The stakes were sky-high, the tension tangible, and the competition fierce. Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team rose to the occasion, delivering a tactical and tenacious performance to claim victory. Henrik von Eckermann, Abdel Said and Olivier Fletcher clinched the win on 8 faults, edging out their rivals by just 0.11 seconds.

Valkenswaard United continued their consistent season with a fourth podium finish, as Gilles Thomas and Marcus Ehning secured second place. Hot on their heels, Prague Lions powered by The Czech Equestrian Team – represented by Niels Bruynseels and Pieter Devos – claimed third, finishing only two time faults adrift.

With the Championship edging toward its critical midpoint and just one stage remaining before the team transfer window opens, the pressure is ramping up – and in Paris, the crowd witnessed every second of it.

Istanbul Warriors’ winning trio radiated camaraderie and contagious energy throughout their GCTV Studio interview. For Abdel Said, the result was a product of planning and cohesion: "We came to Paris having spoken together and with team owner Efe to make our plan. Teamwork... it's all strategic, you can say what you want but you have to think, you have to talk and you all have to push in the same direction. You can have the best riders with the best horses but if they don't communicate it doesn't always go your way."

Henrik von Eckermann echoed the ambition within the squad, "I think it's a realistic goal for us to be in the top four, that's what we want to aim for... just have to be consistent for the next shows, and it looks quite good."

Supporting from afar, team owner and rider Efe Siyahi said: "I can't remember the last time I jumped around like a 10-year-old boy while celebrating watching the TV. I couldn't be more proud of our team."

For U25 talent Oliver Fletcher – who delivered a brilliant clear in Round 1 presented by Turkish Airlines – the moment was one to remember, "It’s truly inspirational, when you see what these two have achieved in our sport, I am just a kid, to look at these two perform and bring it home and stand on top of the podium is just such an honour to be part of”

The setting added another layer of magic. Gilles Thomas of Valkenswaard United reflected, “To compete below the Eiffel Tower is one of the best spots in our sport, our team is really on form since Shanghai, the podiums keep coming and and we keep fighting together as a team.”

With a top-four finish in the overall Championship granting direct access to the GCL Super Cup semi-finals at the GC Prague Playoffs, every point counts.

Pieter Devos of Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team commented, "I think we need to keep the fourth place, it's very important to us - we need to do everything we can to stay on the fourth, maybe move up even but that is not going to be easy."

He added, "as Niels said, we both used our 9 year old horses today who really proved they are ready for this level and will be great to have for the rest of the season."

At the top end of the leaderboard, the battle is tightening. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames rode under pressure, looking to maintain their narrow grip on the coveted leader’s armband. The Shanghai Swans, ever formidable, were laser-focused on reclaiming their lead. Every stride told the story of teams chasing glory and championship dreams.