Press release from Longines Global Champions Tour

The countdown is on. It's just two days until the much-anticipated Longines Global Champions Tour final in Riyadh where the 2022 season champion of champions will be crowned! 

After an intense season of world-class sport, the podium has been decided, but in what order? Time will tell. British superstar, Ben Maher holds the lead heading into the final on 250 points, keeping second position warm is Pieter Devos on 244 points, and in third, Christian Ahlmann on 238 points.

Everything you need to know ahead of the Final:

• Ben Maher could make history to be the first person to win three LGCT championships
• Devos and Ahlmann’s highest championship finish is 2nd - could they win their first title?
• No rider has ever won the LGCT title without winning a LGCT Grand Prix that year. Ben Maher could be the first
• To challenge Ben Maher, Devos needs to finish 12th or better (and Maher can’t be 15th or higher) 
• To challenge Ben Maher, Ahlmann needs to finish in the top three (and Maher can’t be 15th or higher)
• For Devos and Maher, winning the Grand Prix is enough to win the title. For Ahlmann, if he wins the Grand Prix, Devos can’t be top five and Maher can’t be top nine

With no more than 12 points separating the three leaders, spectators and competitors alike are sure to be treated to a thrilling final show down of the 2022 season this week in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Anticipation is building for the finals of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2022, with a red-hot leader board meaning the champion of champions title is open to three of the best show jumping riders on the planet and current leaders of the series.

 

MEET YOUR TOP THREE 

Ben Maher

Currently ranked in first place on the Longines Global Champions Tour season rankings, Ben Maher could make history in Riyadh being the first person to win three championship titles. With a season littered with impressive performances, Maher really is the best of British. With Olympic gold, European silver and many team medals under his belt but no LGCT Grand Prix win this season yet he will be riding Faltic HB and is one to watch.

Pieter Devos

A win in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London and second place in New York City, Devos’ form this season has been incredible. Heading into the final in Riyadh, all eyes will be on the highest ranked Belgium rider this season. A close second in the 2019 championship after a very consistent year with many top placings, Devos is looking to take the championship title this season and claim his first season victory on board MoM’s Toupie de La Roque who has jumped five double clears this year. 

Christian Ahlmann

A title contender for the 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour champion of champions, Christian Ahlmann has had a thrilling season with a LGCT Grand Prix win in Hamburg and Stockholm, resulting in his current standing on the leader board as a close third. Over the last 10 years Ahlmann has been one of the most consistent ranked riders in the championship and this week has the choice of Dominator 2000 Z or Solid Gold Z. 

For the first time, Diriyah, to the North of Riyadh will be host to the Longines Global Champions Tour. The world-class jumping show will take place in the north of Riyadh. The stunning location will have a breathtaking view of heritage sites, Turaif, Al Bujairi, and Boulevard City.