Press release from Global Champions League, edited by World of Showjumping

In the heart of the French capital, where Parisian elegance meets elite-level sport, GCL Paris presented by Mediatransports roared back into action for stage seven of the 2025 GCL-season. With the Eiffel Tower rising majestically above the Champ de Mars arena and a sold-out crowd packing the grandstands, the atmosphere was electric for one of the season’s most iconic showdowns.

Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team rose to the occasion, delivering a tactical and tenacious performance to claim victory. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) on Minute Man (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Montender), Abdel Said (BEL) on Quaker Brimbelles Z (Quicksilver St Simeon x Hickstead) and Bonne Amie (A Big Boy x Landfriese) as well as Oliver Fletcher (GBR) aboard Hello William (Waldo van Dungen x Stakkato) clinched the win on 8 faults, edging out their rivals by just 0.11 seconds.

Valkenswaard United continued their consistent season with a fourth podium finish, as Gilles Thomas (BEL) on Ermitage Kalone (Catoki x Kannan) and Qiara de Kalvarie (Sea Coast Don't Touch Tiji Hero x Zandor Z) and Marcus Ehning (GER) riding Priam du Roset (Plot Blue x Tanael du Serein) and DPS Revere (Hermes de Reve x Dobel's Cento) secured second place. Hot on their heels, Prague Lions powered by the Czech Equestrian Team – represented by Niels Bruynseels (BEL) on Origi vd Vosberg (Echo van'T Spieveld x Clinton) and Q-Sander van de Vosberg (Kassander van'T Roosakker x Clinton) and Pieter Devos (BEL) aboard Primo DV (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Heartbreaker) and Lente (Grandorado TN x Iroko) – claimed third, finishing only two time faults adrift.

Istanbul Warriors’ winning trio radiated camaraderie and contagious energy throughout their GCTV studio interview. For Abdel Said, the result was a product of planning and cohesion: "We came to Paris having spoken together and with team owner Efe to make our plan. Teamwork... it's all strategic, you can say what you want but you have to think, you have to talk and you all have to push in the same direction. You can have the best riders with the best horses but if they don't communicate it doesn't always go your way."

Henrik von Eckermann echoed the ambition within the squad: "I think it's a realistic goal for us to be in the top four, that's what we want to aim for... We just have to be consistent for the next shows, and it looks quite good." 

With a top-four finish in the overall GCL-ranking granting direct access to the GCL Super Cup semi-finals at the GC Prague Playoffs, every point counts. Supporting from afar, team owner and rider Efe Siyahi said: "I can't remember the last time I jumped around like a 10-year-old boy while celebrating watching the TV. I couldn't be more proud of our team." 

GCL 2025 overall standings after Paris: 

Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames: 152 points 

Valkenswaard United: 149 points

Shanghai Swans: 141 points

Prague Lions powered by The Czech Equestrian Team: 118 points