After assessing the available options, Global Champions selected Verona to ensure the season finale could proceed on its scheduled dates.
The relocation will bring one of the leading fixtures on the international equestrian calendar to Veronafiere, home of the established Fieracavalli exhibition. Organisers secured the new venue with support from the local team despite the short notice, maintaining their commitment to riders, team owners, spectators and commercial partners.
Jan Tops, Founder and President of the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL, said the organisation had explored every possible option to keep the 2026 Playoffs on track. He confirmed that Global Champions would now focus on delivering a successful edition in Verona.
Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, welcomed the decision to host the GC Playoffs for the first time, describing it as recognition of the venue’s organisational capabilities and experience in staging major international events. He highlighted the work developed through 128 editions of Fieracavalli and the team’s preparations to provide appropriate conditions for horses and riders.
The competition will take place less than two weeks after this year’s Fieracavalli concludes. The same arena will have hosted the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, giving the venue an established setting for elite show jumping before the arrival of the Global Champions field.
GC Playoffs Verona to Feature Super Grand Prix and GCL Super Cup
The GC Playoffs Verona programme will revolve around two major championship contests. The Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix will bring together the season’s qualified Grand Prix winners for an individual title contest, while the GCL Super Cup will see leading teams compete in a knockout format.
The four-day programme will also include CSI2* show jumping competitions, broadening the competitive schedule and offering spectators additional opportunities to watch international equestrian sport. Organisers will combine the sporting action with entertainment and hospitality at the Veronafiere Exhibition Centre.
The season finale will arrive in a milestone year for Global Champions, marking the 20th anniversary of the Longines Global Champions Tour and the 10th anniversary of the Global Champions League. The 2026 calendar will also feature a landmark event against the backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, followed by the Championship Finals in Rabat at the end of October.
Verona will then take centre stage as riders and teams assemble for the concluding championship contests. The Italian city, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage destination, will provide an international setting for the season-ending competition and welcome spectators travelling to attend the event.
The move from Riyadh represents a significant organisational change, but the selection of Veronafiere will allow the GC Playoffs to retain their planned November dates. Further information on the sporting schedule, ticketing and the complete event programme will be announced shortly.
The GC Playoffs Verona will run from November 19 to 22 at the Veronafiere Exhibition Centre, featuring the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix, GCL Super Cup and CSI2* competitions, with more than €11 million in prize money.
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