Olympic, World and European Champions Head to LGCT in Riesenbeck

The Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League bring the world’s elite show jumpers to Münsterland

The stage is set—the spotlight is on Riesenbeck as it prepares to host one of the most prestigious equestrian events of the year. From September 11–14, the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and the Global Champions League (GCL) will take center stage for the eleventh leg of the circuit. The competition promises a stellar line-up: the world’s best riders will battle it out in the renowned grass stadium, while next door, the German U25 Championships will take place for the third time in the sand arena.

Riesenbeck is the only German stop of the two high-profile series, making it a highlight on the international calendar. “We are truly excited to once again present sport at the very highest level. At the same time, we take pride in providing an environment where riders and horses can relax between competitions, surrounded by forests and meadows,” says tournament director Karsten Lütteken. With free admission on opening day and attractive ticket options for the following sessions, the organizers expect thousands of visitors to flock to the equestrian complex at the edge of the Surenburger Forest to see Olympic, World and European champions in action.

Global stars in the spotlight

Among the headline names is Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), Olympic team champion in Tokyo 2020 and double World Champion in 2022, who returns to his former training ground. He will be joined by Ben Maher (GBR), double Olympic team gold medalist (2012, 2024) and individual Olympic champion in 2020, along with his compatriot Scott Brash, also twice an Olympic team gold medalist.

Other world-class competitors include Peder Fredricson (SWE), Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), Max Kühner (AUT), Pieter Devos (BEL), and a strong German contingent: Marcus Ehning, Hans-Dieter Dreher, Philipp Weishaupt, Christian Ahlmann, Jana Wargers, Katrin Eckermann, and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann. Local fans will be eager to cheer for reigning European Champion Richard Vogel and newly crowned Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk, who will be looking to score vital points for Team Riesenbeck International in the Global Champions League.

The GCL battle

The team series remains tight. Valkenswaard United currently leads with 218 points, chased by the Shanghai Swans (203) and the all-female squad of the Cannes Stars (198). German riders play key roles across all three leading teams. Riesenbeck International, meanwhile, sits sixth with 144 points, and with Emanuele Camilli (ITA), Christian Kukuk, and Philipp Weishaupt on home ground, they will be determined to climb the leaderboard in Saturday’s crucial clash.

The Grand Prix and U25 Championship

On Sunday, all eyes will be on the LGCT Grand Prix of Riesenbeck, where victory brings not only significant prize money but also qualification for the LGCT Super Cup in Prague. Thanks to his win in London, Kukuk has already secured his ticket for the season finale.

At the same time, the future of German show jumping will be on display as the country’s top 30 U25 riders vie for the national championship title. Last year, Clara Blau took the crown—will a new name rise to the top in 2024?

For more information: riesenbeck-international.com

picture: Equitaris / Dr.Tanja Becker

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