The field is packed with decorated names and horses already etched into LGCT history. Two-time LGCT Champion Scott Brash, fresh from his LGCT Grand Prix wins this season in Shanghai and St Tropez, adds his formidable presence to the line-up. Fellow two-time LGCT Grand Prix winner this year Harrie Smolders brings Monaco, the horse that has already carried him to victory in Cannes and Valkenswaard in 2025. And they are not the only familiar names at the top of the sport: Marcus Ehning, the 2010 LGCT Champion returns, while 2024 titleholder Max Kühner rides before his home fans with Elektric Blue P. 

From Sweden comes a highly decorated trio in Peder Fredricson, Henrik von Eckermann, and Malin Baryard-Johnsson – riders whose names define modern show jumping. Von Eckermann, also a winner of the LGCT Super Grand Prix in 2021, arrives with the consistent Calizi and Qasirah van de Reistenhoek, while Fredricson and Baryard-Johnsson bring proven firepower to the palace stage. Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs returns with Conner Jei, a horse that continues to make headlines around the world, alongside Longines Ambassador Of Elegance Jane Richard with the ever-popular Molly Malone Z.

Belgium fields strength in depth with Pieter Devos on Jarina J and Primo DV, alongside Zoe Conter. Devos will be determined to add his name to the list of Belgian winners this season, following Gilles Thomas’ triumphs in Paris and New York. France sends a star-studded delegation led by Simon Delestre, winner in Monaco with Cayman Jolly Jumper, and Gregory Cottard with Cocaine du Val. Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf, last year’s LGCT Super Grand Prix winner in Riyadh, brings Doha de Riverland and Gibbs Un Prince.

Germany comes in force, with Philipp Weishaupt, Christian Kukuk, and Hans-Dieter Dreher lining up alongside, Katrin Eckermann. Kukuk, fresh from his win in the LGCT Grand Prix of London with Checker 47, is tipped as one of the riders to watch. Jana Wargers, Jörne Sprehe, and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann ensure the German contingent is as strong as ever.

Elsewhere, Edwina Tops-Alexander, another two time LGCT Champion (2011, 2012) and the inaugural LGCT Super Grand Prix winner in 2018, adds her name and horsepower with Fellow Castlefield and Caetlin vd Heffinck Z. Ireland’s Bertram Allen brings flair with his new string, while Italy’s Emanuele Camilli, winner in Mexico City earlier this season with Chacco’s Girlstar, adds Italian style to the palace arena. Eduardo Alvarez Aznar of Spain, Duarte Seabra of Portugal, and Brazil’s Marlon Zanotelli and Eduardo Menezes further underline the international quality of this year’s Vienna edition.

With so many former champions, past LGCT Grand Prix winners, and riders already victorious on the 2025 Tour, the competition in Vienna is set to be one of the season’s most dramatic. Every stride matters, every fence carries weight, and every point could define the championship’s outcome.

Schönbrunn Palace has long been a symbol of elegance and history – and this week, it becomes the stage for the world’s very best in show jumping. Vienna is ready, the horses are prepared, and the race to the LGCT Finals continues.