20 Years of Global Champions: Returning to Where It All Began in Valkenswaard

In 2006, a bold new vision for the future of show jumping began. Twenty years later, Global Champions returns to its spiritual home in Valkenswaard for a landmark celebration of the champions, defining moments and sporting innovation that have transformed the international stage.

From 4–6 September 2026, the world’s best riders and horses will gather at Longines Tops International Arena for the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard. As the Championship enters a decisive phase, this year’s event carries even greater significance - marking two decades since the journey began.

A Vision That Changed the Sport

Founded in 2006 by Olympic gold medallist Jan Tops, the Longines Global Champions Tour was created with a clear ambition: to bring the very best of show jumping to exceptional venues around the world and raise the profile of the sport on a truly global scale.

What began as an ambitious new circuit has grown into an international sporting series spanning continents, cultures and some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. From major capital cities and iconic landmarks to purpose-built equestrian venues, Global Champions has brought elite show jumping closer to new audiences while continuing to showcase the extraordinary partnership between horse and rider.

Throughout that evolution, Valkenswaard has remained at the heart of the story.

Widely regarded as the birthplace and spiritual home of the Tour, it is a place deeply connected to the Global Champions vision. The state-of-the-art Longines Tops International Arena represents the pursuit of excellence that has driven the series from its earliest days: exceptional facilities, uncompromising sporting standards and an environment created to allow the world’s best horses and riders to perform at their peak.

Two Decades of Champions

Since the inaugural season, Valkenswaard has witnessed some of the most celebrated combinations in show jumping write their names into Global Champions history.

The first Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard was won in 2006 by Dutch rider Leopold van Asten and VDL Groep Fleche Rouge. That same year, Belgian legend Ludo Philippaerts became the first Longines Global Champions Tour Champion.

In the years that followed, the Valkenswaard roll of honour grew to include many of the sport’s greatest names. Edwina Tops-Alexander and Cevo Itot du Château triumphed in 2009, Ludger Beerbaum and Chaman claimed victory in 2012, and Christian Ahlmann and Codex One took the title in 2014.

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and the legendary Casall Ask added their names to the history books in 2016, while more recent editions have delivered unforgettable celebrations for the home crowd. Sanne Thijssen and Con Quidam RB secured a hugely popular Dutch victory in 2023, followed by Harrie Smolders and Monaco in 2025.

Each victory represents a chapter in a story that has now unfolded across 20 seasons - one defined by extraordinary horses, exceptional riders and moments of sporting brilliance.

Innovation, Evolution and a Global Stage

Over the past two decades, Global Champions has continued to push the boundaries of equestrian sport.

The Longines Global Champions Tour has established itself as the ultimate individual challenge, bringing the leading riders in the world together in a season-long race for Championship glory. Alongside it, GCL introduced a dynamic team format that brought new strategy, rivalry and emotion to show jumping.

Global broadcasting and digital platforms have allowed fans around the world to follow every round, while the series has connected equestrian sport with new audiences, commercial partners and international destinations.

Yet, despite its global expansion, returning to Valkenswaard always feels like coming home.

It is here that the history, present and future of Global Champions come together. The venue has welcomed established legends, rising stars and generations of exceptional horses - and in 2026, a new group of contenders will have the opportunity to become part of its legacy.

The Next Chapter Awaits

The anniversary edition promises another thrilling weekend of sport as the 2026 Championship battle intensifies.

Friday will see the GCL teams go head-to-head in two high-pressure rounds, with vital points on offer at Stage 11 of the season. Strategy, speed and consistency will be tested as the leading teams fight to strengthen their positions in the Championship race.

The weekend will culminate in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard, where the world’s leading combinations will face a formidable 1.60m course in pursuit of one of the Tour’s most prestigious victories.

One rider and horse will join an extraordinary list of champions - but first, they must conquer the arena where so much Global Champions history has already been made.

Celebrate 20 Years With Us

Beyond the competition, visitors can enjoy a full weekend experience at Longines Tops International Arena, with entertainment, shopping, food and drink, and activities for the whole family.

It will be a celebration of how far the series has come, the people and horses who have shaped its journey, and the next generation ready to carry the sport forward.

For 20 years, Global Champions has taken show jumping around the world. This September, it returns to the place where the story began.

Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard
4–6 September 2026
Longines Tops International Arena, Valkenswaard

Join us in Valkenswaard and be part of the next chapter in Global Champions history. Tickets are on sale now.