21/10/2025

A new generation is rising in the Longines Global Champions Tour. From the golden skyline of New York to the glowing Moroccan sun, 2025 has been a season that belongs to the fearless - to the riders shaping the future of the Longines Global Champions Tour. They’re young, composed, and courageous. They’re rewriting what it means to perform under pressure - and they’re doing it with the poise of veterans.

Just two days ago, Anastasia Nielsen stood beneath the Moroccan flag in Rabat, tears in her eyes, having just become the youngest winner in LGCT history at only 19 years old. Her victory aboard Action Man wasn’t just a personal milestone - it was a moment that signalled a generational shift in the sport. Under the golden glow of the Grand Théâtre Rabat, she delivered her first-ever clear at 1.60m, holding her nerve through a technical Uliano Vezzani track that unseated even the most experienced names. When His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presented her with the trophy, it felt like a coronation of a new era - one where youth and ambition collide at the highest level.

“This is what dreams are made of,” said Nielsen afterwards. “To win my first 5* Grand Prix, my first LGCT Grand Prix, and to make history doing it - it’s something I’ll never forget.”

That same season, another young Belgian has proven that consistency can be every bit as thrilling as a breakthrough. Gilles Thomas, 27, has written his name into the record books as the youngest ever LGCT Champion, sealing the title with two stages to spare - the earliest in over a decade. From Shanghai to St. Tropez, Paris to New York, his performances have been a masterclass in composure. Partnering horses like 9 year old Qualista DN and the famed Ermitage Kalone, Thomas has showcased the balance of precision and calm that defines a true champion. “Getting the armband early gave me wings,” he smiled in Rome after clinching the title. “I liked the pressure - it made me sharper.”

Another Belgian, Thibault Philippaerts, just 23 years old, announced himself to the world with a spectacular second place in the LGCT Grand Prix of New York. In his debut LGCT Grand Prix, he beat veterans and household names, coming within touching distance of victory against his compatriot Thomas. Backed by the energy of Liberty State Park and the skyline of Manhattan, his round with Pittman v/h Lilleveld was fast, fearless, and utterly composed - the kind of performance that marks the start of a long career on the global stage. “I was very close to a dream today,” he laughed, “but Gilles was there again - he deserves it. Now I need to start practising for Prague.”

Meanwhile, Harry Charles, also 27, yet again proves that consistency and courage define the modern athlete. In Monaco, under the floodlights of Port Hercule and the watchful eye of Prince Albert II, Charles and Sherlock delivered a razor-sharp round to finish second in the €1.5 million LGCT Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco, less than two seconds off the win. His calm under pressure, his tactical precision, and his willingness to take the riskier line - they’re all hallmarks of the confidence this generation carries.

Across the Atlantic, Natalie Dean, 26, continues to build her reputation as one of the most composed young riders on the Longines Global Champions Tour. Now sitting 14th in the Championship standings, her steady climb through the leaderboard is a testament to the focus and precision that have defined her 2025 season. From her top-ten finish in New York to consistent results across Europe, Dean has proven she can hold her own among the sport’s elite - a rider whose performances speak quietly but powerfully on the world stage.

Joining her in the under-30 elite is Sophie Hinners, 28, currently ranked 16th in the LGCT Championship. Quietly impressive all season long, Hinners has been a model of discipline and development, combining her technical finesse with a deep connection to her horses.

Together, these riders represent the future - each with their own story, each proving that the next chapter of show jumping is already being written. What connects them is more than age; it’s attitude. A blend of humility and hunger, of professionalism and raw instinct. They’ve grown up watching the legends of the sport - now, they’re standing alongside them.

From Nielsen’s history-making breakthrough to Thomas’ calm dominance, from Philippaerts’ fearless debut to Charles’ precision under lights, the Golden Generation has arrived. And as the 2025 season heads into its grand finale, the world waits to see which of these stars will shine brightest at the GC Prague Playoffs. 

See who’s next on the rise at the Championship Finals in Riyadh, and GC Prague Playoffs – live and on demand on GCTV.

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