Sonja Klima, Klaus Panholzer, Andreas Tischler
Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna:
The 2026 program is set
Vienna, June 29, 2026 – The Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace presents its 2026 program and further expands the event. From September 24 to 27, the world's best show jumpers will meet in front of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Schönbrunn Palace, accompanied by a diverse supporting program featuring its own Children's Day, international dressage competitions, the Spanish Riding School, Working Equitation, and an extraordinary award ceremony with star tenor Paolo Scariano and a 100-member children's choir.
Following last year's successful premiere, the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace continues its journey. The event aims not only to bring the international elite of equestrian sports to Vienna but also to appeal to families, culture enthusiasts, and people who have had little previous exposure to equestrian sports.
„We want to create an event that excites and brings people together. Naturally, the world's best riders are at the center of attention. At the same time, however, we also want to give children the opportunity to interact with horses, offer families a special weekend, and show everyone interested how diverse the world of equestrian sport is. It is precisely this mix that makes the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna so special for me.“said co-organizer Sonja Klima.
First international dressage competition
Key innovations include the integration of an international dressage competition. This means that for the first time, two Olympic equestrian disciplines will be represented at the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna 2026. The Dressage Grand Prix will take place on Friday, and the Freestyle on Saturday. The program will be complemented by a performance from the Spanish Riding School, Working Equitation demonstrations, and numerous other equestrian-themed events.
Children's Day for hundreds of students
This year, a special focus is on young visitors. For the first time, a dedicated Kids' Day will take place on Thursday. Around 400 students will have the opportunity to experience horses up close, get active themselves, and learn about the world of animals, nature, and sports at more than 15 interactive stations.
There will also be numerous offerings for children and families on the following event days. This underlines the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna's claim to be far more than a classic sporting event.
Schönbrunn as a Unique Stage
For Klaus Panholzer, Managing Director of the Schönbrunn Group, the event is a special part of the event year: „The Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna impressively demonstrates how top international sport and the unique historical ambiance of Schönbrunn Palace can work together. At the same time, we are particularly pleased that the event, with its diverse program, appeals to people with a wide range of interests and generations..“
The Global Champions League team competition on Friday and the Longines Global Champions Tour of Vienna Grand Prix with a jump-off on Sunday will be the highlights of the weekend. Numerous Olympic champions, world champions, and top international riders are expected once again.
The awards ceremony will provide a special finale: Star tenor Paolo Scariano will perform with a 100-voice children's choir, celebrating the winners musically in front of the impressive backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace.
For enquiries, please contact:
Sonja Klima +43 676 663 00 00 office@lgct-vienna.com
Julia Kent +43 664 246 90 55 | julia@komma4.at
Image index
Sonja Klima, Co-organizer of LGCT Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace and Klaus Panholzer, Managing Director Schönbrunn Group. The reproduction of the image for press purposes is free of charge, provided the copyright „Andreas Tischler“ is cited.
Visual Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna 2026 | Schönbrunn Palace The reproduction of the image for press purposes is free of charge, provided the copyright „Longines Global Champions Tour“ is indicated.
Program Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna 2026 | Schönbrunn Palace
The use of the image for press purposes is free of charge, provided the copyright „LGCT Vienna“ is stated.
