Game of Cranes Finalists Confirmed Ahead of Global Final in Ehingen

30-Second Takeaway

Liebherr has confirmed the five finalists of its international Game of Cranes competition following regional preliminary rounds held across five global regions. The finalists will now travel to Ehingen, Germany, in November to compete for the title of the world’s best mobile crane operator.

Following months of competition and regional qualification rounds, Liebherr has confirmed the finalists of its international Game of Cranes, setting the stage for the global final in November at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Ehingen, Germany.

In September, Liebherr hosted regional preliminary rounds across five global regions, bringing together the highest-performing mobile crane operators from an initial pool of nearly 200 applicants worldwide.

From Global Applications to Regional Finals

Approximately 200 mobile crane operators from Liebherr customer companies around the world applied to take part in the Game of Cranes. Following public voting and expert evaluation.

25 operators advanced to the regional preliminary rounds, held in:

• Newport News, USA

• Guaratinguetá, Brazil

• Adelaide, Australia

• Azuqueca de Henares, Spain

• Dammam, Saudi Arabia

At each location, operators were assessed across three disciplines: two practical challenges and one theoretical evaluation.

Testing Precision, Skill, and Technical Understanding

The preliminary rounds were designed to reflect the real-world demands of mobile crane operation, with exercises focusing on precision, safety, and technical competence.

Practical challenges included:

• A Remote Drive BTT-E parking challenge, requiring operators to manoeuvre a crane safely and accurately out of a confined space

• A precision task involving guiding a concrete block through a defined course, while keeping a chain in continuous contact with the ground without the load itself touching

Participants were also tested on their ability to select appropriate lifting gear for the task.

The theoretical discipline assessed:

• Use of the operating manual

• Selection of correct lifting accessories

• Calculation of physical forces relevant to lifting operations

“The performances we saw in the qualifiers were impressive,” said Christoph Behmüller, Head of Training and Education at Liebherr in Ehingen.

“All participants showed how demanding and professional crane operation is today.”

Five Operators Advance to the Global Final

The winners of each regional preliminary round have now qualified for the Game of Cranes global final, to be held in November 2025 in Ehingen.

The finalists are:

• Africa, Middle East & Asia:Kirk Smith, Titan Cranes NZ (New Zealand)

• Australia:Joey Fisher, Johnson & Young Cranes (Australia)

• Europe:Scott White, City Lifting (United Kingdom)

• North America:Nick Jackman, Mountain Crane (United States)

• South America:Leonardo Navarro, WWN Guindastes (Brazil)

Regional Winners Reflect on the Competition

“The competition was fierce,” said René Porto, Divisional Manager of the Mobile Cranes Division at Liebherr Brazil.

“All the operators present were highly competent and demonstrated their skills with mastery.”

Brazilian finalist Leonardo Navarro added:

“I feel honoured to go to Germany to compete with the best crane operators in the world.”

Porto continued:

“Without a doubt, Leonardo deserves first place. His crane operation skills were outstanding.”

Excellence Under Pressure

Reflecting on the Africa, Middle East and Asia preliminary round, