Show jumping of superlatives: World elite meet for the World Cup final in Basel

After an intensive qualification phase on six continents, the starting field for the 45th Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final is complete. 42 riders and 51 horses from 23 countries will travel to Switzerland at the beginning of April to compete for the prestigious title in Basel.

Defending champion Henrik von Eckermann from Sweden, who has led the world rankings for over 30 months, will be competing again - but this time without his successful gelding King Edward (Edward 28 x Feo de Lauzelle). A possible third title in a row would bring him level with Rodrigo Pessoa, the only athlete to have achieved this so far.

The participants qualified across 11 leagues worldwide - from North America to the Middle East and the Eurasian region. The Western and Central European rankings were particularly competitive with a total of over 230 starters. Among others, Kevin Staut (FRA), Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) and Pieter Devos (BEL) prevailed here. Prominent names such as Ben Maher (GBR), Marcus Ehning (GER) and Martin Fuchs (SUI) are also taking part - the latter is competing in a World Cup final in his own country for the first time.

While some nations such as Canada, Australia and Mexico have decided not to take part, up-and-coming riders such as Sophie Hinners (GER) and Luke Dee (NZL) will get their chance to kick-start their careers. The withdrawal of Steve Guerdat (SUI) due to injury paved the way for Kim Emmen (NED), who is making her World Cup debut.

The three-part final series kicks off on April 3, with the decisive jumping competition taking place on April 6. The world of show jumping is looking forward to Basel, where one name will go down in the history books.