GCL 2025: A New Era of Team Show Jumping Unfolds
Mdmar – GCL
The 2025 GCL season is set to ignite the show jumping world with unprecedented excitement as the league expands to 17 teams. Now in its ninth season, the GCL continues to thrive, attracting top-tier riders and delivering elite-level competition in a team-based format that has reshaped the sport. With powerhouse lineups, fierce rivalries, and groundbreaking developments, the 2025 championship promises to be one of the most exhilarating yet.
With 17 teams it brings the added excitement that one team will not qualify for the GC Prague Playoffs this year. The team which finishes last in the overall GCL Championship standings will not get to compete in the GCL Super Cup as only 16 teams qualify for this ground breaking competition.
Iron Dames Strengthen Their Legacy
Following the phenomenal success of Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames in 2024, the Iron Dames initiative has doubled down on its commitment to women in show jumping by introducing a second all-female team: Monaco Comets powered by Iron Dames. This expansion not only underscores the growing influence of female athletes in the sport but also reinforces the Iron Dames’ legacy of empowering riders to compete at the highest level.
Family Ties: The Power of Brotherhood
In a remarkable twist, the 2025 season will feature three sets of brothers competing together on the same teams. This unique dynamic adds an extra layer of camaraderie and strategy, as these sibling duos bring deep-rooted bonds and shared competitive instincts into the arena.
– Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym: Philipp and Maximilian Weishaupt
– Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses: Olivier and Nicola PhilippaertsSt. Tropez Pirates: Max and Tom Wachman
– Istanbul Warriors Power Up
One of the biggest headlines of the season is Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team’s aggressive recruitment strategy. The team has secured Longines World Number One Henrik von Eckermann, French show jumping maestro Simon Delestre, and retained team cornerstone Abdel Saïd, forming a formidable trio. This instantly positions the Warriors as serious title contenders for 2025.
Basel Cosmopolitans: A Debut with Strength
Among the new entries, Basel Cosmopolitans have burst onto the scene with an exceptionally strong roster, signalling their intent to challenge the established teams from day one. Their strategic assembly of talent—including Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, Andreas Schou, rising star Geraldine Straumann, and Michael Duffy, who delivered career-defining performances in LGCT and GCL last year—suggests they will be a key player in this season’s title race.
Victor Bettendorf Joins the GCL Ranks
Another major development is the arrival of Victor Bettendorf to Madrid in Motion. After an exceptional 2024 season—where he claimed victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Rome and the LGCT Super Grand Prix—Bettendorf is now set to make his mark in the dynamic team format of the GCL. His presence adds yet another layer of excitement to an already stacked lineup of competitors.
A Championship Hunt Like No Other
Leading the charge once again is Christian Kukuk, fresh off his 2024 Olympic individual gold medal victory. He will once again be spearheading Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym. Having already secured multiple victories in GCL, including the 2023 championship title, the team will be laser-focused on reclaiming their crown.
Shanghai Swans: The Powerhouse Returns
Returning once again as one of the most dominant teams in GCL history, the Shanghai Swans are fielding a powerhouse lineup featuring LGCT 2024 Champion Max Kühner and Olympic Team Gold Medallist Ben Maher, who secured gold with Team GB at the 2025 Olympics. With such elite talent, the Swans are primed to be serious title contenders yet again.
A Season Like No Other
With 17 teams, elite athletes, and groundbreaking developments, the 2025 GCL season is poised to redefine the landscape of show jumping. Fans can expect high-stakes competition, strategic team play, and unforgettable moments as the battle for the championship unfolds.
– Basel Cosmopolitans
– Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames
– Doha Falcons
– Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team
– Madrid In Motion
– Mexico Amigos powered by H5 Stables
– Monaco Comets powered by Iron Dames
– New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds
– Paris Panthers
– Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team
– Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym
– Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalleria Toscana
– St. Tropez Pirates
– Scandinavian Vikings
– Shanghai Swans
– Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses
– Valkenswaard United
The countdown to GCL 2025 begins now. Who will rise to the challenge and claim victory?
