LGCT & GCL EXPLAINED: Your All-Access Guide to Show Jumping’s Greatest Championships

Welcome to your all-in-one guide to the Longines Global Champions Tour and the GCL - the twin forces driving the most prestigious series in show jumping. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned fan looking to understand the inner workings of these world-class competitions, this is your backstage pass to everything you need to know.

And the best part? We've got exclusive explainer videos featuring top riders Natalie Dean and Olivier Philippaerts, who break down the formats, strategies, and championship journeys like never before.

What Is the Longines Global Champions Tour?

The Longines Global Champions Tour is the ultimate individual show jumping championship, bringing together the world’s best riders and horses for a 16-stage global tour. With over €36 million in prize money on the line, the LGCT challenges athletes to compete in iconic destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

How Does LGCT Work?

At every stage, 40 top riders qualify for the LGCT Grand Prix, where they take on elite 1.60m CSI5* courses. Each victory is worth 40 points, but only a rider’s top 8 results count towards their final ranking. The athlete with the most points at the end of the season is crowned LGCT Champion.

But there’s more-every Grand Prix winner secures a Golden Ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix, a one-of-a-kind showdown at the GC Prague Playoffs, featuring the season’s top performers battling for a €1.25 million prize fund.

Current Leader: After four stages, the LGCT Championship is being led by young-gun Gilles Thomas, whose consistency and composure are setting the pace for the 2025 season.

What Is the GCL?

The GCL is the ultimate team championship in show jumping. Launched in 2016, it changed the sport forever by pairing riders of different nationalities - mixing Olympians, seasoned pros, and rising U25 stars on 17 international teams.

Spanning 15 high-stakes stages, the GCL season climaxes at the GC Prague Playoffs, where the final team showdown unfolds in three thrilling knockout rounds.

How Does GCL Work?

Each team selects three riders per event, with two competing per round. The competition follows a two-round format on the same day:

Round 1: CSI5* 1.55m
Round 2: CSI5* 1.60m

There are no drop scores - every fault counts, and strategy is key. Mid-season transfers let teams bolster their rosters, while fastest combined times break ties in Round 2. The top four teams at the end of the regular season skip directly to the Semi-Finals of the GCL Super Cup at the Playoffs.

Current Leaders: After four electrifying stages, Shanghai Swans are at the top of the GCL standings-powered by consistent rounds and tactical brilliance.

What Makes These Championships Unique?

Together, the LGCT and GCL offer the most dynamic format in equestrian sport:

• LGCT: An elite solo contest where consistency and peak performance matter most.
  GCL: A tactical team series, where collaboration, chemistry, and split-second decisions decide victory

Each event weekend features both championships, delivering individual brilliance and team strategy, all under one spectacular show jumping spotlight.

Quick Championship Facts

LGCT Quick Facts

• 16 global destinations
• Over €36 million in prize money
• 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix fences
• Top 8 results count towards the title
• Grand Prix winners earn a Golden Ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix

GCL Quick Facts

• 17 teams with 6 riders each (including U25 talent)
• Two-round format at each event
• Every fault and second matters - no drop scores
• Mid-season rider transfers shake up the competition
• €10 million prize money at the GC Playoffs
• GCL Super Cup crowns the ultimate team champions

Why You Should Tune In

From legendary athletes to awe-inspiring horses, from city skylines to seaside arenas - LGCT and GCL represent the pinnacle of global show jumping.

With the 2025 championship race heating up, and fresh storylines emerging at every turn, this is the moment to follow every stride, every jump, and every split-second decision live on GCTV.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the sport, these videos and insights will transform the way you watch - from casual viewer to true insider.