German show jumper Jana Wargers secured victory in the final Riyadh round of the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour on Saturday, November 2, 2025, in a ceremony presided over by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Musaed bin Abdulaziz, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC). The event, which concluded the elite equestrian series’ stop in the Saudi capital, also saw Belgian rider Gilles Thomas crowned the overall tour champion for the season. The competition highlighted strong international participation alongside notable performances from Saudi riders, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing role as a premier host for world-class sporting events.
Context and Background
The Longines Global Champions Tour represents the pinnacle of international show jumping, bringing together the world’s top riders and horses in a series of grand prix events across iconic global cities. The inclusion of Riyadh as a host city aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision to position itself at the heart of the international sports calendar. Hosting such a prestigious tour reflects the Kingdom’s commitment under Vision 2030 to develop its sports and entertainment sectors, diversify its economy, and enhance its global cultural connections. The event was organized with the support of Saudi authorities, including the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Equestrian Federation, demonstrating the coordinated national effort to deliver events of the highest international standard.
Key Details and Results
According to official results released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Jana Wargers clinched the final Riyadh round title by completing a decisive jump-off in a time of 41.71 seconds. She was followed by Ireland’s Denis Lynch, the world number 34, in second place with a time of 43.66 seconds, and Belgium’s Gilles Thomas in third with 43.99 seconds. In the overall season standings for the Longines Global Champions Tour, Gilles Thomas was crowned champion with 287 points, ahead of Dutch rider Harrie Smolders (246 points) and Denmark’s Andreas Schou (221 points). The ceremony, led by SOPC Vice President Prince Fahd bin Jalawi, celebrated these international achievements alongside the successes of regional and Saudi athletes.
Regional Talent and International Implications
The event served as a significant platform for Saudi and regional equestrian talent, showcasing their competitive prowess on an international stage. Saudi rider Abdullah Al-Sharbatly won the five-star 1.45-meter intermediate category final with a time of 53.08 seconds, outperforming top international competitors. In other categories, Saudi riders Abdullah Ibrahim and Waleed Al-Ghamdi also secured podium finishes, demonstrating the depth of local talent. The presence of riders from Qatar, Germany, Sweden, France, and Belgium underscored the event’s truly global character and its role in fostering international sporting camaraderie. Such events enhance Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic and cultural outreach, building bridges through shared passion for sport.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The successful conclusion of the Longines Global Champions Tour in Riyadh directly supports the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By hosting elite international sporting events, the Kingdom advances its objectives to diversify its economy, promote a vibrant society, and position the nation as a global hub for tourism and entertainment. Events of this caliber stimulate the local economy, create skilled jobs in the events and hospitality sectors, and inspire a new generation of Saudi athletes. Furthermore, they reinforce Saudi Arabia’s commitment to excellence and international partnership, showcasing its world-class infrastructure and organizational capabilities. As the Kingdom continues to build on this momentum, such events will remain a cornerstone of its strategy to share its culture, welcome the world, and achieve its transformative national vision.