GCL Explained

GCL - Show Jumping’s Greatest Team Challenge

A BRIEF GUIDE TO GCL

This GCL season promises excitement with a roster of meticulously selected teams competing in a 16-event series. Launched in 2016, the GCL brings together riders from different countries, as well as mixing senior and U25 riders, to all compete together united on one team. Team Owners and Managers focus on strategy and team performance in the hopes of succeeding in a highly charged season. 

An unique format, each GCL competition combines two rounds on the same day with no drop score. Combined scores from Round 1 carry into Round 2. Round 1 is a CSI 5* 1.55m class, and a short break allows strategic changes before the CSI 5* 1.60m Round 2.

Teams earn points at every stage throughout the year, leading to the Finals. The top four teams post-Final earn a fast track to the GC Playoffs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the GCL Super Cup Semi-Finals allowing them to skip the knockout Quarter-Finals and keep their horsepower fresh.

QUICK FACTS:

• Each team can have three riders per event, with two competing in each round.
• Teams carry penalties from Round 1 to determine Round 2 starting order.
• The GCL stage winners are the team with the fewest combined penalties and quickest Round 2 time.
• The GCL Championship Winner is the team with the highest points following the end of the regular season, this year taking place in Rabat.
• GC Playoffs feature a Super Cup Quarter-Final, Semi-Final, and Final.
• At the Playoffs, the winning team after the 3 knockout rounds is crowned GCL Super Cup winner in the ultimate showdown.