Saddle Up: Longines Champions Return to Riyadh
Over the next three days, the Kingdom’s getting ready to host the Finals of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) on October 30 after a globetrotting season that both defied expectations and saw some familiar names retake the top ranks. Starting in February, the LGCT took 40 of the world’s best horse riders to sixteen destinations around the world, from Mexico City to St. Tropez, before landing in Riyadh, where a Champion of Champions will be crowned and a massive €36 million ($41.9/£31.4 million) prize beckons.
What’s it all about?
The LGCT was founded by Olympic gold medalist Jan Tops, an equestrian (that’s fancy talk for “horse riding”) legend who envisioned a competition that would take place in “only the best” venues “for the very best” riders from around the world. The technical term for what the men and women competing do is “show jumping,” which involves some of the most elite horses clearing obstacles so beautifully it might bring a tear to your eye. Each rider’s top 8 scores (of the 15 phases) count towards their ranking, and because the LGCT stretches over 10 months, riders and their horses get some well-deserved R&R before they ride at the next destination.
And the story so far?
This year’s season has delivered some serious drama: Belgian prodigy (and 2024 Champion of Champions) Gilles Thomas has stormed the leaderboard again with 275 points, trailed by Dutchman Harrie Smolders on 214, and Germany’s Christian Kukuk at 208 – with an honorable mention for the Dane, Andreas Schou, at a nail-biting 207!
Each stop this year has brought its own magic: from Scotsman Scott Brash’s comeback win in Shanghai, to Greek rider Ioli Mytilineou’s first-ever 5-star win in Madrid, and the Monaco leg’s €1.5 million showdown ($1.8/£1.3 million). The 2025 season has been defined by precision, power, and non-stop pressure, setting expectations sky-high as these seasoned riders arrive in Riyadh for the ultimate prize.
Excitement in the air
The LGCT Finals will be hosted in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD to the locals), meaning there’s plenty to do between shows too, with art installations, pop-up food stalls, merch booths, and live entertainment into the night. And if you’ve been keeping up with our Riyadh Season coverage, you’ll know that the months-long festival is now in full swing, meaning long after the show’s over, the Saudi capital is still buzzing with music, food, sports, games, and cultural events.
All eyes on Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom’s been making a name for itself with some marquee sporting events of late – think Six Kings Slam, Formula 1, the Italian and Spanish Super Cups, or even the Esports World Cup – but horses are also an iconic part of Saudi heritage. Go no further than the Arabian horse, known throughout history for their endurance, intelligence, loyalty, and still celebrated at events like the Saudi Cup, the horseracing competition with the world’s biggest cash prize.
Let’s do this!
You might be thinking this is all starting to sound a bit premium (it can be) but general admission will set you back just under $28 (€23.75/£21.73) for a full day of fast-paced fun, games, and live music. From the thunder of hooves to the sparkle of Riyadh’s night lights, the LGCT Finals promise so much more than a show, so come for the horses, and get swept up in the hype and the Insta-worthy moments. This is your chance to see some global champions and make equestrian history in the heart of the Kingdom.
