Showjumping leaps forward with Global Champions Tour at Giza Pyramids

On Thursday, Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano began the Global Champions Tour (GCT) stop in Cairo atop his horse Chabrello PS, marking the inaugural event in Egypt. The Pyramids of Giza provided an unmatched backdrop for this unique show. Featuring 50 of the world's best riders, the GCT in Cairo offers a €1.75 million prize purse and will conclude with Finals in Rabat next week.

Founded in 2006 by Dutch Olympic champion Jan Tops, the GCT has evolved from a six-event showjumping tour into a global championship spanning 17 destinations across 15 countries in 2026. Riders have competed in cities like Miami, Mexico City, and Shanghai.

For Egyptian rider Sameh El Dahan, this GCT event was a homecoming after five years competing for Britain. He expressed excitement about the unique opportunity to jump beneath the Pyramids, an unrivaled experience that he had not enjoyed in 16-17 years. Saudi Olympian Abdulrahman Al Rajhi shared similar sentiments, describing the Pyramids as a "special" and "historical place" and being thrilled to compete at one of the most prestigious sporting events.

GCT founder and president Jan Tops expressed pride in reaching this milestone, stating that the tour's arrival in Cairo is a significant moment in the sport's history. The event's success underlines the organizers' ambition to push boundaries, expand the global reach of the sport, and create new opportunities for riders, teams, and fans.