The Longines Global Champions Tour returns home to Valkenswaard this weekend for the thirteenth stage of the 2024 tour. As we look forward to a weekend of thrilling competition, we take a look back at the past victors of the LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard. The birthplace of the LGCT, Valkenswaard has been a fixture on the tour since its inception. It was a home victory the first year in 2006 as Leopold van Asten claimed the first ever LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard win aboard Vdl Groep Fleche Rouge. In 2007, victory went to Belgium as Jos Lansink was one of only two riders to go clear in the jump off, narrowly beating out Nick Skelton aboard Al Kaheel Spender S. German show jumping icon Daniel Deusser took the top spot in 2008 riding Air Jordan Z. In 2009, the LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard saw the ultimate home win as Edwina Tops-Alexander, who hails from Australia but calls Valkenswaard home, hoisted the trophy on home turf aboard Cevo Itot du Château. Victory went to the USA in 2010 as American show jumping legend Laura Kraut claimed the win riding her mount Cedric. The following year, the trophy went to fellow Amrican rider Beezie Madden aboard Cortes 'C'. In 2012, Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum took the top spot aboard Chaman. Brazil’s Doda de Miranda secured first place riding AD Rahmannshof's Bogeno in 2013. In 2014, Germany’s Christian Ahlmann and Codex One narrowly claimed victory over Henrik von Eckermann. Fellow countryman Marco Kutscher took the win in 2015 by just 0.10 of a second aboard his mount Van Gogh. Swedish rider Rolf-Göran Bengtsson hoisted the trophy in Valkenswaard in 2016 aboard Casall ASK. Lorenzo de Luca of Italy took the top spot in 2017 riding Ensor de Litrange LXII, narrowly securing victory over 2014’s winner, Christian Ahlmann. The trophy returned home in 2018 as the Netherlands’ Frank Schuttert secured the win aboard Chianti's Champion. In 2019, Dutch hero Maikel van der Vleuten secured a home win aboard Dana Blue. Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet took the trophy in 2020 riding his mount Nevados S. 2021 saw double champions as the LGCT visited Valkenswaard twice that year. Show jumping legends Daniel Deusser and Ben Maher claimed victory at the Longines Tops International Arena. In 2022, the trophy went to Ireland as Michael Pender secured first place aboard Hhs Calais. Last year saw a victory on home turf as Sanne Thijssen of the Netherlands soared to victory aboard Con Quidam RB. As all eyes turn to Valkenswaard for the thirteenth stage of the tour, we eagerly await to learn who will emerge victorious. Will the Longines Tops International Arena see another Dutch rider claim a home victory or can Daniel Deusser claim an unprecedented third win? Join us as we witness show jumping history in the making, August 23-25 at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard
The Longines Global Champions Tour returns to its spiritual home in Valkenswaard from 4–6 September, bringing world-class sport and family fun to Longines Tops International Arena.
Tickets are now live for one of the most anticipated stops on the calendar as the Longines Global Champions Tour returns to its spiritual home in Valkenswaard from 4–6 September. Set within the iconic Longines Tops International Arena, this landmark event once again brings the very best of international show jumping to the Netherlands – blending elite sport, family-friendly entertainment and a uniquely welcoming atmosphere.
Widely regarded as the birthplace and beating heart of the Tour, Valkenswaard holds a special place in the history of the LGCT. It is here that generations of champions have written their names into the sport’s story, and where fans can experience world-class competition up close in a setting designed for both sporting drama and relaxed enjoyment. From thrilling CSI5* LGCT Grand Prix and GCL action under the lights to the buzz of the shopping village and entertainment areas, the weekend offers something for every visitor – whether you are a lifelong equestrian fan or discovering the sport for the first time with family and friends.
As the 2025 season continues to unfold, Valkenswaard once again stands as a stage where champions rise. Recent years have delivered unforgettable moments, with Harrie Smolders and Monaco claiming victory in 2025, following Lorenzo de Luca and Denva de Talma’s triumph in 2024. These modern victories sit alongside a rich legacy of past winners that reflects the Tour’s global prestige – from home heroes to international legends who have all conquered this arena.
Beyond individual glory, Valkenswaard is also synonymous with the drama of top-level team sport. As the GCL Championship battle intensifies, the atmosphere at Longines Tops International Arena becomes electric, with strategy, consistency and teamwork on full display. The home crowd, the unique layout of the venue and the deep-rooted connection to the sport combine to create an experience unlike any other stop on the Tour.
This September, all roads lead to Valkenswaard for three days of sporting excellence, shared moments and unforgettable memories at the home of show jumping.
Join us in Valkenswaard and be part of the story. Tickets are on sale now.
My vision is clear. Only the best for the best.