Tactics, Triumphs and Towering Heights: Istanbul Warriors deliver Under the Eiffel Tower in GCL Paris

In the heart of the French capital, where Parisian elegance meets elite-level sport, GCL Paris presented by Mediatransports roared back into action for Stage 7 of the 2025 Championship. With the Eiffel Tower rising majestically above the Champ de Mars arena and a sold-out crowd packing the grandstands, the atmosphere was electric for one of the season’s most iconic showdowns.

The stakes were sky-high, the tension tangible, and the competition fierce. Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team rose to the occasion, delivering a tactical and tenacious performance to claim victory. Henrik von Eckermann, Abdel Said and Olivier Fletcher clinched the win on 8 faults, edging out their rivals by just 0.11 seconds.

Valkenswaard United continued their consistent season with a fourth podium finish, as Gilles Thomas and Marcus Ehning secured second place. Hot on their heels, Prague Lions powered by The Czech Equestrian Team – represented by Niels Bruynseels and Pieter Devos – claimed third, finishing only two time faults adrift.

With the Championship edging toward its critical midpoint and just one stage remaining before the team transfer window opens, the pressure is ramping up – and in Paris, the crowd witnessed every second of it.

Istanbul Warriors’ winning trio radiated camaraderie and contagious energy throughout their GCTV Studio interview. For Abdel Said, the result was a product of planning and cohesion: "We came to Paris having spoken together and with Efe to make our plan. Teamwork... it's all strategic, you can say what you want but you have to think, you have to talk and you all have to push in the same direction. You can have the best riders with the best horses but if they don't communicate it doesn't always go your way."

Henrik von Eckermann echoed the ambition within the squad, "I think it's a realistic goal for us to be in the top four, that's what we want to aim for... just have to be consistent for the next shows, and it looks quite good."

Supporting from ​afar, team owner and rider Efe Siyahi said, "I can't remember the last time I jumped around like a 10-year-old boy while celebrating watching the TV. I couldn't be more proud of our team." 

For U25 talent Oliver Fletcher – who delivered a brilliant clear in Round 1 presented by Turkish Airlines – the moment was one to remember, "It’s truly inspirational, when you see what these two have achieved in our sport, I am just a kid, to look at these two perform and bring it home and stand on top of the podium is just such an honour to be part of”

The setting added another layer of magic. Gilles Thomas of Valkenswaard United reflected, “To compete below the Eiffel Tower is one of the best spots in our sport, our team is really on form since Shanghai, the podiums keep coming and and we keep fighting together as a team.”

With a top-four finish in the overall Championship granting direct access to the GCL Super Cup semi-finals at the GC Prague Playoffs, every point counts.

Pieter Devos of Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team commented, "I think we need to keep the fourth place, it's very important to us - we need to do everything we can to stay on the fourth, maybe move up even but that is not going to be easy."

He added, "as Niels said, we both used our 9 year old horses today who really proved they are ready for this level and will be great to have for the rest of the season."

At the top end of the leaderboard, the battle is tightening. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames rode under pressure, looking to maintain their narrow grip on the coveted leader’s armband. The Shanghai Swans, ever formidable, were laser-focused on reclaiming their lead. Every stride told the story of teams chasing glory and championship dreams.

GCL 2025 Championship Standings (Top 4 After Paris)

1. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames: 152
2. Valkenswaard United: 149 points
3. Shanghai Swans: 141 points
4. Prague Lions powered by The Czech Equestrian Team: 118 points

From razor-sharp rounds to last-minute leaderboard shakeups, the GCL of Paris demanded bold tactics, team cohesion, and icy precision. It was a night where the smallest margins made the biggest difference. Round 1 saw four teams finish on a clean sheet of Shanghai Swans, home team Paris Panthers, Istanbul Warriors and Prague Lions but with 6 teams only on a single rail it was still anyone's game. 

Round Recap: Strategy Meets Showdown

Heading into Round 2, two teams held their nerve and made no changes: Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym and Monaco Aces powered by Iron Dames stuck with their original rider and horse pairings. Meanwhile, Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team brought in a major asset in former Longines world number one Henrik von Eckermann, after Oliver Fletcher completed Round 1.

Doha Falcons, the defending Paris winners, returned for Round 2 carrying 4 faults – a tough but not impossible position. Clear from Wilm Vermeir and Top Invest 313 Z but Jérôme Guery knocked two fences with Careca LS Elite snatching away back to back wins. 

Flying at the moment Valkenswaard United continued their epic form as a double clear by Gilles Thomas with Qiara de Kalvarie and Ermitage Kalone and just a single fault in each round from Marcus Ehning on Priam du Roset and DPS Revere left them on 8 faults in 139.90 seconds. 

Current Championship leaders Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames had an unlucky rail each from Katrin Eckermann and Natalie Dean in round two but a fast time kept them in the game just off the podium in fourth but still crucial championship points. 

The Prague Lions powered by The Czech Equestrian Team, sitting fourth after the opening round, has to accept 10 faults after round two with Pieter Devos on Primo DV and Niels Bruynseels with Origi vd Vosberg both finishing on 5 faults each with a nervous wait to come. 

There was drama when first to go for Istanbul Warriors, Abdel Said and Quaker Brimbelles Z took the whole wing of the Eiffel Tower fence out at number four. He managed to hold it together and finish on just the four faults. A lightning fast round from Henrik von Eckermann and Minute Man put them ahead of Valkenswaard United with two teams to go… 

Home team Paris Panthers buckled under the pressure as dropping right down the order as Alexa Ferrer and Luiz Felipe Neto de Azevedo came home on 18 faults dropping them right down the order much to the French crowds disappointment. 

Shanghai Swans entered the arena with the opportunity to take over as Championship leaders, a flawless clear from Christian Ahlmann and Dourkhan Hero Z kept them in the running but an unusual round of Max Kuhner riding EIC Up Too Jacco Blue finishing on 12 faults handed the win to Istanbul Warriors before he had even finished. 

From soaring clears to lightning-fast rounds, Paris once again delivered a masterclass in elite team sport. If you missed it, watch the full class replay on GCTV – plus exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes moments from under the Eiffel Tower.

Next up: Monaco, 3–5 July 2025. A stage defined by glamour, drama, and a compact arena where anything can happen – and everything will. It’s the final round before the GCL transfer window opens… and the perfect moment for teams to make their move.