Now it's official—the Global Champions Playoffs will take place in Verona instead of Riyadh.
Global Champions Tour Confirmed: Verona Instead of Riyadh
from Dominique Wehrmann 
As previously mentioned, the reason is the security situation in Riyadh, where repeated attacks by the Houthis have brought daily life to a standstill. Or, as the statement from the Global Champions Tour organizers puts it: “the latest developments in the region and the significant logistical challenges that would be involved in holding the tournament in Riyadh.”
The logistical challenge of relocating the event was likely no small feat either. But in Fieracavalli in Verona, organizers have found a host that will already be hosting the third leg of the 2026–27 Show Jumping World Cup from November 5 to 8 and, as a result, already has a fair amount of infrastructure in place.
More than 11 million euros in prize money is up for grabs at the Verona Exhibition Center. According to the announcement, this is divided into 1.25 million euros for the Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix—which is open to the winners of the season’s Grand Prix events—and the remainder for the Global Champions League finals: 1.35 million euros in the quarterfinals, 2 million euros in the semifinals, 6.5 million in the final itself.
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Proud Hosts
Event director Federico Bricolo makes it clear that it is an honor for the new organizers to host the Global Champions: “We are proud that Global Champions has chosen Veronafiere as the venue for the GC Playoffs—the finals of one of the world’s leading show jumping series,” said the president of Veronafiere. “The fact that such a leading authority in international equestrian sports—and on such short notice—has chosen us is a testament to the organizational strength and quality that Fieracavalli has demonstrated over the course of 128 editions.”
Bricolo promises: “We will draw on all our experience in the exhibition industry and with major international events to create optimal competition conditions for horses and riders—complemented by dining options, infrastructure, and services befitting an event of this caliber. Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage City, also offers athletes and the international audience the opportunity to experience one of Italy’s most remarkable regions.”
