Riesenbeck International Crowned 2026 GCL Champions in Historic Showdown at the Pyramids of Giza
Mdmar – Cairo
Against one of the most extraordinary backdrops in sporting history, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym delivered a championship-winning performance at the inaugural GCL of Cairo presented by ACUD, securing both victory on the day and the coveted 2026 GCL Championship title.
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For the first time ever, the world’s leading show jumping teams competed beneath the magnificent Pyramids of Giza, as the GCL made its historic debut in Egypt. Founded by Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative, the event in Cairo brought together world-class equestrian sport and cultural exchange at one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, creating an unforgettable setting for a defining moment in the 2026 season.
With the championship title within touching distance, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym arrived in Cairo knowing that one final push could secure the ultimate prize. But with Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team refusing to surrender their title ambitions, the championship leaders were forced to deliver under immense pressure.
And deliver they did.
In a display of precision, composure and championship-winning determination, Maximilian Weishaupt and Marco Kutscher produced four faultless rounds, securing victory in the first-ever GCL of Cairo and confirming Riesenbeck International as the 2026 GCL Champions.
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It was a remarkable double triumph, as the German powerhouse added another stage victory to an outstanding season, writing its name into the history books beneath the iconic Pyramids. Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym claimed the top step of the podium after a flawless performance across both rounds, finishing on zero penalties. Maximilian Weishaupt aboard Zuccero HV and Marco Kutscher riding Pik Eur le Mar NRW proved unbeatable, combining consistency with speed to take a commanding victory.
Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team pushed the champions all the way, with Abdel Saïd and Simon Delestre securing second place on four penalties. Despite missing out on the championship title, the Warriors delivered another impressive result to reinforce their position among the season’s strongest contenders.
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Completing the historic podium were Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team. Niels Bruynseels and Pieter Devos produced a faultless second round to secure third place on four penalties, rounding off a memorable evening of competition at the Pyramids.
An elated Max Weishaupt explained “We knew we had to perform well here, and to win this stage, and the overall championship, we couldn’t be happier. It’s just been the most unbelievable season!”
“This team is super special, and for me as a rider that isn’t as experienced as the others jumping at this level, to get into the team and getting nervous to ride with all these guys is just so great for me.”
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Marco explained, “The atmosphere here is so special, and when i first heard there was the event in front of the Pyramids I put my name on the list right away! I have never been to Egypt, and really it proves it was a really good decision – it is just outstanding here.”
Egypt born Abdel Said reflected on the Istanbul Warriors’ , “I’m so super happy and very proud to be part of this team. We have so much fun together. It’s a very motivating team and I’m so happy it’s coming together now – it’s really a pleasure to ride alongside riders like Simon and really the whole team… we couldn’t be more grateful to our owners – they are incredible.”
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Teammate Simon Delestre went on to add, “I am so very excited and happy that we have been able to secure second today. Also we have been talking about the leaderboard tonight and next week in Rabat we will hopefully have secured second place in the championship!” He went on to add, “I would say his venue is really amazing, it is the first time for me here in Egypt and Cairo, I am so impressed and really it leaves me without words!”
As for third place Prague Lions, “We came here of course to do a good result, and then we saw the podium in front of the Pyramids and said.. Phwoa we really have to stand on there tonight… and that it worked out – we are so very very happy.”
After a season defined by fierce rivalries, extraordinary performances and a relentless battle for points, the championship fight reached its decisive moment in Cairo. Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym entered the penultimate stage of the regular season holding a commanding advantage over Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team, but with valuable championship points still on offer, nothing could be taken for granted.
Istanbul Warriors ensured the pressure remained firmly on the leaders by qualifying for the second round and ultimately finishing runners-up. Yet Riesenbeck refused to leave anything to chance, producing a perfect performance to secure the title in emphatic fashion. The result crowns Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym as the 2026 GCL Champions, with one stage of the regular season still to contest.
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Behind the newly crowned champions, the battle for the remaining championship positions continues to provide plenty of intrigue. Istanbul Warriors have established themselves as Riesenbeck’s closest challengers, while Prague Lions, Basel Cosmopolitans and Madrid in Motion remain among the teams fighting for position in the final stages of the season.
GCL Championship standings
- Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym – 297 points
- Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team – 247 points
- New York Empire powered by Lugano – 221 points
- Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team – 217 points
- Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois – 212 points
While Riesenbeck International head to Morocco as the newly crowned champions, the fight for the final standings is far from over, with crucial points still available and teams looking to build momentum ahead of the season-ending GCL Super Cup.
