Hall of Fame: Global Contenders Ready for LGCT Grand Prix of Riesenbeck

The Longines Global Champions Tour returns to Riesenbeck from 11–14 September for the third edition of its prestigious Grand Prix – and the stage is set for another unforgettable showdown in the heart of Germany.

Over the past two years, Riesenbeck has seen history made. In 2023, Harrie Smolders and the exceptional Uricas vd Kattevennen claimed the top step of the podium in front of a spellbound crowd. Then in 2024, rising star Thibeau Spits secured his biggest career triumph with Impress-K van ’t Kattenheye Z, cementing his place among the elite. With the graphic of these two winners fresh in fans’ minds, anticipation builds as the question lingers: who will write their name into Riesenbeck’s growing legacy this week?

The Championship Race Heats Up

This is stage 11 of 16, and every point is becoming more valuable as the 2025 Championship reaches its decisive stages. At the sharp end of the leaderboard, Denmark’s Andreas Schou sits in second on 173 points and this week teams up with stable favourite Darc de Lux, chasing the title with trademark consistency. Hot on his heels is Germany’s own Christian Kukuk, electrified by the chance to perform on home turf. Kukuk arrives armed with Chageorge and Just Be Gentle, sitting just behind on 162 points.

In fourth position is the flying Frenchman Simon Delestre, on 158.20 points. He will look to push higher with the firepower of Nascar Van't Siamshof and Golden Boy DK. Dutch maestro Maikel van der Vleuten is in fifth and brings his powerhouse duo Beauville Z N.O.P and Dywis HH, while fellow countrywoman Kim Emmen brings none other than Imagine N.O.P.

Reigning LGCT Champion Max Kühner is never one to overlook, lining up with EIC Cooley Jump the Q and EIC Quantum Robin V as he hunts down a repeat crown.

German Firepower at Home

With Riesenbeck being a cathedral of German show jumping, the local riders are rolling out all the big guns. Christian Ahlmann returns to the Tour after a short break with D'Aganix 2000 Z. Marcus Ehning will ride Coolio 42, Katrin Eckermann partners Chao Lee, and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann saddles Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre. Hans-Dieter Dreher is set to ride none other thna Elysium. Add Gerrit Nieberg with the ever striking Ping Pong van de Lentamel, Richard Vogel on Cloudio, and David Will with Zinedream, and the German contingent looks particularly formidable.

International Talent Brings the Heat

Global stars add another layer of intensity to Riesenbeck. Ireland’s Max Wachman brings Lexington, while Italy’s Emanuele Camilli returns with Chacco’s Girlstar, the pair who lit up Mexico City earlier in the year taking the golden ticket for the LGCT Sumer Grand Prix. Harrie Smolders – already twice a winner on the Tour this season – travels with the legendary Monaco, winner of the LGCT Grand Prix in Cannes and Valkenswaard this year alone, hoping to add another jewel to their 2025 campaign.

Portugal’s Duarte Seabra competes with Dourados 2, Oliver Lazarus of South Africa brings the in-form Conbalthago PS, and Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson partners her iconic H&M Indiana. Denis Lynch represents Ireland with Mr. Newman, while Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels comes loaded with Orgi VD Vosberg.

Among the fresh faces, Lara Tryba steps into the spotlight with Shot Gun, recently acquired from Jack Whitaker after its LGCT debut in Paris.

Another Page of History

With past winners including Thibeau Spits and Harrie Smolders, and a current championship race tighter than ever, the 2025 LGCT Grand Prix of Riesenbeck promises a clash of titans and rising stars alike. Every stride in Riesenbeck’s pristine grass arena could prove decisive as the road to the Finals draws closer.