What is now considered one of Switzerland’s most prestigious equestrian events began with the vision of two men. What started as a regional equestrian event at the Schänzli evolved into an international five-star tournament with World Cup status. The history of the LONGINES CHI CLASSICS BASEL is marked by a pioneering spirit, growing ambition, and steady expansion.

The Beginnings: From the Schänzli to the National Stage
Willy Bürgin laid the foundations. In 2001, after a long hiatus, he once again organised regional and national equestrian events at the Schänzli. As a true horse lover, he knew how to win over enthusiastic supporters for his ideas. The Basel Equestrian Days quickly gained in prominence. In 2007 and 2008, the Swiss Championships were already being held in Basel – each attracting around 10,000 spectators. They brought new splendour to the historic Schänzli.

During this phase, the entrepreneur Thomas Straumann played a decisive role. Straumann is a horse lover through and through. Horses have been part of his family for five generations. His two daughters are successful in international equestrian sport. Straumann shared the same vision as Bürgin: to establish an international show jumping competition of the very highest standard in Basel. The two joined forces. In 2010, the time had finally come: the CSI Basel made its debut. Bürgin served as President of the Organising Committee, whilst Straumann was Chairman of the Board of Directors.

2010 to 2013: From a Four-Star to a Five-Star Tournament
When the event premiered in 2010, the maximum level possible was initially four stars. The programme comprised nine show jumping competitions for the world rankings and five for the international amateur tour. H. Moser & Cie, which was then majority-owned by Thomas Straumann, acted as the title sponsor.

Just one year later, the next milestone followed: the tournament in Basel was held as a five-star event for the first time and firmly established itself amongst the international elite. The sporting programme grew steadily, with new formats such as team show jumping being introduced. In 2012, the tournament introduced its own show jumping competition, the ‘Golden Drum of Basel’, contested at the very highest level. The ‘Award of Honour’ was also established, an accolade which since then has recognised outstanding figures in equestrian sport. At the same time, the first entertainment programmes were staged and numerous new sponsors – including Basel Tourism and the Swisslos Sports Fund Basel-Stadt – became involved in the event.

The participation of Olympic champion Steve Guerdat in 2013, as well as the event’s first-ever live broadcast on Swiss television, underscores the growing sporting and media significance of the event. With prize money of 450,000 Sfr. in the Grand Prix, Basel was now one of the country’s highest-prized show jumping tournaments.

2014 to 2020: LONGINES as Title Partner and the Road to the World Cup
To mark its fifth anniversary, the 2014 tournament gained a new title partner in LONGINES, which to this day continues to lend its name to the event. The sporting programme has been steadily expanded to include further events from the international amateur tour. New hospitality areas such as the ‘Black Horse Club’ and the ‘Basler Brugg’ were created. From 2016 onwards, obstacles designed specifically for Basel were introduced. With the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois and J. Safra Sarasin, the tournament gained a platinum and a gold partner respectively, who to this day continue to provide generous support.

In 2018, Martin Fuchs made history. Riding Clooney, he became the first Swiss rider to win the main event at the St. Jakobshalle, which was undergoing renovations at the time.

A particular highlight came in 2019 to mark the tenth anniversary. After Zurich had hosted the World Cup for many years, Basel was assigned by the FEI to the Western European League of the FEI Jumping World Cup™. Martin Fuchs also won this World Cup event. Afterwards, the Basel Cantonal Government welcomed the organising committee and the riders to the City Hall. In the same year, the refurbishment of the St. Jakobshalle was completed, allowing the tournament to benefit from even better facilities. In 2019, the tournament honoured the most influential figures in dressage from 1973 to 1989 with the Award of Honour: Christine Stückelberger, Switzerland’s first Olympic champion, and three-time Olympic medallist Otto J. Hofer.

Basel once again set the standard in equestrian sport in 2020. Steve Guerdat, riding Victorio des Frotards, won both the World Cup event and the main Grand Prix event. The entertainment programme, featuring alphorn players, flag-wavers, The Pipes and Drums of Basel and the Schotte Clique 1947 Basel, thrilled the audience.

After the pandemic-related hiatuses in 2021 and 2022, the tournament continued its success story.

Since 2023: LONGINES CHI CLASSICS BASEL – Show Jumping, Dressage, and Vaulting Under One Roof
With Andy Kistler as the new president, another significant chapter began in 2023. The tournament took on its current name, LONGINES CHI CLASSICS BASEL, for the first time and expanded its programme to include dressage. Two World Cup competitions in this discipline made their Basel debut. This fulfilled a wish expressed by Thomas Straumann right at the start of his tenure. What had been a pure show jumping tournament thus evolved into a multifaceted equestrian event featuring several disciplines at the highest international level.

In 2024, a third discipline at the highest level was added: the Vaulting World Cup Final. At the same time, the tournament introduced U25 events for up-and-coming young riders. The Swiss national circus, Knie, provided further entertainment with a horse carousel featuring 28 horses.

In 2025, the event ultimately served as a dress rehearsal for the FEI World Cup Finals in show jumping, dressage and vaulting, which took place in Basel a few months later. In addition, two three-star dressage classes were included in the programme for the first time. The FEI World Cup Finals in this format were a first for Basel and Switzerland and a great honour. Basel can already look forward to hosting the event once again: in April 2028, the FEI World Cup Finals will return to the St. Jakobshalle.

With Thomas Straumann as its new president and the 15th edition due to take place in January 2026, the LONGINES CHI CLASSICS BASEL continue to build on their legacy. An impressive journey from a regional tournament at the Schänzli to an established fixture on the international equestrian calendar, made possible by individuals with vision, passion and perseverance.