CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF TRADITION & EXCELLENCE AT CHI GENEVA 2025
The Concours Hippique International de Genève (CHI Geneva) will unite the world’s best showjumpers from 10-14 December in the home city of the show’s Presenting Sponsor, Rolex. Steeped in history and tradition since 1926, CHI Geneva hosts two of the season’s most anticipated competitions: the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final, and the Rolex Grand Prix, the concluding Major for the calendar year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping.
At the 2025 edition, Rolex will celebrate 25 years as Title Sponsor of the Rolex Grand Prix, the show’s pinnacle class and one of equestrian sport’s most prestigious competitions. This anniversary marks a defining moment in the partnership between Rolex and CHI Geneva, symbolising a shared pursuit of excellence, innovation, and timeless tradition.
The Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva reflects a quarter century of partnership and progress, and has become one of the sport’s most respected titles. The Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva was the first Grand Prix ever to be supported by Rolex, and becoming Title Sponsor of the class in 2000 represented an important step in deepening the brand’s established involvement in elite equestrian competition. The Rolex Grand Prix has continued to grow in stature and prestige, repeatedly attracting the world’s most accomplished horse and rider combinations.
Over the past 25 years, the Rolex Grand Prix has been defined by the brilliant achievements of champions. Seven Rolex Testimonees have triumphed in the class, with three achieving multiple victories. These Rolex Testimonees include:
Richard Vogel (2023)
Martin Fuchs (2021, 2019)
Kent Farrington (2017)
Steve Guerdat (2015, 2013 and 2006)
Scott Brash (2014)
Kevin Staut (2010)
Rodrigo Pessoa (2004, 2002).
The first Rolex Testimonee to claim victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva was Rodrigo Pessoa in 2002. One of the sport’s most accomplished riders, Pessoa also won the class two years later in 2004 with the same partner – Baloubet du Rouet. On his experiences at Geneva, the Brazilian rider commented: “My father first competed at Geneva in 1960 after moving from Brazil. Therefore, Geneva has always been very special for him; as it also marked the beginning of his life in Europe. I have always been extremely motivated to perform well in Geneva – it is a very special show.”
Three-time CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix winner and Swiss Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat holds the record for the most wins achieved in the class (2006, 2013, and 2015) and is set to compete in the 2025 edition, where he will be eagerly seeking an unprecedented fourth win. Commenting on CHI Geneva, Guerdat said: "The size of the arena and the exceptional facilities at Geneva make the show so unique. The organization is seamless, which ensures the best experience for both horses and riders. Steeped in history, the show encourages us riders to reflect on the growth and development of equestrianism. The CHI Geneva has an undeniable soul and Rolex has been a core part of that.”
Rolex’s partnership with the CHI Geneva comes from an extensive array of equestrian partnerships that date back for almost 70 years. Since 1957, when pioneering British showjumper Pat Smythe became the sport’s first Testimonee, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with the equestrian world and is now a major presence alongside the finest riders, competitions and institutions. The brand’s continued contribution to excellence in equestrianism encourages modernisation while respecting the elegance of the sport. The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping perfectly embodies this tradition. Launched in 2013 with the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen, the initiative challenges riders to win, consecutively, the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors, namely The Dutch Masters, CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and CHI Geneva. To date, only Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash has achieved this remarkable feat in 2015.
ROLEX GRAND PRIX WINNERS:
2024 Harrie Smolders (NED), Monaco
2023 Richard Vogel (GER), United Touch S
2022 McLain Ward (USA), HH Azur
2021 Martin Fuchs (SUI), Leone Jei
2019 Martin Fuchs (SUI), Clooney 51
2018 Marcus Ehning (GER), Pret A Tout
2017 Kent Farrington (USA), Gazelle
2016 Pedro Veniss (BRA), Quabri de L’Isle
2015 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Nino des Buissonnets
2014 Scott Brash (GBR), Hello Sanctos
2013 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Nino des Buissonnets
2012 Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Cevo Itôt du Château
2011 Alvaro de Miranda (BRA), AD Ashleigh Drossel Dan
2010 Kevin Staut (FRA), Silvana*HDC
2009 Apr Marcus Ehning (GER), Plot Blue & Noltes Küchengirl
2008 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead
2007 Ludger Beerbaum (GER), All Inclusive NRW
2006 Steve Guerdat (SUI), Jalisca Solier
2005 Thomas Frühmann (AUT), The Sixth Sense
2004 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Baloubet du Rouet
2003 Thomas Velin (DAN), Equest Carnute
2002 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Baloubet du Rouet
2001 Michael Whitaker (GBR), Handel II
2000 Ludo Philippaerts (BEL), Otterongo
(Names in bold denote Rolex equestrian Testimonee)
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Event schedule here
ROLEX AND EQUESTRIANISM:
Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognising the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. For almost 70 years, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with the equestrian world and is now a major presence at play behind the finest riders, competitions and institutions. The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism is based on this heritage, encouraging modernization while respecting the elegance of this prestigious sport. Whether supporting leading athletes, the CHI Geneva or the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, Rolex has built on a relationship that began in 1957, through an alliance with British show jumper Pat Smythe. A pioneer in equestrianism, she became the brand’s first equestrian Testimonee. Rolex’s perpetual support is highlighted by its affiliation with international events and competitions that represent the pinnacle of the sport, from the equestrian Majors to the shows making up the Rolex Series.
ABOUT ROLEX AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE:
Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organisation.
The word ‘Perpetual’ is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.