Geneva, 17 December 2024 - On Friday 13 December, the CHI Geneva hosted one of the season’s most eagerly anticipated competitions: the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final. Much like the Nitto ATP Finals or WTA Finals in tennis, this prestigious event united the top 10 riders in the world for two electrifying rounds of competition. Rolex Testimonee Martin Fuchs triumphed aboard Leone Jei, showcasing an immaculate blend of harmony and courage to claim his first Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final title in front of his home crowd.

Rolex has been the Presenting Sponsor of the CHI Geneva since 1995, and has supported the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final since its inception in 2001. These longstanding partnerships underscore the brand’s unwavering commitment to the traditions, elegance, and innovation of equestrian sport. The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final is celebrated for its testing courses that demand precision, teamwork, and synergy between horse and rider. In this year’s competition, Fuchs exemplified these qualities, joining an elite group of Rolex Testimonees who have won this unique class.

The 2024 edition featured an exceptional lineup that included the reigning individual Olympic, World, and European champions. In the first round, riders competed in reverse order of their rankings, therefore it was Fuchs who set the tone as the first to tackle the demanding course. Rising to the occasion, he delivered a flawless clear round, establishing an early benchmark for the nine remaining competitors. Fellow Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington, reigning individual Olympic champion Christian Kukuk, Julien Epaillard, World No. 3 Ben Maher, and Henrik von Eckermann, who has held the World No. 1 spot for over two years, also delivered clear rounds.

In the second round, Fuchs capitalized on Leone Jei's naturally long stride and exceptional agility to deliver a faultless, unbeatable performance. Farrington impressed with a bold and daring ride that earned him a well-deserved second place, while Great Britain’s Maher showcased his skill to secure third. This year, the iconic Palexpo Arena welcomed a record crowd of over 48,000 passionate fans, as the CHI Geneva continued to set the standard in equestrian excellence, inspiring riders to push boundaries and achieve greatness.

Reflecting on his win at his home Major, Fuchs commented:“It’s always challenging to perform at the right time and under the right circumstances. That is what we work for – sometimes things go your way, and other times they do not. As a rider, you have to learn from mistakes and keep trying to improve. I have learned not to see failure as a setback, but as an opportunity to grow in my riding and with my horses. Over the past few months, I have really tried to implement this in my riding, so that I can perform on nights like this.”

The Swiss Rolex Testimonee continued:“The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final has always been my favourite. I have watched it throughout my life, seeing the Top 10 riders in the world compete against each other. Every rider aims to be in peak form for the Top 10 Final, dedicating weeks and months to prepare. I think it is the most unique class in the sport, and it is one I have always dreamed of winning.”

Later in the week, on Sunday, 16 December, Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands claimed the esteemed Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva 2024. Riding Monaco, a 15-year-old gelding, Smolders secured his first Rolex Grand Prix title at the CHI Geneva. Competing against 39 of the world’s best show jumpers, the Dutchman’s commanding performance established him as the new live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping heading into 2025.

This year’s Rolex Grand Prix also featured standout performances from Rolex Testimonees, including the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final victor Martin Fuchs, who was among the 10 riders to progress to the second round, and Daniel Deusser, who finished clear with just one time penalty.

As the final Rolex Equestrian Major of 2024, the CHI Geneva provided an exhilarating close to the season. The equestrian world now looks ahead to The Dutch Masters in 2025, where Smolders will compete at his home Major to continue his quest for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping prize. This award is reserved for any rider who consecutively wins the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors: The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva.