Al Shira'aa Tournament of Champions 2026

One of Germany's oldest and most prestigious equestrian tournaments

When sand arenas are laid, obstacle courses are built, and grandstands are erected for VIP lounges on Münster's Schlossvorplatz in September, Münster prepares for the Tournament of Champions — one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious equestrian tournaments. Founded in 1955, it has established itself as an annual highlight of German equestrian sport and is considered a mandatory event for the European top elite internationally. The 2026 edition is historic: for the first time, the tournament bears the name prefix "Al Shira'aa" after the Emirati stud farm, which is the new title sponsor — and at the same time, the tournament is elevated to a 5-star tournament, the highest classification level of the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale).

September 3rd to 6th, 2026 — Four days of competition

The tournament runs from Thursday to Sunday:

• Thursday 09/03 — Opening day, first dressage and show jumping competitions
• Friday 09/04 — International main competitions
• Saturday 09/05 — Highlight day, Grand Prix in the evening
• Sunday 09/06 — Final decisions, award ceremonies

In total, competitions are held in all disciplines and at all levels: dressage, show jumping, eventing. The ranking competitions range from junior and young talent classes to the Grand Prix on Saturday evening, the central competition of the tournament.

Al Shira'aa Stables — the new title sponsor

The Emirati stud farm Al Shira'aa Stables from the United Arab Emirates has been involved in international equestrian sports sponsoring for years and will take over the title sponsorship of the Münster tournament for the first time in 2026. The new sponsor enables the upgrade to the 5-star classification of the FEI — a class in which prize money, rider caliber, and media attention significantly increase. The tournament thus directly competes with other top European events such as Aachen (CHIO), Falsterbo (CHIO), or Stuttgart (Stuttgart German Masters).

Invitation tournament with full hospitality

A special feature that has distinguished the Tournament of Champions from other tournaments for decades: Riders are invited by the Westfälischer Reiterverein — and the club covers all expenses. Hotel, stable fees, and entry fees are included in the regulations. This unusual generosity makes the tournament attractive to top riders who otherwise complain about the burden of sponsorship and the cost trap of modern tournaments.

Westfälischer Reiterverein — Germany's oldest equestrian club

Behind the tournament is the Westfälischer Reiterverein e.V., founded in 1835 — Germany's oldest equestrian club. The administrative office (Egbert-Snoek-Str. 1, 48155 Münster) coordinates the tournament year-round. The Münsterland region, with over 100,000 horses, is one of the most horse-dense regions in Germany — the event benefits from this structural strength.

Münster's Schlossvorplatz — the unique setting

Münster's Schlossvorplatz is the picturesque open space in front of the baroque Prince-Bishop's Palace (now the university administration). With the palace as a backdrop, old linden trees along the edge, and its proximity to the city center, it is one of the most beautiful equestrian tournament venues in Europe. Approximately 28,000 visitors attend annually — families, equestrian fans, international guests, and Münster's citizens. The atmosphere is simultaneously sporty-focused and festively elegant.