Spotlight on the Shanghai Swans: Home Heroes Ready to Fly High in 2025

As the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL return to Shanghai this week, all eyes are on the home team - the Shanghai Swans - who arrive in flying form and with unfinished business on their minds.

Currently sitting second in the 2025 GCL Championship Standings, the Swans have been delivering strong performances, including a thrilling victory at Stage 2 in Mexico City where Max Kühner and rising star Katharina Rhomberg teamed up for the win. Now, as they return to the stunning Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre, the Swans are determined to keep the momentum rolling.

Adding to the excitement, the team will be defending their GCL of Shanghai title, having taken top honours here in 2024. With their dynamic blend of experience and new energy, the Shanghai Swans are one of the teams to beat.

This Week's Powerhouse Lineup

Traveling to Shanghai this week are three of the sport’s biggest names:

Ben Maher 
The three time Longines Global Champions Tour champion is known for his razor-sharp precision under pressure. A consistent force for the Swans, Maher's cool-headed performances make him one of the most valuable assets in the arena.

Daniel Deusser
Nicknamed "Double D," Deusser is a master tactician. With countless major victories to his name, his ability to produce clear rounds when it counts most will be pivotal in Shanghai.

Max Kühner
Fresh from the win in Mexico City, Kühner’s form is undeniable. Known for his consistency and speed, he has been the backbone of the Swans for several seasons and continues to lead by example.

A Team Built for the Big Moments

The Shanghai Swans have meticulously built a roster that balances elite experience with fresh ambition. Alongside this week's traveling trio, the full 2025 roster also includes:

Christian Ahlmann – one of the most successful riders in GCL history, whose experience adds depth and strength to the squad.
Antoine Ermann – the team’s U25 talent, bringing youthful firepower and already making an impression in his debut season.
Katharina Rhomberg – the Austrian newcomer who made a statement with her Mexico City performance, showing she is ready to compete at the very top.

Their impressive 2024 season concluded with a standout showing at the GC Playoffs in Riyadh, setting the stage for a serious title challenge this year. While 2024 saw flashes of brilliance amid some tough luck, 2025 already feels different: a reinvigorated Swans squad is soaring high.

Championship Tensions Rising

The fight at the top of the GCL standings is fierce. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames currently hold a narrow lead, with the Shanghai Swans hot on their heels. Meanwhile, the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team are pushing hard just behind them. Every point counts, and the battle is only heating up as we head deeper into the season.

There is no better place for the Shanghai Swans to show their strength than here, at their "home" event. With the crowd behind them and history on their side, they’ll be looking to claim another Shanghai crown and close the gap at the top.