Against the stunning backdrop of Morocco's capital, the final leg of the 2026 season delivered a thrilling conclusion to a championship that has travelled across the globe, with 15 stages of world-class team competition, fierce rivalries and extraordinary sporting performances.

With the championship podium, final rankings and the coveted direct qualification places for the GCL Super Cup Semi-Finals at the GC Playoffs in Verona still to be decided, every rail, every second and every championship point carried enormous significance.

The event founded by Qatar's Years of Culture initiative, once again brought together elite international sport and cultural exchange, providing a spectacular stage for the conclusion of the GCL Championship season. It was a day to remember for Monaco Aces, who produced a faultless performance when it mattered most to claim victory in the GCL of Rabat. Represented by Yuri Mansur and Ioli Mytilineou, the team delivered two outstanding rounds, finishing on a clean sheet of zero penalties to take the top step of the podium.

For Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym, the day was one of double celebration. Already assured of the championship title, the German-based squad demonstrated exactly why they have been the benchmark throughout the season, securing second place in Rabat with just two time penalties.

Completing the podium in Rabat were New York Empire powered by Lugano, with Denis Lynch and Michael Pender securing third place after a determined performance across both rounds. Lynch delivered a clear aboard Brooklyn Heights in round two, while Pender and Madgeslane Louis finished with just one time penalty in each round. Their combined total of five penalties was enough to secure the final podium position, rounding off a strong finish to the season for the team.

After 15 legs, spanning continents, iconic destinations and some of the most intense team competition in international show jumping, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym have been crowned the 2026 GCL Champions. Finishing the season on an impressive 322 championship points, Riesenbeck secured the title and the €2 million championship prize, capping off a remarkable campaign defined by consistency, depth of talent and performances under pressure.

 

With podium finishes throughout the season and a crucial second-place result in Rabat, the team demonstrated the qualities required to succeed across the demanding GCL calendar. Behind them, the battle for the remaining championship podium positions continued right until the final day. Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team secured the championship runner-up position with 259 points, earning €1.4 million after a season-long campaign that kept them firmly in contention at the top of the standings.

 

Meanwhile, New York Empire powered by Lugano completed the championship podium in third place with 242 points, securing €1 million in championship prize money. Their third-place finish in Rabat proved a fitting conclusion to a fiercely competitive season, reinforcing their position among the championship's leading teams.

 

But the drama did not end with the top three. One of the closest battles of the entire championship unfolded just behind the podium, as Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team and Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois finished level on 228 championship points.

 

With direct qualification for the GCL Super Cup Semi-Finals in Verona reserved for the top four championship teams, the stakes could hardly have been higher. Despite Prague Lions missing out on the second round in Rabat, their superior number of podium finishes across the season proved decisive in the tie-break, securing fourth place overall and the final automatic qualification spot. For Basel Cosmopolitans, it was an agonisingly narrow miss after a season that saw them match Prague Lions on championship points, ultimately finishing fifth.

 

Jan Tops, Founder and President of GCL explained: “The three teams on the championship podium today truly deserve to be there. If you look at the biggest sports around the world, is is all about teams, and that was exactly our vision when we launched the GCL ten years ago. What makes our concept so special is bringing riders from different nations together to compete as one team. I am incredibly proud to see how far we have come, and to see competitions across the world, from America to Africa and Australia, taking inspiration from the team format we introduced. Our ambition was always to develop the sport, bring something new to show jumping and make it more exciting and accessible to a global audience.

Rabat is always a highlight of our season, and it is a place we all love returning to. Thanks to the support of Qatar's Years of Culture initiative, we are able to bring world-class sport together with cultural exchange, which makes this event even more special. Now we look ahead to the GC Playoffs in Verona, and that is where things become really exciting. The beauty of the Playoffs is that no matter how difficult a team's championship season may have been, everyone starts again from zero. Anything can happen. Every round counts, there are no drop scores and no room for mistakes. That is what makes the GCL Super Cup so exciting, not only for the riders and teams, but also for fans watching around the world. It is a format that is easy to follow, with everything on the line right until the very last rider.”

A beaming Ioli Mytileneou reflected on Monaco Aces’ first podium of the season, with the team claiming victory at the final stage of the Championship. “My horse jumped incredibly in both rounds. I couldn’t have asked for more. He felt a little tired in the first round, so I wasn’t sure what round two would bring, but he really pulled it out of the bag and delivered when it mattered.”

Philipp Weishaupt, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym said: “Consistency is everything in sport, and that is what makes winning the GCL Championship so special. It is not about performing well at one event; you have to deliver results across all 16 stages throughout the season. Anyone can have a great day, but to maintain that level of performance week after week, against such an incredibly high standard of competition, is something we are very proud of. To win the championship for the third time is an amazing achievement.

We put an enormous amount of thought, preparation and planning into the GCL every year. At every single stage this year, we have made the GCL our priority, bringing our best horses and giving everything for the team. That commitment from everyone involved is what makes the difference, and to see all that hard work pay off with another championship title is incredibly rewarding.”

Ciaran Nallon, Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym beamed: “I honestly struggle to find the words to describe what this means to me. This year has been absolutely indescribable, and to be part of a team alongside some of the biggest names in our sport, and to have been able to contribute to their success along the way, is a dream come true. To ride alongside the best riders in the world, with the support of the best management team, is an incredible privilege. It has been a year I will never forget, and an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Oliver Fletcher from Istanbul Warriors smiled: “It is a real honour and privilege to be part of such a fantastic team, alongside incredible riders and with the tremendous support we receive from Efe and Tolga back home. We are extremely grateful for everything they do for us. To compete at these incredible venues around the world, year after year, is something very special, and it is a privilege to be part of it. Finishing on the championship podium was a major goal for Istanbul Warriors from the very beginning of the season. We knew we had a strong team and a real chance of achieving something special. Over the past few seasons, we have always set ourselves the ambition of finishing inside the top four, so to achieve that this year and secure second place overall is a fantastic result. It is a great achievement for everyone involved, and something we are all extremely proud of.”

Denis Lynch representing New York Empire explained: “First of all, we have had incredible support from our team owner, Georgina [Bloomberg], throughout the entire season, and that has been hugely important to us. Every single person in this team has a role to play, and everyone has given 150% from start to finish. I think this is our best championship result, certainly since I joined the team, so to finish third overall is something we can all be extremely proud of.

Maintaining that level of focus and commitment throughout such a long season when everyone gives their absolute best, the results follow. I always compare it to a football team. You look to your left and to your right, and when you know you have great people beside you who are giving everything for the team, it makes all the difference. That is exactly the feeling we have at New York Empire, and I think that has been key to our success this year.”