Excitement Builds as Longines Global Champions Tour Returns to Doha for Spectacular Season Launch

Mdmar

The 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and GCL season launched in style at the prestigious Al Shaqab in Doha, setting the stage for another thrilling year of world-class show jumping. The season opener will bring together elite riders competing for individual glory in the LGCT Championship, passionate fans, and a highly competitive GCL team lineup.

The opening press conference highlighted the significance of Al Shaqab as the ideal venue to launch the 2025 season, as well as hearing from top riders in the sport such as Edwina Tops-Alexander and Julien Anquetin. With its state-of-the-art facilities and deep-rooted equestrian culture, the Qatari capital provided a fitting backdrop for what promises to be a landmark year for the sport.

“Hosting the Longines Global Champions Tour at Al Shaqab presents a remarkable opportunity to strengthen Qatar’s standing in the global equestrian scene. At Al Shaqab, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of organisation and excellence, ensuring a competition experience that reflects Qatar’s equestrian prestige, balancing modernity with deep-rooted traditions,” said Mr. Mohammed Jaber Al-Khayarin, Event Director, reflecting on the unique atmosphere and top-tier competition expected throughout the weekend.

The visionary behind the Longines Global Champions Tour, Mr. Jan Tops, Founder and President said: “We are always pleased to return to Al Shaqab, a venue we have been visiting since 2008. Over the years, both the country and this event have grown a lot, improving year after year, and we are incredibly proud to be here.  This is the perfect event and location to have as the start of the 2025 season and gives the riders an opportunity to really get ready for the year ahead – we have just announced that the tour this year returns to the likes of Vienna and New York. We look forward to a big season ahead.”

Mr. Marco Danese, Sports Director of the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL, highlighted the strong line up and talked about the new schedule: “Our top priority is always the welfare of the horses. With the GCL now taking place on Day 1 at most events this season, riders have better opportunities for preparation and recovery of their horses. This schedule also creates a more balanced competition flow, allowing for a strategic approach between the GCL and the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix.”

As the season opener, Doha serves as the springboard for what is set to be a highly competitive LGCT and GCL season. Doha Falcons team rider for the second year Julien Anquetin added “This is my first time at Al Shaqab here in Doha and I have been so impressed with the facilities, it is really designed with the top horses and sport in mind. For this to be our team’s home show, I am looking forward to us making a good start here and fighting for the top of the podium in front of a home crowd.”

The second half of the press conference welcomed Monaco Comets powered by Iron Dames, a brand-new team joining the 17-team grid of GCL in 2025. With high expectations and a bold vision, the Comets are set to bring fresh energy to the championship.

Deborah Mayer, Monaco Comets powered by Iron Dames Team Owner and Manager smiled: “It is an honour to have two teams competing in the 2025 GCL circuit, it is a real pleasure to welcome the talented and experienced riders on the new team and we are looking forward to this beautiful journey together. We are here to stay for the long time.”

“To be a part of this is a huge honour there are so many incredible women part of this project, we are going to do the best we can this season. The Cannes Stars set an incredible example last year worldwide.”  Edwina Tops-Alexander said reflecting on their excitement to be part of the action.

With the first points of the season up for grabs, anticipation is at an all-time high as the world’s best riders prepare to deliver breathtaking performances at Al Shaqab. The 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL season promise thrilling rivalries, unforgettable moments, and a showcase of equestrian excellence across some of the sport’s most iconic destinations.

Adding to the excitement, the official Doha 2025 Riders List has been unveiled, revealing a stellar lineup poised to battle for early-season supremacy. Among them are eight of the top 10 riders from the 2024 LGCT Championship final standings, including Christian Kukuk, Andreas Schou, and Edwina Tops-Alexander. Reigning GCL Champions and Doha 2024 winners, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, are ready to defend their title with a formidable trio—Sophie Hinners, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, and Sanne Thijssen—leading their charge.

They will go head-to-head with some of the biggest names in the sport, including Pieter Devos and Niels Bruynseels, Zascha Nygaard Lill, Philipp Weishaupt, and the formidable Madrid In Motion trio of Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, Maikel van der Vleuten, and Kim Emmen.

Valkenswaard United boasts the legendary Marcus Ehning, while the Longines Arena is set to witness Denis Lynch and Scott Brash bring their wealth of experience to the fight for glory. With an electrifying mix of seasoned champions, rising stars, and dynamic team lineups, the stage is set for an unforgettable season opener in Doha.

Fans can now explore the full Doha 2025 Riders List, available online, as anticipation builds for what promises to be a spectacular start to the year.

Tickets for the first stage of the LGCT 2024 season are available online, offering spectators the opportunity to witness equestrian excellence firsthand.