Crane Hub Interview: The Vision Behind Liebherr’s Game of Cranes

Michaela Gogeißl, Liebherr Customer Training

30-Second Takeaway

At Bauma, Crane Hub sat down with Michaela Gogeißl from Liebherr Customer Training to discuss the idea behind the Game of Cranes. From elevating the profession of crane operators to encouraging greater diversity in the industry, Gogeißl explains how the competition was designed to celebrate skill, responsibility, and technical excellence on a global stage.

During Bauma, Crane Hub spoke with Michaela Gogeißl, part of the Liebherr Customer Training team and one of the key figures behind the international Game of Cranes competition. What began as a bold idea has since evolved into a global showcase for the professionalism, skill, and responsibility required of modern mobile crane operators.

Elevating the Crane Operator Profession

When asked what first inspired the initiative, Gogeißl pointed to Liebherr’s long-standing training programmes.

“We have offered the Liebherr Mobile Crane Operator course to our customers in Germany for years,” she explained. “Based on our experiences, we know that there are great crane operators out there. Unfortunately, the profession is not particularly popular. We want to change that with this competition.”

For Gogeißl, the motivation was clear: crane operators are essential to global infrastructure, yet their role is often underappreciated.

“Crane operators are an essential part of our global infrastructure and are therefore very important for all areas,” she added.

Designing a Truly Global Challenge

Turning the concept into reality came with its own challenges, particularly given the competition’s international scope.

“Since this is an international event, we first had to clarify at which locations we would like to and could hold the regional preliminary rounds,” Gogeißl explained. “In addition, different levels of technology are used in the various regions.”

To ensure fairness, the team had to design tasks that could be completed by operators worldwide, regardless of local equipment variations.

“Therefore, the tasks must be designed in such a way that they are feasible for all participants worldwide.”

Changing Perceptions and Opening Doors

One of the most meaningful impacts of the Game of Cranes, Gogeißl believes, is its potential to reshape how the profession is viewed including who sees themselves represented in it.

“The crane operator industry is still very male-dominated,” she said. “However, due to the improvement of our technology, working with cranes has also become more attractive for women.”

She pointed to real progress already taking place within Liebherr’s training programmes.

“In recent years, we have already welcomed women to the mobile crane operator course in Ehingen. All of them did an excellent job and passed the exam to become crane operators with distinction.”

Gogeißl hopes the competition will encourage even more women to step forward.

“We look forward to many registrations also of female crane operators to our competition and hope that in the coming months and years, many more crane operators male and female will dare to take the step onto the crane.”

Balancing Entertainment and Technical Rigor

Creating a competition that is both engaging and technically demanding required careful thought.

“Our team consists of long-standing employees in the field of training, construction and product management,” Gogeißl explained. “Through the experience of all project participants, we have generated a varied portfolio of tasks, always with a focus on safe crane operation.”

That balance between spectacle and substance has been central to the Game of Cranes’ credibility.

A Message to Women in the Industry

As a woman leading innovation in a traditionally male-dominated field, Gogeißl offered a clear message to others considering similar paths.

“I believe that every woman in the world should have the same opportunities as men,” she said. “No matter what dream you pursue, you should realize it for yourself and never lose faith in yourself.”

Her advice is grounded in experience.

“Men respect women in the industry, and there is nothing to be afraid of.”

Crane Hub Perspective

The Game of Cranes is more than a competition, it is a statement about the skill, responsibility, and professionalism behind mobile crane operation. Through leaders like Michaela Gogeißl, Liebherr has turned training expertise into a global platform that celebrates operators as the critical professionals they are.

Crane Hub will continue to follow the Game of Cranes and the people shaping its future, on the competition floor and beyond.