Global Champions Tour Makes History at Giza Pyramids with Record-Breaking Event

A gentle breeze graced the arena as Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano initiated the Global Champions Tour (GCT) stop in Cairo, clearing the first fence atop his horse Chabrello PS on Thursday afternoon. This marked a significant historical occasion, as the tour commenced its inaugural event in Egypt, with the majestic Pyramids of Giza serving as an unparalleled backdrop for this unique spectacle. The GCT in Cairo, taking place this weekend, showcases 50 of the world's elite riders vying for a substantial prize purse of €1.75 million. The event is the penultimate stop on the tour before the upcoming Finals in Rabat and attracted a capacity audience on its opening night. Founded in 2006 by Dutch Olympic champion Jan Tops, the GCT has expanded dramatically from its initial six events to a global championship encompassing 17 destinations across 15 countries by 2026. The tour's expansive reach, from Miami to Mexico City and Shanghai to Cairo, has taken riders across the globe, yet they universally agree that competing with the Pyramids as a backdrop offers an unmatched experience. This sentiment is particularly strong for Egyptian rider Sameh El Dahan, who recently returned to representing Egypt after a five-year tenure with the British flag. This GCT event provides a fitting homecoming for the 41-year-old, who was met with thunderous applause from the Cairo crowd after a clear round in the team competition on Thursday. El Dahan expressed his excitement upon hearing about the event's arrival in Egypt, stating, "When I first heard that the event is coming here, take away the Pyramids on the side for a minute, but just that there is a five-star event that will be in Egypt with this calibre, I was very excited as soon as I heard the news." While acknowledging the extensive planning and bureaucratic hurdles involved in hosting an event at the Pyramids of Giza, El Dahan remained hopeful. He shared, "Lots of the riders asked me 'what do you think the show will be like?' I said, if they are able to make it, they'll make an amazing show. And then add the backdrop, where in the world would you be jumping underneath thousands of years of history like this?" Reflecting on his return to home soil after 16-17 years of competing internationally, El Dahan described the overwhelming support: "The buzz just coming to the show, like everybody's ringing me, asking me for tickets, 'we want to see you', people I haven't heard from for years. It's been great, honestly. I hope people don't mind me saying that, it's socially exhausting, but I love it. I really, really love it, and I love the buzz that the people have, and they're proud to have us here, and I'm proud to perform in front of them." Saudi rider Abdulrahman Al Rajhi, fresh from securing team gold and individual silver at the Asian Games in Japan, shared his awe with the Pyramids illuminated behind him. "Whenever we talk about Egypt, the Pyramids is something special. And I've always dreamt to come and visit it and experience such a historical place," he remarked. "And guess what? We're here at one of the most historical places in the world, at the most prestigious sport in the world, and one of the biggest shows and events, and with the most important riders from all over the world. And to be part of it and to be part of this amazing event definitely is such an amazing experience." Qatari rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani lauded the staging of a GCT event at the Pyramids as "a win for the sport." Jan Tops, the founder and president of the GCT, emphasized the significance of Cairo's inclusion as "an important milestone" in the tour's 20-year history. Tops elaborated on the tour's evolution: "When we launched the Tour in 2006, our ambition was to take show jumping to new heights. Twenty years later, seeing the world's best riders competing against the backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza is an incredibly proud moment and a reflection of how far we have come. From six events to a championship reaching audiences around the world, we have continued to push boundaries and create new opportunities for riders, teams and fans. Our ambition has always been focused on the future. Cairo marks another important milestone in our journey, and as we look ahead to the next 20 years, our focus is firmly on further innovation, expanding the global reach of the sport and inspiring a new generation of fans around the world." The competition continues on Friday afternoon with a CSI5* 1.45m show, followed by a CSI5* 1.55m event in the evening, culminating in the €1,000,000 Grand Prix of Cairo on Saturday.