Stars Gather in the Czech Capital as the 2025 GC Prague Playoffs Begin

The countdown is over. The 2025 GC Prague Playoffs have officially been declared open, marking the start of four days of high-stakes sport, world-class drama, and electric atmosphere inside Prague’s iconic O2 arena.

With anticipation building across the venue, today’s launch press conference brought together key figures behind the event – including Jan Tops, Jan Andrlík, Marketa Svenkova, Anna Kellnerová, Abdel Said, Niels Brynseels  and 2025 LGCT and GCL Champion, Gilles Thomas – to welcome fans and athletes to one of the most prestigious weeks in global show jumping.

This year’s GC Playoffs arrive with added momentum from an unforgettable season on both fronts.

In the GCL, Valkenswaard United charge into Prague fresh off their record-breaking 2025 Championship title. The Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses return as defending GCL Super Cup champions following their triumph in Riyadh, while Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym step back onto familiar ground, having lifted the GCL Super Cup here in Prague in 2023.

In the LGCT Championship, the world’s elite now reassemble for the ultimate showdown: the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix, where the season’s 15 qualified riders will go head-to-head for one of the most coveted titles in the sport.
A full year of global competition has led to this moment. Now, with both championships converging under one roof, the stage is set for a finale defined by pressure, precision, and legacy.

Speaking at the opening, President and Founder of Longines Global Champions Tour & GCL, Jan Tops, reflected on the significance of the week ahead and the calibre of competition set to unfold: "The GC Prague Playoffs represent the highest level of our sport -  a week where the best riders and teams in the world come together to compete for titles that define careers. This season has shown remarkable depth and quality across both the Longines Global Champions Tour and the GCL Championship, and it all builds to this moment here in Prague.

He went on to add, “The level of sport we will see over the next four days is the result of years of evolution, innovation, and extraordinary dedication from our athletes. I would like to sincerely thank our partners, and in particular our Title Sponsor and Official Timekeeper, Longines, for their unwavering support in making this event possible. We are proud to open another unforgettable edition of the Playoffs."

He also noted the star-studded line-up across both the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix and the GCL Super Cup, emphasising how the reset format places every team and rider on equal ground as the battle begins for over €11.4 million in prize money.

Event Director Jan Andrlík highlighted the extraordinary interest surrounding this year’s edition, with attendance expected to once again push the limits of the arena. "The interest in this year’s edition has been truly extraordinary," said Event Director Jan Andrlík. "We are expecting attendance to once again push the limits of the arena, creating an atmosphere that will elevate the sport and deliver an unforgettable experience for riders and spectators alike."

He also shared insights into the arena presentation and entertainment planned for the week, promising spectators a fresh experience that builds on the GC Prague Playoffs’ reputation as one of the most innovative events in the sport.

The world’s best horses have now settled in and are preparing for this afternoon’s warm-up session, giving the equine athletes a first look at the dramatic arena setting awaiting them. Among the riders preparing for action is Czech star and team owner Anna Kellnerová, who once again plays a central role in bringing the Playoffs to her home city. “It’s always a special moment when the world’s best horses arrive and the energy starts to build,” said Anna Kellnerová. 

She went on to add, “To welcome the Playoffs back to Prague and see these incredible athletes settling in here at home means a great deal. This event is unlike anything else in our sport, and I’m proud that Prague can once again host such an extraordinary showcase of show jumping at the very highest level.”

Her connection to both the event and the city remains a driving force behind the atmosphere that makes Prague one of the most anticipated stops of the year.

Adding insight from the sporting frontline, Gilles Thomas spoke about the unique intensity and opportunity of competing at the Playoffs, where a full season of consistency narrows into one decisive week: "Arriving in Prague is always a special feeling - you can sense immediately that this week is different. The Playoffs bring an intensity that we don’t experience anywhere else, it is one of the best shows in the world. Our team is motivated and fully focused, and personally I’m excited to step into the O2 arena again. The atmosphere here is incredible; the crowds create an energy that lifts both riders and horses. It’s a privilege to compete on this stage, and we’re ready to give everything throughout the week ahead."

His words underscored the magnitude of what awaits riders as they prepare to step under the lights for the first of several knockout rounds.

As the O2 arena prepares to welcome record breaking numbers of fans over the coming days, anticipation continues to build for the moment the competition officially begins. The opening round, the Quarter Finals of the GCL Super Cup gets underway tomorrow at 20:00, followed by the Semi Finals, Sunday’s dramatic six-team GCL Super Cup Final, and Saturday night’s showcase - the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix featuring the top 15 riders of the season.

With the world watching, the 2025 GC Prague Playoffs now stand ready to deliver four days of unforgettable sport. History will be made once again in Prague - and tonight marks the moment the stage was officially set.