Vienna as a new fixture on the global tournament calendar
Vienna, September 26, 2025. The Tour's return to the city is no coincidence, as Sonja Klima, initiator and co-organizer of LGCT Vienna, emphasizes: „With this event, we not only want to set new standards in sports, but also send a signal: Vienna has a special appeal as a venue for international equestrian sports. The interplay of top performance, hospitality, and culture makes this location unique.“Also Fred van Lierop, Managing Director of the Longines Global Champions Tour, and Jan Tops, founder and president of the Longines Global Champions Tour, see enormous potential in Vienna and agree: „The tour stands for excellence, emotion, and innovation – and that's exactly what we find here in Vienna. The backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace offers a unique setting for an unforgettable equestrian experience – for the riders as well as for the spectators.“
Zwei Series, one concept: LGCT and GCL
Together, the LGCT and GCL form one of the most spectacular series of competitions in modern show jumping. The LGCT is the prestigious individual ranking: In 16 events on four continents, the world's best riders compete in Grand Prix competitions with obstacles up to 1.60 m high for ranking points and prize money. Anyone who wins a Grand Prix automatically qualifies for the Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs, the grand finale of the season.
Parallel to the LGCT, the Global Champions League (GCL) – A team competition with 17 international teams, consisting of experienced professionals and at least one U25 talent per team. This also involves points for the year-end standings and qualification for the GCL Super Cup in Prague. Both series take place at the same time and location for every event – so the same riders can compete in both individual and team classifications.
A weekend full of highlights – Sports & Culture for the whole family
Over the three tournament days, guests can look forward to a varied program. In addition to the highly endowed competitions at the 5* level, the event offers an environment that combines equestrian sports with lifestyle, entertainment, and international flair. The location – one of Vienna's most historic sites – ensures an unparalleled atmosphere.
The Magic of Horses for the Whole Family
The Longines Global Champions Tour in Vienna impresses not only equestrian sports fans but the whole family: In Kids Corner The youngest visitors can expect ponies and magic shows. Magic World Vienna, Face painting, craft activities, a spinning wheel, and a meet & greet with the national Working Equitation team. A highlight is the lead rein class for young riders: Working Equitation Austria with four ponies – including the rescue pony „Balu“ and the therapy ponies „Daisy,“ „Maya,“ and „Phoebe“ from the association Alisequus, accompanied by the mascot „Pauli.“ Accompanying them are the Children's and Youth Medical Center Malacht as well as the Children's hospice Lichtblickhof your work with therapy horses. „Horses fascinate young and old alike – they foster a sense of responsibility, empathy, and bring joy. Children in particular benefit from interacting with them, and therapy horses make an invaluable contribution to society,“ says initiator and co-organizer Sonja Klima.
Artistic staging of the theme „Horse“
Artistically, too, guests at the event are to be surprised. Andjé Pietrzyk, an Austrian artist of Polish origin, will be exhibiting extraordinary gilt bronze works in horse form. Out of love for horses, the sculptor transforms unrestrained archaism into graceful beauty, presenting – in addition to the gilt horse figures – an oversized horse sculpture at the entrance to the event center, which welcomes visitors.
For a good cause – LGCT Vienna partners with Ronald McDonald Children's Charity
Throughout the tournament weekend, donations will be collected for Ronald McDonald Children's Aid collected. The organization provides „temporary homes“ close to the hospital for families with seriously ill children, allowing parents and children to stay together during this difficult time. With an accompanying fundraising campaign at the tournament, visitors can directly support the valuable work of the children's aid organization and thus contribute to families finding strength together in challenging moments.„It is our heartfelt concern to make the Longines Global Champions Tour in Vienna not only a sporting highlight but also an expression of responsibility and community. Therefore, together with our guests, we support the Ronald McDonald Children's Charity, which offers families closeness, security, and trust during a time of concern – values that are also of great importance in equestrian sport.“,” so Sonja Klima.
Start of LGCT 2026 presale
More than 3,000 guests are expected daily to experience top-class equestrian sport against the impressive backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace. And they can already look forward to next year's event: tickets for the Longines Global Champions Tour 2026, which will take place from September 25 to 27, 2026, on the Ehrenhof of Schönbrunn Palace, will be available starting September 26, 2025 – as day tickets or for all three days – in different categories at oeticket available.