CHIO Aachen rider watch
CHIO Aachen draws over 370,000 spectators across ten unforgettable days at the historic Soers showgrounds to witness elite competition across five disciplines. Photo © Rolex Grand Slam & CHIO Aachen.
Press release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping
Just as the greatest tennis players must master every surface – from the hard courts of Melbourne and New York, to the clay of Roland-Garros, and the grass of Wimbledon – the elite athletes of show jumping must prove themselves across a variety of venues in pursuit of the sport’s most coveted prize: the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Following the tight, technical indoor arena of The Dutch Masters, attention now turns to the grandeur and scale of the CHIO Aachen. The second Major of the calendar year offers a different challenge, demanding power, scope, precision, and nerve across its expansive grass arena. For all riders travelling to the Soers, the ultimate goal is to win the Rolex Grand Prix on the final Sunday – the undisputed pinnacle of the show.
Germany, the host nation, will once again be a dominant force and look to retain the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen title claimed last year by André Thieme and DSP Chakaria. As defending champion, Thieme will this time return to Aachen with his up-and-coming Grand Prix horse, Paule S, in pursuit of a second Major title, having described his 2024 win as making “a lifetime dream come true.”
Interview with André Thieme
André Thieme, winner of the 2024 Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. Photo © Rolex Grand Slam - Tiffany Van Halle.
André, you won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen last year with your mare DSP Chakaria. How special was this victory to you, in front of your home crowd?
Winning the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen was probably the most special win I’ve had with DSP Chakaria. We’ve enjoyed a lot of success together, including winning the European Championships in 2021, being part of several Nations Cup-winning teams, and taking the Rolex Grand Prix at Piazza di Siena in Rome that same year – but winning in Aachen was something else.
The week Aachen itself was tough. I lost my Olympic place after having a pole down in each round of the Nations Cup on the Friday. So, to come back and win the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday really made up for all that disappointment. Doing it in front of my home crowd made it even more fantastic and unforgettable. Now I truly understand why everyone dreams of winning the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen.
CHIO Aachen 2025 highlights
The CHIO Aachen, often described as The Championships, Wimbledon of the equestrian world, returns from June 27 to July 6 2025. Photo © Rolex Grand Slam - Ashley Neuhof.
The CHIO Aachen, often described as The Championships, Wimbledon of the equestrian world, returns from June 27 to July 6 2025, and is the second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year. This iconic event draws over 370,000 spectators across ten unforgettable days at the historic Soers showgrounds to witness elite competition across five disciplines – show jumping, dressage, eventing, vaulting and driving – as well as experiencing vibrant culture and tradition.
This year’s edition celebrates Spain as the official partner country under the theme “Hola España”, bringing a lively Spanish flair to the event. The show’s Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 1 July will transform the iconic Main Stadium into a colourful celebration of Spanish culture with flamenco dancers, a live concert by Spanish pop star Álvaro Soler, and a captivating performance by the renowned Andalusian horses from “Cordoba Ecuestre”. Spanish influences will be woven throughout the entire event, including the beloved “Horse & Symphony” concerts on June 27 and 28, where orchestral music intertwines with breathtaking equestrian displays.
About the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is considered by the sport to be the ultimate equestrian challenge, primarily due to the sporting prowess required to achieve this feat. It is a quest taken on by the world’s top riders, vying to secure the legendary status associated with winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
The format of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is simple: anyone who wins three Majors in a row receives the Rolex Grand Slam trophy and a €1 million bonus on top of the class’s prize-money. If that same rider then continues their success by winning a fourth Major in succession, they will be rewarded with an additional €1 million bonus.
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