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

The 2026 Longines Global Champions Tour season reaches a pivotal moment as some of the world's best horses and riders prepare to descend on Paris from 19–21 June for one of the most prestigious stops on the calendar. Set beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping promises three days of elite sport, unforgettable atmosphere and crucial LGCT points as the season enters its decisive phase.

With the battle for the overall title intensifying after thrilling contests in Miami Beach, Mexico City, Shanghai, Madrid, Cannes and St Tropez, every point will matter in Paris. Overall ranking leader Abdel Saïd (BEL) arrives as the man to beat, with the Belgian continuing his remarkable rise at the top of the standings. Close behind, Max Kühner (AUT) will be looking to close the gap, while former LGCT Champion Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) brings invaluable experience to the title race.

French hopes will rest heavily on home hero Ines Joly, who has enjoyed a great season so far and will have the Paris crowd firmly behind her. Joining her in a formidable French contingent are Grégory Cottard, former LGCT Grand Prix winners Julien Epaillard and the likes of Roger-Yves Bost, Pénélope Leprévost, Marc Dilasser, Olivier Perreau, Alexa Ferrer and Mégane Moissonnier.

The international challenge is led by some of the sport's biggest names. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) returns to Paris alongside Victor Bettendorf (LUX), Sophie Hinners (GER), Daniel Deusser (GER) and Christian Ahlmann (GER) as well as Scott Brash (GBR) Peder Fredricson (SWE), Denis Lynch (IRL), Bertram Allen (IRL), Cian O'Connor (IRL) and Philipp Weishaupt (GER).

Belgium's incredible strength in depth is once again on display with Gilles Thomas, Thibault Philippaerts, Nicola Philippaerts, Niels Bruynseels and Zoe Conter all set to compete. Meanwhile, rising stars including Tom Wachman (IRL), Nathan Budd (BEL), Kendra Claricia Brinkop (GER) and Kim Emmen (NED) continue their pursuit of breakthrough performances on one of the sport's biggest stages.

With nearly €1 million in prize money, a sold-out crowd expected and the LGCT race delicately poised, Paris represents far more than another stop on the Tour. Historically, the French capital has often proven a turning point in the race for the LGCT title, rewarding riders who can thrive under pressure in one of the most spectacular arenas.