Thrilling title race between Gilles Thomas, Christian Kukuk, Andreas Schou, and Harrie Smolders lights up the Circus Maximus

The world’s best show jumpers are set to descend on the historic Circus Maximus this week as the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rome returns for another unforgettable 10th edition. With just two stops remaining before the 2025 Championship reaches its grand finale in Riyadh for the Finals, all eyes will be on the Eternal City as the fight for the overall title intensifies between Gilles Thomas (BEL), Christian Kukuk (GER), Andreas Schou (DEN) and Harrie Smolders (NED).

Against the breathtaking backdrop of one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, fans can expect three days of world-class sport as veteran champions line up alongside emerging young talent. Free to the public, the event promises to combine sporting excellence with Roman history, luxury, and style.

Championship Battle Heats Up

With only three stages left in the 2025 season, the LGCT title race has reached boiling point. Belgium’s Gilles Thomas currently holds the lead following a remarkable season of consistency, while Germany’s Christian Kukuk, Denmark’s Andreas Schou and the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders remain within striking distance. With all four in Rome it’s anyones game to take!

Joining them in Rome are a host of global stars including Edwina Tops-Alexander, Henrik von Eckermann, Martin Fuchs, Christian Ahlmann, Maikel van der Vleuten, and reigning LGCT Champion Max Kühner, alongside Italy’s finest - Piergiorgio Bucci, Emanuele Gaudiano, Emanuele Camilli, Giacomo Casadei, and Riccardo Pisani - who will all look to shine on home soil.

Among the rising U25 stars taking centre stage this week are Giacomo Casadei (ITA), Roy van Beek (NED), and Lara Tryba (FRA), showcasing the next generation of international show jumping talent.

The stage is set for a blockbuster weekend as the sport’s biggest names go head-to-head beneath the Roman skyline. With the14th LGCT Super Grand Prix ticket on the line, no riders will give an inch this weekend. A spectacular line-up of talent will take to the iconic Circus Maximus arena, promising fierce competition from start to finish. Belgium’s Pieter Devos brings trademark precision and determination as he looks to climb up the rankings, while last year’s LGCT Grand Prix of Rome winner Victor Bettendorf returns to repeat history. France’s Simon Delestre, known for his agility and finesse, will be another serious contender as he hunts a podium finish.

Eyes will also be on Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Bertram Allen, whose sharp instincts and fearless style make them a constant threat, while Germany’s Sophie Hinners and Katrin Eckermann both arrive in red-hot form after standout performances earlier in the season. Adding extra excitement, Eduardo Alvarez Aznar of Spain and Marlon Módolo Zanotelli of Brazil bring international flair and consistency to the star-studded roster. Italian hopes rest firmly on homegrown stars Emanuele Camilli and Giacomo Casadei, who will be eager to deliver crowd-pleasing performances on home turf.

Voices from the Opening Press Conference

Rome’s leading officials and event organisers gathered on Wednesdays opening press conference to celebrate the city’s long-standing connection to equestrian sport:

Alessandro Onorato, Councilor for Major Events, Sports, Tourism & Fashion, Roma Capitale:

“Rome has changed over the years, because they are recognising great events. Now, finally, the city, the population, understands how important it is to have major events like this. Thank you to the Longines Global Champions Tour for bringing this great event to Rome.”

Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitoline Assembly:

“The fact that this event takes place here, where horses used to compete 3,000 years ago…it is fantastic for the city to host and grow these great events here.”

Remo Chiodi, General Director for Equestrian, MASAF:

“Having this leg of the LGCT in Rome shines a light on the visibility of the Italian horse and the importance of our national equestrian heritage.”

Marco di Paola, President of FISE and Vice President of CONI:

“Apart from the athletes who are coming, and who are the best in the world, there are also so many people working to make this event happen that it helps not only the economy but also other people gain interest and get involved in show jumping.”

Eleonora Di Giuseppe, Event Coordinator LGCT Rome:

“Ten years ago, Jan Tops decided to come to Rome and it’s been an important event ever since…every year that goes by we are going to get better and better.”

Marco Danese, LGCT Sports Director:

“Out of the 40 great athletes competing this weekend, 30 are among the top in the world - any of them could win. Rome will witness something truly spectacular.”

As fans gather in the heart of Rome from 10–12 October, the Longines Global Champions Tour will deliver world-class sport, Italian flair, and unforgettable moments. The stage is set for a dramatic weekend where the world’s finest riders battle for glory, history, and precious Championship points beneath the Roman sun.

Don’t miss it - the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rome promises a weekend where the past meets the present, and champions are made beneath the shadows of history.

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