Beekbergen, 23 July 2025 – Exactly four weeks from now, from 20 to 24 August, the FEI World Driving Championship for Pairs will explode into action in Beekbergen. This year, the organization welcomes 88 competitors from 24 countries – a truly world-class international field.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
The list of competitors is nothing short of impressive. Nearly all medal winners from the past three World Championships will be on the starting line in Beekbergen. The fight for individual medals promises to be intense, with favorites like Martin Hölle (HUN), five-time world champion and unbeaten since 2017, top American driver Jacob Arnold, and French veteran Franck Grimonprez. The Dutch delegation is also strong, with Erik Evers (bronze at the previous Worlds) and Stan van Eijk (4th in 2023, bronze in 2019) both aiming for a podium finish on home soil. Dutch drivers have previously taken individual gold three times: Mieke van Tergouw in 1995 (Poznan – POL), Riny Rutjens in 2002 (Jardy – FRA), and Harrie Verstappen in 2009 (Kecskemét – HUN). Will we hear the Dutch national anthem again this year?
Battle of the Teams
In the Nations Cup, all eyes will be on the showdown between top teams from Hungary (gold in the last three editions), Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. TeamNL – led by Chef d’Équipe Ad Aarts – earned bronze (2021) and silver (2019) in recent years and is now aiming for gold. The last time the Netherlands won team gold was in 2011, with Tom Engbers, Gerard Leijten, and Harrie Verstappen. One thing is certain: the Dutch team is eager to shine on home ground!
From Teen Talent to Senior Experience
Equestrian sport is known for its inclusivity, where men and women compete equally for titles. The Beekbergen World Championship also highlights striking age diversity. The youngest competitor is 17-year-old Polish driver Bartosz Klups, while the eldest is 77-year-old Baroness Amely von Buchholtz from Argentina — a rarity in sport.
A total of 260 horses will compete, representing renowned studbooks including many KWPN horses. The final entry list will be announced next week, but one thing is clear: the championship’s international appeal is reflected in the exciting mix of rising stars and seasoned equine athletes.
Don’t Miss It!
The FEI World Driving Championship for Pairs is free to attend (parking not included). For true fans who don’t want to miss a moment and prefer comfortable seating, tickets are available for the covered grandstand. In addition to popular multi-day passes (€105), single-day tickets are also available – perfect for a day out or to catch that one unforgettable evening!
More info & tickets: www.paardenspektakel.com
Photo: Stephanie van der Weerd