Intro
At CHI Geneva, elegance gallops beside grit. Under the vaults of Palexpo, the 63rd edition of this legendary event unfolded with Swiss precision, revealing the sport’s most compelling stories — from tearful victories to daring risks. And at the heart of it all, once again, were the Swiss.
The Setting
Held in the vast, architecturally bold Palexpo arena, CHI Geneva is more than a tournament — it is one of the crown jewels of international showjumping. With its polished footing, immense crowds, and atmosphere that crackles with anticipation, the event has long served as a stage for the best in the sport.
Since its founding in 1926, CHI Geneva has upheld a prestige standard, blending tradition with innovation. In 2024, its fusion of modern production and sporting nobility was seamless. From the Rolex Grand Slam challenge to the emotional stories behind each round, the event confirmed why it remains an anchor of the global equestrian calendar.
The Experience
The final day, Sunday, 15 December, was the culmination of a week defined by passion and performance. Spectators browsed the show’s official daily paper, sipping espresso as they read profiles of Lorenzo de Luca, Killer Queen, and, of course, the ever-dominant Martin Fuchs — who had already triumphed every evening since the competition’s start.
Each event revealed another dimension of Geneva’s unique magic. On Saturday, Steve Guerdat made history in the Coupe de Genève, claiming his fourth title in the class and securing a third win for his remarkable partner Venard de Cerisy. In front of a sold-out crowd, the Jura-born Olympic medalist again showed why his bond with Geneva is legendary.
Even the UBS Challenge Prize — a test of raw speed and control — became a stage for Swiss dominance. On a demanding 13-obstacle course, Martin Fuchs and Commissar Pezi were unmatched, finishing in 59.46 seconds while no other rider broke the 60-second barrier. The atmosphere was electric, and the performance was near perfect.
The Sport
The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, held on Friday, delivered one of the most memorable moments in Fuchs’ career. Originally not slated to compete, he stepped in as a late entry and set the tone with a flawless opening round. The competition, stacked with Olympic medallists and world champions, pushed the limits of precision.
Riders like Ben Maher, Christian Kukuk, and Kent Farrington delivered elite performances, but when Fuchs returned with Leone Jei for the second round, he rode with a rare clarity of purpose. Their time of 47.02 seconds was unshakable. As the final challengers fell short, Martin’s dream — to win his favourite class — was realised. With emotion, he dedicated the win to his horse’s owner, who was absent due to illness. His tears at the finish spoke to something more profound than competition — a rare, beautiful connection between athlete, horse, and home.
“It’s not just a win — a love letter to Swiss equestrian tradition.”
What’s Next
As the final fences were cleared and the lights dimmed over Palexpo, one truth remained: CHI Geneva is not just a tournament but a standard. For riders like Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat, it’s a proving ground and a celebration. For spectators, it’s a window into the heart of elite showjumping.
As Haute Sports looks ahead to the Rolex Grand Slam season, we carry the rhythm of CHI Geneva — bold, balanced, and unmistakably Swiss.
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Words & visuals by Thomas R.
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