World Cup Finals Basel 2025: Can Fuchs Make the Swiss Dream Come True?
After two intense days of competition at the FEI World Cup™ Finals in Basel, Julien Epaillard still holds the pole position in the standings. But with Martin Fuchs breathing in his neck after a Friday victory, can the Swiss star pip the flying Frenchman and give the home crowd a home win?
Fuchs Brings Fairytale Win to Surge up the Standings
With two days of action behind us and one final to go, Martin Fuchs has stormed into serious contention to win the FEI World Cup™ Final 2025 on home soil. His win in Final II has not only pushed him up the leaderboard, but also skyrocketed his win chance to 33%, making him the new statistical favourite according to EquiRatings’ predictive model.
Tactical Julien Plays it Smart
Despite sitting at the top of the overall standings, France’s Julien Epaillard opted out of the jump-off in Final II. It’s a strategic move—keeping his horse fresh for the final—but it also shifted momentum. Julien’s 23% win chance keeps him in second place on the model, and he’ll need a two big rounds on Sunday to hold off the charge.
The Title Race: Still in the Mix
Behind the leading two, Henrik von Eckermann and Ben Maher remain within striking distance. Neither made it through to Friday's jump-off, but after a superb Day 1 performance are stil within striking distance of the podium, or even the win.
Henrik sits at a 2 penalty difference from the leader, less than a rail from the leader. With a 14% win chance, the defending champion sees the third consecutive victory within reach.
The pre-competition favourite, Ben Maher, currently sits at 3 penalties from the leader, less than one rail removed. His horse, Point Break, entered the competition on the strongest form of any other horse in the field. If they can find momentum again, they will be a dangerous pair in Sunday's Final.
Within a Rail from the Leader
Three additional riders are still within a rail from Julien Epaillard's leading position.
Kevin Staut and Lillie Keenan remain in podium contention, both currently standing on 3 penalties. This is Kevin Staut's 13th time competing at World Cup Finals, yet the win has alluded him to date. Will this be his 13th time lucky?
A slower clear on Day 1, but a superb third place finish on Day 2 has made Alessandra Volpi one of the talking riders of this championship. Currently within 4 penalties from the leader, two more solid rounds on Sunday can see her become the revelation of this World Cup Finals.
One Round to Crown a Champion
Julien leads. Fuchs is flying. The chasing pack is close. And predictive analytics say it’s far from over. Who will hold their nerve and rise on Sunday?
Stay tuned for updated predictions and full coverage on the final day.