Ten Years of Greatness – The Hall of Fame of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome

As the Longines Global Champions Tour returns to the Eternal City, there’s an undeniable sense of occasion in the air. This week, Rome celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Grand Prix – a decade of brilliance, passion, and unforgettable performances that have helped shape the modern era of show jumping. Against the majestic backdrop of the Circus Maximus, the legends of the past meet the heroes of today, and the story continues to unfold.

The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome has long been more than just a stage – it’s a proving ground for greatness. Over the years, its winners’ list has become a Hall of Fame in itself, a roll call of the sport’s most iconic names and equine stars who have defined what it means to be at the top of the game.

From Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Casall Ask’s victory in 2015 – a partnership that embodied precision and power – to Harrie Smolders and Don VHP Z’s 2016 masterclass that signalled their rise as one of the most consistent duos in LGCT history. Then came Evelina Tovek’s breakthrough win in 2017 aboard Castello, a moment of youthful composure that announced her arrival among the elite.

The following years brought their own chapters of history. Ben Maher and Explosion W lit up 2018 with their trademark speed and accuracy, a pairing that went on to become one of the most decorated partnerships in modern show jumping. In 2019, Maikel van der Vleuten and Verdi TN delivered a performance of class and composure that would become a hallmark of their enduring partnership.

Rome’s dual editions in 2021 doubled the drama – first with Malin Baryard-Johnsson and H&M Indiana, a dynamic duo whose synergy and heart captured the crowd, followed by Olivier Robert and Vangog du Mas Garnier, who sealed an unforgettable win to mark France’s place in the record books.

Since then, the stage in Rome has only grown in stature. Christian Kukuk and Mumbai’s 2022 victory was one of clinical precision, while Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward’s 2023 triumph was a display of sheer dominance – a partnership that continues to inspire admiration and awe. Most recently, Victor Bettendorf and Foxy de la Roque etched their names into history in 2024, their electric round a testament to trust, instinct, and belief.

And now, in 2025, the arena is set once again. The 14th stage of the LGCT championship race could well prove decisive. With Gilles Thomas holding the lead and Christian Kukuk in pursuit, every stride in Rome could define the destiny of this season’s title. Both riders know the stakes – both have the form, the horses, and the hunger to deliver under pressure. A clutch performance here, in this legendary setting, could crown the 2025 LGCT Champion before the tour heads to its final stops.

Ten years of unforgettable champions. Ten years of moments that have defined a generation. The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of excellence, legacy, and the enduring bond between horse and rider that lies at the heart of this extraordinary sport.

Watch the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome live and on demand, including full insights and analysis, exclusively on GCTV – and witness history being written once again.