In a night defined by raw emotion, unforgiving pressure, and €6.5 million on the line, Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalleria Toscana delivered a masterclass under the lights of the O2 arena, storming to victory in the 2025 GCL Super Cup Final.
The atmosphere inside Prague’s sold-out cauldron with over 40,000 people in attendance over the week was electric as Emanuele Gaudiano (Esteban De Hus), Yuri Mansur (QH Alfons Santo Antonio) and Peder Fredricson (Alcapone Des Carmille) navigated two huge 1.60m rounds that tested every ounce of their skill and nerve. Their combined strength, consistency, and pure grit earned them a winning team total with 12 faults, cementing a landmark triumph against the world’s fiercest teams.
GC Prague Playoffs veteran and podium regular Peder Fredricson captured the gravity of the moment as he reflected on their triumph in the GCL Super Cup. “This is truly show jumping at its best,” he said, setting the tone for a night defined by intensity, belief, and unshakeable conviction.
Building on that sentiment, Peder highlighted what makes the Playoffs’ format so electrifying: “I think it is a fantastic format, it is so exciting – anything can happen and that’s why we never get surprised because it’s very open.” His words echoed across the teams who rose to the challenge, embracing the unpredictability that makes Prague unlike anywhere else in the sport.
Among them, the Rome Gladiators embodied that mindset to perfection. A team whose self-belief has propelled them through the biggest week in team show jumping the world has to offer, Yuri Mansur reflected on their approach with trademark determination: “I was believing since the beginning – since we decided to come I had it really strong in my mind… and when you fail to plan, you plan to fail and we really made it work!”
And as the pressure reached its peak, Peder returned to the heart of what drives champions forward: “You need to seek pressure to get better, and today I found it!”
Their words underscored not only the Gladiators’ breakthrough, but the fierce calibre of teams chasing them – nowhere more evident than in the battle for the remaining podium places.
Fresh off a Championship win, Valkenswaard United’s Gilles Thomas spoke of the team’s momentum and pride as they surged into second place: “It’s unbelievable really what we have done here in the GCL Super Cup – and to finish the season with a win and now to top it off with second in the Super Cup really is amazing. The show here is just something else and I am so proud to be part of the team of Valkenswaard United.”
For New York Empire powered by Lugano, composure defined their journey. Denis Lynch reflected on a week that saw the team rise from an unexpected qualification into the Final: “We came here with really great plans this week and honestly and we couldn’t be more delighted. All week we were very focussed and we are so delighted to be here – and a huge thank you to our team owner Georgina. This is an incredible event, and what is really astounding here is the crowd and the atmosphere – everyone is so enthusiastic… I’ve had so many people back at home who are watching the live stream messaging me and commenting on it.”
In a turn of events Valkenswaard United, pushed the fight to the very end. After finishing on the most faults from round one they thought their campaign had ended but with high drama from the other team Marcus Ehning & Coolio 42, Hans-Dieter Dreher & Elysium, Gilles Thomas & Ermitage Kalone kept climbing the ranks to finish in 2nd place. The fourth time the team have now finished in second in the GCL Super Cup.
Close behind, New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds produced a heroic effort of their own. Denis Lynch & Cordial, Bertram Allen & Pacino Amiro, Scott Brash & Hello Jefferson ignited the arena, launching New York Empire onto the podium with a team total of 28 faults but slower than Valkenswaard, earning them €1 million for third place.
This year’s GCL Super Cup was a theatre of emotion:
The home crowd roared as Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team entered the arena under enormous expectations. After a solid first round the momentum slipped away when Pieter Devos (Casual DV Z) and Niels Bruynseels and Origi vd Vosberg both had two rails down each ending their quest for the podium with a team total of 32 penalties – just shy of the top three.
Riesenbeck International, former GCL Super Cup champions and one of the most feared teams in the league, looked fully on track after Round 1 to launch a serious bid for another title. But shockwaves rippled through the O2 Arena when Christian Kukuk, first to jump in Round 2 with Checker 47, suddenly pulled up to the second fence, causing a dramatic refusal and an avalanche of penalties that instantly shattered their momentum.
Maximilian Weishaupt and Zucchero HV, who had delivered a textbook clear in Round 1, returned to the arena to jump clear. The final blow came with Philipp Weishaupt and Oreo D.R., whose determined round still resulted in penalties that confirmed the team’s fall down the leaderboard.
For the previous Super Cup winners, what began as a promising march toward domination turned into one of the night’s most unexpected collapses – a reminder that in Prague, the GCL Super Cup spares no one.
Basel Cosmopolitans came out fighting in Round 2. With consistency propelling the trio of Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (Katoloni), Andreas Schou (Napoli vh Nederassenthof) and Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida (Karonia L) throughout GCL Super Cup 2025, it was game on in a round that could leave them on the podium on team show jumping’s biggest stage. Early heartbreak for Schou and Napoli with down was followed by an uncharacteristic two rails for Marlon with Katoloni. Two rails added from Rodrigo Almedia aboard Karonia left the team on 28 faults, pushing them behind the top contenders.
Then came the moment the arena was waiting for.
Rome Gladiators, powered by Cavalleria Toscana, who led after Round 1, entered the ring knowing the title was theirs to lose. Emanuele Gaudiano (Esteban De Hus) opened with a bold round, adding 4 faults but keeping the door open. Yuri Mansur (QH Alfons Santo Antonio) absorbed the pressure, producing a crucial 4 fault when it mattered most.
And finally, anchorman Peder Fredricson (Alcapone des Carmille) – ice in his veins – delivered the round that sealed the fate of the Final.
His clear in 72.67 seconds, with all rails intact, secured a winning team score of 12 penalties, earning Rome Gladiators the 2025 GCL Super Cup Championship and the lion’s share of the €6.5 million prize pool.
Every stride, every pole, every breath was shared by the roaring 40,000 spectators across the Playoffs week. Prague once again proved why it is the beating heart of the GC Playoffs – a cathedral of show jumping where heroes are made.
The grooms – the unsung heroes – were honoured in the closing ceremony each receiving their own trophy. Rome Gladiators’ exceptional team of grooms stepped into the spotlight, receiving trophies in recognition of their dedication to the equine athletes who carried their riders to glory.
Their moment in the arena sparked one of the loudest cheers of the night.
With the GCL Super Cup Final delivering fireworks from the first stride to the last, day four of the GC Prague Playoffs closed in spectacular fashion. Another spectacular season has come to a close and now all eyes turn to the 10th anniversary of GCL in 2026.
Full results here.
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