Geneva, Switzerland – November 04, 2026 – World No.1 Richard Vogel (GER), defending champion Scott Brash (GBR) and record three-time winner Steve Guerdat (SUI) headline the 10 riders confirmed for the landmark 25th Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final at CHI Geneva on Friday December 11, 2026.
Five former winners feature in an exceptional field drawn from the highest-ranked eligible riders on the FEI Jumping World Ranking, setting up a contest that could see history made in Geneva – or a new name added to one of show jumping’s most exclusive Rolls of Honour.
Among Vogel’s strongest challengers is the USA’s Kent Farrington (USA), who will be looking to go one better than his runner-up finish in 2025 and claim a third Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final title, following victories in 2015 and 2019. Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat (SUI), meanwhile, will have the home crowd behind him as he chases an unprecedented fourth victory, having already claimed the title in 2010, 2018 and 2023. Great Britain’s Scott Brash (GBR) also returns with his sights set on back-to-back victories and a third title, while World No. 1 Vogel will be hoping to add his name to the competition’s illustrious Roll of Honour for the first time.
Great Britain’s Ben Maher (GBR) won the class in 2021 and will return to Geneva with his sights set on a second Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final title, having had a series of stellar results throughout the season, including winning his first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. Germany’s Daniel Deusser (GER), winner in 2013, completes the impressive group of former champions, having recently contributed to Germany’s team gold medal at the FEI Jumping World Championship in Aachen.
Adding further strength to the field are Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam (IRL), the USA’s McLain Ward (USA) and Israel’s Daniel Bluman (ISR), all of whom have enjoyed notable success on the international circuit this season, cementing their position at the top of the FEI Jumping World Rankings. France’s Nina Mallevaey (FRA) represents the new generation of the field, having made a remarkable rise into the world’s Top 10 during 2026. She will be the first woman to contest the Final since fellow French rider Pénélope Leprévost in 2016.
To date, just two women have lifted the trophy: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), who won with the legendary Shutterfly in 2004 and 2006, and Ireland’s Jessica Kürten (IRL), who partnered Castle Forbes Libertina to victory in 2007.
THE 2026 ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL ENTRIES
Listed in FEI Jumping World Ranking order:
- Richard Vogel (GER)
- Kent Farrington (USA)
- Shane Sweetnam (IRL)
- Steve Guerdat (SUI)
- McLain Ward (USA)
- Scott Brash (GBR)
- Ben Maher (GBR)
- Nina Mallevaey (FRA)
- Daniel Deusser (GER)
- Daniel Bluman (ISR)
THE STAGE IS SET FOR GENEVA
With an exceptional field now confirmed, attention turns to CHI Geneva, where the traditional riders’ parade will take place at 19:45, followed by the opening round of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final at 20:15. The world’s leading riders will compete over two rounds on different courses, with penalties carried forward from the first round. The final classification is constituted by adding the points of both rounds and taking the time of the second round in case of a tie. Qualification is determined by the FEI Jumping World Ranking, with riders entering the arena in reverse order of the November FEI Jumping World Ranking for the opening round.
“The competition format is the same as it was in the inaugural edition” explains Eleonora Ottaviani, director of the IJRC. “What strikes me is that this contest, conceived twenty-five years ago with a pioneering and, more than anything, TV-friendly format, remains up to date today. This is proved by the riders’ enthusiasm and the care with which they choose their horses”
The occasion will carry added significance in 2026, as the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final marks its 25th anniversary at CHI Geneva, which celebrates its centenary in 2026. A series of commemorative activities including the return of the Champions Parade, will celebrate the competitions remarkable legacy.
With €530,000 in total prize money, including €170,000 for the winner, the stakes are high. Whether a former champion adds another victory to their record or a new name joins the Roll of Honour, the 2026 Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final promises to be a highlight of an exceptional week of sport at CHI Geneva.
Source: Press Release from IJRC – International Jumping Riders Club
Photo: © IJRC / Fabio Petroni
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