Mexico City Sets the Stage as Global Stars Assemble for Longines Global Champions Tour Showdown

By Jumper News on 2026-04-13

Mexico City, Mexico – April 12, 2026 – The Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico City returns to the iconic Campo Marte from 16–19 April, bringing together an exceptional line-up of home heroes and international superstars for Stage 2 of the 2026 championship race.

Set against the backdrop of one of the most distinctive venues on tour, the sprawling grass arena at Campo Marte once again provides a stage where partnership, instinct and performance collide. With thousands expected to line the arena each day, Mexico City continues to stand as one of the beating hearts of the global circuit.

In a milestone season celebrating 20 years of the Longines Global Champions Tour, and marking a decade since the Tour first arrived in Mexico City, this week’s competition carries added weight in the early championship narrative.

Adding to the significance, the event also forms part of the Qatar–Canada–Mexico 2026 Year of Culture – a global initiative highlighting the role of sport as a bridge between nations. In Mexico City, that connection is brought to life through equestrian sport, uniting world-class athletes with local heritage, creativity and deep-rooted horsemanship traditions.

All eyes will be on Katrin Eckermann (GER), who arrives in Mexico as the current championship leader following her victory at the LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach. With momentum firmly on her side, she will be looking to extend her lead in the race for the 2026 title.

The home crowd will have no shortage of talent to rally behind. Carlos Hank Guerreiro (MEX) and Nicolás Pizarro (MEX) are set to ignite the atmosphere as they take to the arena, carrying the hopes of the host nation.

Germany arrives with formidable strength in depth. Newly appointed Longines Ambassador Christian Kukuk (GER) makes his 2026 season debut on tour, joined by compatriots Philipp Weishaupt (GER) and Sophie Hinners (GER).

The next generation continues to make its mark, with young talent out in full force. Championship contender Jack Whitaker arrives sitting second in the standings, while reigning 2025 LGCT Champion Gilles Thomas (BEL) returns to defend his position among the sport’s elite. They are joined by rising stars including Yali Kass (ISR), Clara Pezzoli, Íñigo López de la Osa (MON), Sara Vingralkova (CZE) and Max Wachman (IRL).

British experience will also be on full display, with Jessica Mendoza (GBR) and Ben Maher bringing proven pedigree to the vibrant Mexico City stage.

A host of established names further elevates the field, including Max Kühner (AUT), Jur Vrieling (NED), Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), Victor Bettendorf (LUX), Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Pieter Devos (BEL), Niels Bruynseels (BEL), Simon Delestre (FRA), Abdel Saïd (BEL) and Cian O’Connor (IRL).

Among them, both Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) return with strong form at this venue, having previously secured podium finishes on this very stage.

Belgium’s Jérôme Guéry (BEL) also arrives as one to watch, with winning experience in Mexico City after taking top honours in 2019.

As the championship begins to take shape, Mexico City promises not only world-class sport, but a defining early test in the 2026 title race – where every round, every second, and every point will count.

Source: Press Release from Longines Global Champions Tour