The Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) officially launched its highly anticipated Americas circuit this past week during a dazzling event at the New World Center in Miami Beach. The launch, attended by Arabian horse enthusiasts and industry leaders, media and personalities, marks an exciting new chapter for the tour as it expands into new territories. 

Jeff Sloan, Murray Popplewell, Faleh Al Nasr, Nasser Al Thani, Francisco Vilaro Carrasco, Taryl O’Sheal, and Greg Knowles attend the Global Champions Arabians Tour celebration for the 2025 GCAT season launch

It was an honor to witness the start of an international equestrian competition designed specifically for the highest level of purebred Arabian horses. This remarkable event marked the launch of the GCAT Americas Circuit, a celebration of excellence, passion, and legacy.

The experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Learning about the history and evolution of these champions – from their past achievements to the bright future ahead – was truly enlightening. Though GCAT was established just a year ago, its impact has already been felt on a global scale, with the circuit expanding rapidly across multiple countries.

This event encapsulated what it means to create a champions league, blending prestige and passion with an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Murray Popplewell with HOMBRE Magazine’s Nasifa Gabrie

During the event, I met the brilliant minds behind GCAT, the CEOs who conceptualized this unparalleled competition. We discussed the vision and uniqueness of this initiative, which connects people and cultures from around the world.

The Global Champions Arabians Tour celebration for the launch of the 2025 GCAT season held at the New World Center in Miami Beach, Florida.

The beautifully designed lounges offered the perfect environment for networking, interviews, and meaningful conversations. What struck me most was the event’s meticulous execution and its ability to bring together a diverse group of people united by a shared love for Arabian horse sports.

GCAT’s dedication to fostering cross-cultural connections, while respecting the beauty and integrity of the sport, was evident throughout the event. One of the highlights of the evening was learning about next year’s competition, marking the highest stakes yet for the World Arabian Horse Championship SUPREME.

With $2.675 million in total prize money, the GCAT Americas solidifies the Global Champions Arabians Tour’s position as the most prestigious circuit in the Arabian horse world and will launch with five locations in 2025:

1. Scottsdale, Arizona, USA – 18-20 February 2025
2. Miami Beach, Florida, USA – 25-27 April 2025
3. São Paulo, Brazil – 13-14 July 2025
4. Brandon, Manitoba, Canada – 8-9 August 2025
5. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – 27-29 August 2025 (Final)

Following the same innovative and unique judging system employed in the Middle East and Europe to uphold the core values of fairness and integrity, each stage of the Tour will see horses evaluated by a panel of judges selected at random before the start of each qualifying class and championship. Horses will be judged on a set of five criteria—type, head & neck, body, legs and movement—and awarded a maximum of 20 points for each.

During each stage of the Tour, the top 10 females, males and handlers in each of the six championships will be awarded points toward the overall ranking. At the final stage in Las Vegas, the Best Female, Best Male, Best Handler and Horse of the Tour will be crowned. 

Rhodri Williams speaks onstage

In addition to the overall rankings, the gold, silver and bronze champions from each of the six championships at each stage will be invited to compete in the recently announced World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, set to take place in Doha, Qatar, next December. This exciting new addition to the Tour will see the champions from four continents go head-to-head to be awarded the coveted Supreme World Champion title, and a share of the €4,000,000 prize pool. 

(L-R) Faleh Al Nasr, Founder of GCAT and Bader Al Darwish, CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour

Speaking at the launch event, Faleh Al Nasr, Chairman of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, shared his excitement about the new chapter for the Tour: “The launch of the Americas circuit represents a bold step forward for GCAT. It’s a testament to the growing global appreciation for Arabian horses and their unique qualities. We are thrilled to bring this celebration of excellence to the Americas and build lasting connections across continents.”

Cindy McGown, CEO of GCAT Americas, highlighted the significance of bringing GCAT to the region: “The Arabian horse has a deep-rooted legacy here in the Americas, and GCAT’s presence will only amplify the admiration and respect these remarkable animals deserve. This Tour is a unique opportunity to unite communities through the shared passion for these extraordinary horses and their incredible stories.”

With the opening stage in Scottsdale set for February 2025, the GCAT Americas is poised to captivate audiences, set new standards in Arabian horse shows, and inspire a deeper appreciation for Arabian horses across the hemisphere.

Rhodri Williams with HOMBRE Magazine’s Nasifa Gabrie during the Global Champions Arabians Tour ’s celebration of the 2025 GCAT season launch

This commitment to pushing boundaries and elevating the sport is truly inspiring. Leaving the event with a smile, I was captivated by the prestige, passion, and legacy of GCAT. I look forward to attending more events that celebrate culture, sports, and excellence with integrity and grandeur.

 For more information about the Global Champions Arabians Tour visit www.gcarabianstour.com to stay updated with the latest news.

(L-R) Clara Martins, Partnerships Manager, and Hannah McCabe, PR & Communications Manager of the Global Champions Arabians Tour

Model and HOMBRE Magazine correspondent Nasifa Gabrie attends the celebration launch of the 2025 GCAT season at the New World Center in Miami Beach, Florida