As floodlights illuminated the Pyramids of Giza, the opening round of the inaugural GCL of Cairo delivered high-stakes drama, with every fence carrying enormous significance in the championship battle.
Home favourites Cairo Pharaohs had the backing of the Egyptian crowd as Nayel Nassar and Sameh El Dahan took centre stage. El Dahan delivered a superb clear aboard Oscar-A, while Nassar finished on eight penalties with Esi Ali, securing the home team’s place in round two. Elsewhere, New York Empire powered by Lugano suffered a costly blow to their championship campaign. Denis Lynch and Vistogrand collected four penalties before Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro added 12, leaving the team outside the top ten. St Tropez Pirates and Shanghai Swans also failed to progress, both finishing on 12 penalties.
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Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team kept the championship fight alive, with Simon Delestre jumping clear aboard Gatsby du Tillard and Abdel Saïd adding just four penalties aboard Wathnan Bonne Amie. Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team also remained in contention on four penalties.
But it was Riesenbeck International who delivered the ultimate statement. Maximilian Weishaupt and Zuccero HV joined Marco Kutscher and Pik Eur le Mar NRW in producing a flawless double clear, putting the championship leaders in pole position heading into round two.
With the lights shining over the ancient Pyramids and the championship trophy waiting to be claimed, the second round brought the inaugural GCL of Cairo to a thrilling conclusion.
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The pressure was immense as the ten qualifying teams returned to the arena, each knowing that one mistake could transform the leaderboard. Home favourites Cairo Pharaohs were among those looking to make their mark. Nayel Nassar returned aboard Ivory TCS and delivered a determined round for four penalties, before Sameh El Dahan and Oscar-A also finished on four. The Egyptian team completed their historic home appearance in seventh place on 16 penalties overall, providing another memorable moment for the local crowd.
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Mexico Amigos put together a strong second-round performance as Eduardo Menezes delivered a clear aboard H5 Knockando, while Zoe Hank Conter and Loui LN finished on four penalties. Their efforts secured fourth place on eight penalties overall. Madrid in Motion remained in contention for a podium finish, with Jack Whitaker and Jack JL and Victor Bettendorf aboard Encore Toi du Linon both collecting four penalties in round two. The team finished fifth on 12 penalties.
Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois also fought hard, with Olivier Philippaerts producing a clear aboard Ragazzo AV, while Emanuele Camilli and Chacareno PS added four penalties. They finished sixth on 12 penalties overall.
But as the final teams entered the arena, the battle for the podium intensified.
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Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team had everything to play for. Pieter Devos and Jarina J produced a brilliant clear in 69.39 seconds, piling the pressure onto the teams still to come. Niels Bruynseels then delivered another faultless performance aboard Chacco’s Lando OL, stopping the clock at 72.34 seconds.
Their double clear kept Prague Lions on their opening-round score of four penalties, setting a formidable benchmark and ultimately securing third place. Next came Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team, knowing that only perfection would give them any chance of challenging the championship leaders.
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Abdel Saïd returned aboard Wathnan Max and produced a lightning-fast clear in 67.80 seconds. Simon Delestre followed aboard Gatsby du Tillard, matching his teammate with another faultless round in 68.21 seconds. The Warriors had delivered exactly what was required, finishing on four penalties overall and moving ahead of Prague Lions on time. They had done everything within their control, leaving the championship leaders with no room for error.
With the 2026 GCL Championship within reach, Maximilian Weishaupt entered the arena aboard Zuccero HV. Showing nerves of steel, he guided his mount around the course without touching a pole, crossing the finish line clear in 71.06 seconds.
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The responsibility fell to Marco Kutscher and Pik Eur le Mar NRW. Under the floodlights, with the Pyramids providing an extraordinary backdrop, Kutscher delivered a masterclass in composure, jumping clear in 71.58 seconds.
Four rounds. Four clears. Zero penalties. Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym had done it.
Victory in the first-ever GCL of Cairo. And, more importantly, the 2026 GCL Championship title. It was a defining moment for the team and a spectacular conclusion to a night that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in GCL history.
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With the 2026 GCL Championship title secured by Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym, the spotlight now turns to Rabat, Morocco, for the final stage of the regular season from 30 October to 1 November.
The Longines Global Champions Tour of Rabat, founded by Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative, will bring another chapter of world-class sport and cultural celebration as the GCL teams battle for the remaining championship positions.
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The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
