Star-Studded Showdown: Doha Sets the Stage for an Epic LGCT Kickoff

The wait is over. Tomorrow, 1 March, the highly anticipated first Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of the 2025 season ignites in Doha. The world’s top riders are primed for battle, each vying for maximum championship points in what promises to be a thrilling season opener.

An intense qualifying round saw 55 contenders fight for just 40 coveted spots in the LGCT Grand Prix of Doha. The competition delivered its share of surprises, with 2024 LGCT Championship top-ten finisher Andreas Schou and Swedish powerhouse Malin Baryard-Johnsson unexpectedly missing out on Saturday’s showdown. The depth of talent in Doha has already been put on full display.

The final 15 riders to qualify for the Grand Prix underscore the sheer level of competition. Philipp Weishaupt, Julien Anquetin, Pieter Devos, Christian Kukuk, and Daniel Deusser only just made the cut—proving that every stride, every second, and every jump counts in this high-stakes battle.

A Legacy of Champions in the Lineup

History is set to collide with the present as eight past LGCT Grand Prix winners return to the ring in Doha. Among them are Abdel Said, Philipp Weishaupt, Niels Bruynseels, Daniel Deusser, Scott Brash, Edwina Tops-Alexander, and Denis Lynch—each a proven champion on this global stage. With their experience and past triumphs, will one of them add another victory to their record, or will a new name emerge as the first champion of 2025?

Who Will Take the First Win of the Season?

Leading the charge into Saturday’s Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix is Jana Wargers, who delivered the strongest qualifying performance and will benefit from being the last to go. Close behind are some of the biggest names in the sport, including Simon Delestre, Marcus Ehning, and Abdel Said—the defending LGCT Grand Prix of Doha champion. Said and his formidable partner Bonne Amie looked razor-sharp in the qualifier, ready to defend their title and claim the first golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs in November.

With the 2025 LGCT Championship journey beginning, anticipation is at an all-time high. The Grand Prix of Doha will unfold under the dazzling floodlights of the iconic Longines Arena, Al Shaqab, promising an unmissable night of world-class show jumping.

Don’t miss a second of the action—watch live on GCTV at 20:00 hrs. For a limited time, fans can experience it all for free with an exclusive 30-day trial of the GCTV Annual LIVE or PRO Pass. Watch every event live and on demand, relive iconic moments, and immerse yourself in the drama of the new season—all at no cost.

A new season. A fresh battle for glory. The road to the 2025 LGCT Championship title starts now.