Now it is official: Due to the tense security situation in Riyadh, Global Tour founder Jan Tops was forced to postpone the prestigious playoffs from Riyadh to Verona at short notice.
The decision to relocate the Playoffs, where over 11 million euros are at stake, follows the recent developments in the region and significant logistical challenges associated with hosting the event in Riyadh. After carefully considering the staging of an international sporting event of this magnitude, Global Champions has decided to relocate the GC Playoffs 2026 to Verona to ensure that the season finale can take place.
In a statement from the Global Tour, it is stated: „Thanks to the support and cooperation of Fieracavalli in such a short time, the event will be able to take place as planned – and thanks to GC’s determination to fulfill its obligations towards fans, riders, team owners and partners. The playoffs will continue to offer the highest level of sportsmanship, world-class competition and the exceptional atmosphere that have made the event one of the most anticipated highlights in the international equestrian calendar.“
Jan Tops, founder and president of the Longines Global Champions Tour and the GCL, said:
„As Global Champions, we remain fully committed to the sport at the highest level and to our exceptional GC Playoffs event and have explored all possible options to ensure that the Global Champions Playoffs 2026 can take place. We are now looking forward to hosting a successful and unforgettable edition of the Playoffs in Verona in a few weeks.“
„We are proud that Global Champions has chosen Veronafiere for the first time as the venue for the GC Playoffs, the final of one of the world’s leading equestrian series,“ says co-organizer Federico Bricolo.
„This decision, taken very short notice by a leading authority in international equestrian sport, pays tribute to the organizational strength and quality that Fieracavalli has built up over the course of 128 editions. Less than two weeks after the conclusion of this year’s show, the stars of the Global Champions will compete in the same arena where the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™️ was held just a few weeks ago. We will bring all our experience with shows and major international events to ensure the best conditions for horses and riders – with hospitality, facilities and services worthy of an event of this caliber. Verona, a city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will offer athletes and international spectators the opportunity to experience one of the most remarkable regions in Italy.“
At the heart of the four-day sports program in Verona are the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix, where the season’s qualified Grand Prix winners come together for an ultimate single-elimination match, as well as the GCL Super Cup, where the world’s leading teams compete against each other in an exciting knockout format.