CHI GENEVA: A SHOWCASE OF EQUESTRIAN MASTERY

Geneva, 3 December 2025 – The Concours Hippique International de Genève (the CHI Geneva) returns from 10–14 December, and will welcome the world’s finest riders and horses as they come together to demonstrate precision, trust, and harmony while competing on one of show jumping’s most demanding stages.

 

Taking place in Geneva’s Palexpo Arena, in the city where Rolex has its headquarters, the event showcases two highlights of the equestrian calendar: the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final and the Rolex Grand Prix, the concluding Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year. The 2025 edition of the CHI Geneva will culminate on Sunday 14 December with the Rolex Grand Prix – a test revered worldwide for its challenging course, set in the largest and most iconic indoor arena in the sport.

 

Since 1996, Rolex has proudly served as Presenting Sponsor of the CHI Geneva. In 2025, Rolex will also celebrate 25 years as Title Sponsor of the Rolex Grand Prix – a milestone that underscores the brand’s long-standing dedication to one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions. This enduring partnership reflects a shared heritage between Rolex and the CHI Geneva – one defined by excellence, innovation and timeless elegance.

THE CHI GENEVA MAIN ARENA
THE CHI GENEVA MAIN ARENA - Open lightbox

After becoming Title Sponsor in 2000, Rolex deepened its relationship with the CHI Geneva in 2013 with the creation of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, uniting four of the world’s greatest equestrian events: The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and the CHI Geneva. This pioneering concept – the sport’s most prestigious challenge and ultimate prize - elevated show jumping to a new global dimension rewarding the rider who can win, consecutively, the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors. To date, only Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash has achieved this remarkable feat in 2015.

 

Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by the path followed, not just the trophy. Through partnerships with elite athletes, events and organizations, the Swiss watchmaker supports those who set the highest standards of performance in the sporting world.

 

After the vast turf arenas of the CHIO Aachen and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, the CHI Geneva presents an entirely different test. Staged indoors within the world’s largest equestrian arena, its charged atmosphere and rich traditions push the world’s best riders to strive for excellence and surpass expectations. To capture victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva, competitors must test the very limits of their ability. Accuracy, courage and athleticism are demanded in equal measure from both horse and rider at this elite level.

 

Victory is not measured solely by trophies but by the path taken – one defined by emotion, trust, and the pursuit of excellence. With every stride, Rolex recognizes the harmony between horse and rider, where the true triumph lies in the journey itself. Rolex Testimonees continue to push the boundaries of excellence and achievement, and following Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash’s sensational accomplishment in claiming the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament in September, Brash now heads to the CHI Geneva as the live contender, pursuing a historic second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title.

 

Brash commented: “I love attending the CHI Geneva – there is a special feeling as you walk into the show. I think this feeling comes from the emotions that I have experienced from winning the Rolex Grand Prix. I have had some very special moments at the CHI Geneva – I not only won there with Hello Sanctos but we also came second, and I was also placed second with Hello Senator another year. The organizers at the show are incredible. They always look after the riders very well – I absolutely love the CHI Geneva, it brings back great memories.”

ROLEX TESTIMONEE SCOTT BRASH RIDING HELLO JEFFERSON IN THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT THE CHI GENEVA 2024
ROLEX TESTIMONEE SCOTT BRASH RIDING HELLO JEFFERSON IN THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT THE CHI GENEVA 2024 - Open lightbox

The Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva has been won by some of the sport’s most iconic names, including six additional Rolex Testimonees. Most recently, Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel – reigning FEI European Individual gold medallist – achieved his first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major when he triumphed in Geneva in 2023.

 

Looking back on his win, Vogel reflected “Winning in the Palexpo Arena [in 2023] was incredibly special…it was our first Rolex Major victory and our first time competing at the CHI Geneva. The atmosphere, with the incredible crowd, is truly unique, and as my first Rolex Major win it will always hold a special place in my heart.”

 

ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL

 

Rolex’s enduring commitment to equestrianism is exemplified through its support of leading events, competitions and institutions at the very pinnacle of the sport. This is reflected in the brand’s association with the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, which it has supported since the event’s inception in 2001. This pioneering class rewards those riders who have showcased an enduring commitment to consistency across the year. Staged on the Friday evening of the CHI Geneva, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final brings together the world’s ten highest-ranked riders, who compete head-to-head for the honour of being crowned champion.

 

In 2023, Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat made history by becoming the first athlete to secure three victories in the Final (2010, 2018, 2023), triumphing in front of an ecstatic home crowd in Geneva. Other Rolex Testimonees to have lifted the coveted title include Martin Fuchs (2024), Kent Farrington (2015, 2019), Kevin Staut (2017), Scott Brash (2014), Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (2004, 2006) and Rodrigo Pessoa (2003, 2005).

ROLEX TESTIMONEE KENT FARRINGTON RIDING TOULAYNA IN THE ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL AT THE CHI GENEVA 2024
ROLEX TESTIMONEE KENT FARRINGTON RIDING TOULAYNA IN THE ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL AT THE CHI GENEVA 2024 - Open lightbox

Widely regarded as one of the sport’s most innovative and prestigious contests, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final is often compared to season-ending championships in tennis such as the Nitto ATP Finals and the WTA Finals, uniting the very best athletes in a showcase of sporting excellence. Among this year’s contenders is Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington, an American rider known for his remarkable consistency, having held the World No. 1 position for over six months. A previous winner of this coveted class, Farrington will be looking to reclaim the prestigious title once again.

 

Farrington, the current World No.1, stated: “I think this is a really special event in our sport. It is a showdown between the best of the best through the year, which is always exciting. As riders we like to compete in it as it is not something that we normally do. It is always a great way to wrap-up the year and have a head-to-head competition with the very best.”

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