Hendrik Wüst struck a reflective note in his concluding comment. After explaining why the FEI World Championships in Aachen will be a highlight of the year, the State Premier of North Rhine-Westphalia shared another matter close to his heart: “The world is in a state of upheaval in many places and international relations have arguably been better in the past. What power do we still have in this world – where people come together, compete under fair rules and ultimately celebrate the best among them?”, he asked and promptly provided the answer himself: “It is sport. Only sport has the power to bring people and nations together.”

That is precisely why Hendrik Wüst considers the FEI World Championships, which kick off in 15 days’ time in Aachen in his state to be such a significant event, both in sporting and social terms. It is an event expected to set new standards. “The FEI World Championships 2026, featuring six disciplines, will be the largest sporting event in Germany this year, attracting up to 500,000 equestrian fans. The fact that the Aachen Soers will once again serve as a global stage for the best riders from over 60 nations demonstrates, once more, that North Rhine-Westphalia is capable of hosting world-class international sporting events in front of record-breaking crowds.” No other state, he commented, possesses more experience in hosting major sporting events.

1,000 volunteers from around the globe

The number of volunteers offers a further insight into the dimensions of the event: 1,000 volunteers from all over the globe – including the USA, New Zealand and many European countries – will ensure the smooth running of the event, both on stage and behind the scenes. That is 200 more than at the annual CHIO Aachen, which, in “normal” years, ranks as the world’s largest equestrian tournament. “This once again accentuates the importance and magnitude of the FEI World Championships. We are all united by a passion for horses; For many, the horse is not merely an athlete, but also a friend and often a soulmate,” emphasised Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.

She continued that the Championships are also always used as an opportunity to drive the further development at the Aachen Soers venue – regarding both content-related and infrastructural aspects. Peters cited the permanent integration of para equestrian sports beyond the FEU World Championships, the construction of a new stable complex, the expansion of the Cross-Country Course, improved accessibility and the installation of a photovoltaic system as examples of this. She added in conclusion, “’Welcome Home’ is a promise, but it also reflects our own commitment to providing the best possible stage for top competition sport.”

Dr. Michael Ziemons is convinced this will be the case. The Lord Mayor of Aachen fully identifies with the major events held at the Soers. “We are proud to be the global home of equestrian sport.” Thanks to the CHIO Aachen, his city is accustomed to hosting visitors from all over the world every year. However, this year, he senses the joyful anticipation even more eagerly: “More participants, more nations, more spectators – there is a particularly special buzz in the air.”

A step in the direction of the Olympic Games?

If all parties involved have their way, the FEI World Championships in August will reinforce the region’s bid to host the next major sporting event: “Our country is the global home of equestrian sport, boasting a proven infrastructure and the best existing venues – right here in Aachen. North Rhine-Westphalia is ready for future Olympic and Paralympic Games,” stated Minister-President Wüst, highlighting the aspect of inclusion: “At the FEI World Championships, para sports take place alongside the main events – at the same time and at the same venue – drawing record-breaking crowds.”

And there it is again: the social significance of sport – possibly something nothing else can match. “There is a universal language across the globe and that is sport,” noted Michael Mronz, Managing Director of Aachener Reitturnier GmbH. “In sport, you encounter the athletes first; it is not until later that you actually perceive them as representatives of their countries. It is always about the individual first – only sport can do that.” A concluding sentiment that, without doubt, accurately expresses the State Premier’s feelings, too.

Anyone who wants to experience this special atmosphere up close should secure tickets early. Tickets are available in the online shop, by phone at +49-241-9171111, or directly at the office of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.