Press release from Longines Global Champions Tour, edited by World of Showjumping

The Longines Global Champions Tour returns from its brief summer break with the championship battle ready to explode back into life as Riesenbeck hosts the 9th stage of the 2026 season. Set against the stunning backdrop of Riesenbeck International, one of Germany's most prestigious equestrian venues is ready to welcome the biggest names in the sport for a pivotal weekend of world-class competition.

The championship battle could hardly be tighter heading into Germany, with four of the current top five in the 2026 Longines Global Champions Tour standings all confirmed for Riesenbeck. Current championship leader Abdel Said (BEL) will once again face relentless pressure from Max Kühner (AUT), Zoe Hank Conter (BEL), and Katrin Eckermann (GER), as the fight for the overall title enters its decisive phase.

Home supporters will have plenty to cheer as an exceptional German contingent lines up on familiar ground. Champion Christian Kukuk heads the charge alongside the likes of former world number one Christian Ahlmann, legendary campaigner Marcus Ehning, Richard Vogel, Daniel Deusser, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, Jörne Sprehe, and Hans-Dieter Dreher – ensuring the home crowd will be treated to an incredible display of German horsepower.

International stars from across the globe will arrive determined to spoil the home celebrations. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) returns alongside fellow championship heavyweights Scott Brash (GBR), Julien Epaillard (FRA), Harrie Smolders (NED), Gregory Wathelet (BEL), Laura Kraut (USA), Denis Lynch (IRL), Bertram Allen (IRL), Cian O'Connor (IRL) and Nayel Nassar (EGY) – creating one of the strongest fields assembled this season.