Following his sensational victory at the CHIO Aachen with the fearless mare DSP Chakaria, Germany’s André Thieme travels to the ‘Masters’ as the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. Thieme, will be hoping to continue his winning form and claim consecutive Majors – something which only a select group of elite riders have been able to achieve. Their daring jump-off round at Aachen clocked in 1.25 seconds ahead of American rider McLain Ward, who recently added to his already impressive medal collection at the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games. Ward – the ultimate competitor –  will be looking to go one better at this Major.

Among the favourites is defending champion Martin Fuchs, who has enjoyed a remarkable season, securing Rolex Grand Prix victories at both the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Dublin Horse Show aboard Leone Jei and Conner Jei, respectively. The Swiss rider continues to add to his already impressive legacy, which includes being the only rider to have won consecutive Rolex Grands Prix at the CHI Geneva (2019, 2021) and clinching the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2022.

Fuchs will be joined by several fellow Rolex Testimonees, including compatriot Steve Guerdat, currently ranked World No. 4. Guerdat, a three-time Olympic medallist, finished third behind Fuchs at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and recently earned an individual silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Dynamix De Belheme. Buoyed by his previous performance at the ‘Masters’, Guerdat will be aiming to repeat his 2021 victory in the CPKC 'International' Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Notably, the Swiss rider has competed in every Major since the inception of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping back in 2013.

Rolex Testimonees have dominated the CPKC 'International' Grand Prix, presented by Rolex for three consecutive years, with Daniel Deusser taking the title in 2022. Deusser will return to Calgary eager to reclaim his crown, accompanied by four fellow countryman, including Richard Vogel. Vogel's 2024 season has been impressive, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen as well as multiple five-star victories at the same venue..

British rider Scott Brash will also make a much-anticipated appearance, undoubtedly recalling his historic feat at Spruce Meadows in 2015 when he became the first - and only rider to date - to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, following three consecutive Major wins. Brash is sure to be riding high off his recent team gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Brash will be joined by his three-time Olympic gold medal winning teammate, Ben Maher, another formidable contender. Maher, currently ranked World No. 2, has had an outstanding season and remains a serious threat as he looks to add yet another prestigious title to his illustrious career.

Rolex Testimonee Kevin Staut is another strong contender. After securing the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard in July and boasting a string of podium finishes this year, the former World No. 1 will be looking to add another impressive win to his record.

The home crowd will be delighted to welcome several Canadian riders to the ring, including the highest-ranked Canadian rider, Tiffany Foster. Foster has already had a CSI5* win at the venue this summer, and therefore knows what it takes to deliver in the impressive ‘International Ring’. Other Canadian challengers include Amy Millar, whose father Ian was the last Canadian to win the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex on Dixson in 2014, as well as the second highest-ranked Canadian rider, Erynn Ballard.

Six riders will represent Ireland including Conor Swail and Daniel Coyle, who were part of the BMO Nations Cup winning team at the show last year. Other notable entries come from World No.3 Max Kühner, Brazilian legend Rodrigo Pessoa, and the 2018 victor Sameh El Dahan.

Course designer Leopoldo Palacios is set to create a formidable test for the elite field competing in the CPKC 'International' Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. With such an impressive line-up of talent, spectators are in for a gripping spectacle as these riders battle it out in the ultimate quest to become the next Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.