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.
