Since its inaugural edition in 1979, the FEI Jumping World Cup Final has been one of the most iconic and sought-after indoor titles in show jumping. With elite riders, unforgettable rivalries, and legendary horses, it has written some of the sport's most memorable chapters. As we head into the 2025 FEI World Cup Finals in Basel, it's the perfect moment to look back at the riders and nations who have shaped its legacy.

The Legends Club: Riders with Three Titles

Only five riders in the event's 45-year history have managed to claim the trophy three times.

Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA)

Rodrigo Pessoa is widely regarded as one of the World Cup Finals’ greatest icons. He remains the only rider to have ever claimed three consecutive titles, a feat he achieved with the legendary chestnut stallion, Baloubet du Rouet. He is one of just two horses who have ever won three World Cup Finals in their career.

The pair came dangerously close to claiming a fourth consecutive victory in the 2001 Gothenburg Finals, falling just short in a thrilling two-combination jump-off against Markus Fuchs and Tinka’s Boy in Gothenburg.

Marcus Ehning (GER)

Marcus Ehning has etched his name in World Cup history with three titles won aboard four different horses over seven years. He first triumphed in 2003 on Anka 191 in Las Vegas, followed by a 2006 win in Kuala Lumpur with Sandro Boy. In 2010, he returned to the top of the podium with the help of Plot Blue and Noltes Kuechengirl.

Remarkably, Marcus is the only three-time champion competing in the 2025 Final—and the only rider with the chance to become a four-time winner.

Steve Guerdat (SUI)

Steve Guerdat is the most recent addition to the three-title club, and just like Marcus Ehning showcased his consistency with three different horses. His first victory dates back to exactly a decade ago when he rode Albführen’s Paille to the win in Las Vegas. The following year, he rode Corbinian to World Cup Final victory in Gothenburg to score back-to-back wins. For his third win, Guerdat counted on Alamo to take the win in the birthplace of World Cup Finals in Gothenburg.

Though he qualified for the 2025 Final in Basel, Guerdat will miss the event due to a recent surgery that has sidelined him for several months.

Hugo Simon (AUT)

The first rider to ever win three World Cup Final titles was Austrian rider Hugo Simon. He was the winner of the inaugural World Cup finals in Gothenburg in 1979 riding Gladstone. Then followed a 17-year wait for his next win of this championship. Aboard E.T. FRH, he took back-to-back victories in the 1996 Geneva Finals and the 1997 Gothenburg Finals.

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER)

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum is the only female rider to ever win three World Cup Finals. For all three victories, she counted on her trusty partner, Shutterfly. They won the Finals in Las Vegas in 2005 and 2009, but also claimed a win in 2008 in Gothenburg.

Defending Champion Returns

Henrik von Eckermann captured the world when he captured back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 in the saddle of the world’s top-rated horse, King Edward.

In 2025, Henrik returns to chase a third consecutive title—but this time without his iconic partner. His chosen mount for Basel is Iliana. Can she rise to the occasion and help Henrik equal Rodrigo Pessoa’s historic three-peat from a quarter-century ago?

Nation vs Nation: USA leads the charge

In the 44 editions of the Final to date, the United States has emerged victorious 11 times—claiming a full quarter of the titles. Germany trails just behind with 10 wins, keeping the transatlantic rivalry alive and well.

Looking Ahead to Basel 2025

As anticipation builds for Basel 2025, follow our channels for exclusive updates, storylines, and data insights on the combinations vying for their place in World Cup history.