Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk is the German Champion!

By Jumper News on 2026-06-10

Balve, Germany – June 07, 2026 – Three pairs remained flawless after a total of two competitions and two more rounds, in total four difficult rounds – so that a jump-off for the German show jumping championship was necessary for at Longines Balve Optimum CSI 2*. First, it was Maximilian Lill (GER). Unfortunately, there were three drops on the eleven-year-old Oldenburg stallion Casallco’s George PS (by Chacco Blue). Now the decision for the national title would be between the reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk (GER) and Marco Kutscher (GER), two-time Team Olympic champion (2004, 2008), two-time team European champion (2005 and 2011) as well as individual European champion in 2005 and German champion in 2003.

**Christian Kukuk** (GER) & **Akarad Tivoli Z**

Christian Kukuk (GER) kept his nerve and also delivered one in the play-off sparkling clean round on the ten-year-old Zangersheide gelding Akarad Tivoli Z (by Akarad Hero).

So what Marco Kutscher (GER) had to with his eleven-year-old Holsteiner Colman offspring Cool Fox is put the pedal to the metal and take the title that Kukuk wanted. But luck wasn’t on his side – but at least two goals were scored the silver medal, and for Christian Kukuk (GER) the first German championship title!

**Maximilian Lill** (GER) & **Casallco’s George PS**

Bronze Of course, it went to Maximilian Lill (GER), who received national precious metal for the first time. “Before the start of the jump-off I said ‘shit’ because I knew how fast Marco and can be Christian. My horse is not that fast, so I had to take a risk.“That went wrong, that’s why I got bronze,” laughs the Bavarian native, who has been there. He has been self-employed in Löningen near Lastrup for 10 years.

By the way: Christian Kukuk (GER) was last with the Germans nine years ago Championships in Balve – was even in the lead, had the title within reach “and then I messed it up. However, it was the last German championship that was mine mother witnessed. She died. Now nine years later this bill is here settle and now here in the presence of my wife and our child. Winning makes me incredibly proud. I’ve had it since I was a little boy dreamed of becoming German champion. I came here very motivated but not too many chances because I’ve only had my horse Akarad since January in the stable,” says Christian Kukuk (GER). But his four-legged partner is a very intelligent, very ambitious horse with potential for championships. And further: “Here in Balve the total of five rounds at this level – you can do that in the 5* category. Balve always has a special, family atmosphere. The audience cheered and supported us so much! Thanks!”

**Marco Kutscher** (GER) & **Cool Fox 5**

Marco Kutscher (GER) was quite surprised that he was with Cool Fox and not with Lemar landed the silver rank. “Cool Fox isn’t actually that consistent. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t work. But what he has now achieved here in Balve over the five rounds, makes me very happy,” says Kutscher, who really enjoys coming to Balve. “Actually, I try to be here all the time, I really like the tournament and I’m strong supporter.”

A total of four pairs remained error-free after three rounds for the title. However, three-time German champion Mario Stevens (2018, 2022 and 2025) ended the dream of winning the title again after being dropped in the fourth round. He had saddled up his 2022 and 2025 championship horse Starissa FRH, a 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Stakkato Gold. By the way: If Mario Stevens from Molbergen had that If he won the gold medal a fourth time, he would have drawn level with Ludger Beerbaum (GER).

The Longines Balve Optimum has impressively proven that real enthusiasm is weatherproof: Despite a changeable mix of sun, clouds, wind and rain brought around 30,000 visitors to the tournament grounds over five days – an outstanding backdrop for the athletes and a strong sign of the enormous attraction of the event. Unfazed by the external conditions The spectators in the dressage arena as well as in the jumping stadium made a great impression.

A consistently enthralling atmosphere: the fully occupied stands and seats were evidence of this the frenetic cheering every day. Eight German champions were crowned – and the Decisions showed top sport at the highest level. “My thanks go above all also the riders! They showed great sport and without the sporty ones

There wouldn’t be such an enthusiastic atmosphere here! The Longines Balve Optimum has once again shown that we are a real one “We are a flagship event for this region,” concluded the organizer Rosale von Landsberg-Velen.