Champions Return, Contenders Rise: The GCL 2025 Season Kicks Off in Doha

The 2025 GCL season kicked off in electrifying fashion in Doha, where history repeated itself, rivalries intensified, and the championship race took its first dramatic twists. From back-to-back champions to podium contenders making bold statements, here’s everything you need to know from Stage 1 of GCL 2025

Déjà Vu: Cannes Stars Powered by Iron Dames Win Again in Doha

Back-to-back brilliance. The Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames have once again claimed victory in Doha, mirroring their 2024 triumph with a near-identical lineup. Sophie Hinners and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann were the architects of success, delivering a seamless performance under pressure.

In 2024, Sanne Thijssen was part of the winning trio, but this year, a strategic decision saw only Hinners and Meyer-Zimmermann take the reins—and it paid off. Their flawless execution not only secured the win but also reinforced Cannes Stars as the team to beat in 2025.

🎙 Hear it from the winners themselves—watch Sophie and Janne’s exclusive debrief in the GCTV studio.

Prague Lions Power to Podium Finish

Another strong contender emerged in Doha, with Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team securing a solid second place. Fernando Martinez Sommer and Pieter Devos delivered a powerful performance, with only a single rail from Devos and Primo DV in round two keeping them off the top step.

As the tour heads to Mexico City, all eyes will be on Prague Lions. In 2024, they conquered Mexico City, where Fernando Martinez Sommer and Thibeau Spits carried the team to victory. Rumors are already swirling that the same duo will return for the 2025 edition—can they do it again?

🎙 Watch Pieter and Fernando debrief after their second-place finish in Doha.

Championship Shakeup: Early Standings After Stage 1

With Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames taking the maximum points in Doha, they start the season at the top of the championship leaderboard—exactly where they finished in 2024. But what’s more surprising is who isn’t in the top five:

• Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian—2023 champions and 2024 runners-up—find themselves down in 12th place.
• Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses, third-place finishers in 2024, currently sit in 15th after a tough season opener.
• Doha Falcons, who battled for the title in 2024 and finished fourth, are now in 16th place after Stage 1.

With 17 teams in the fight for 2025—up from 14 in 2024—one team will ultimately miss out on a spot at the GC Prague Playoffs. The stakes are higher than ever, and with major power moves and strategic acquisitions shaping the season, the battle for the championship is already heating up.

📊 Check out the full championship standings after Stage 1 in our latest graphic.

 The Road to Mexico City Begins

The GCL tour now heads to Mexico City, where the championship battle will intensify. Will Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team reclaim their 2024 victory? Can Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames extend their dominance? And which teams will fight back after a tough opening round?

🔥 Join us on tour in 2025 – don’t miss the action in Mexico City!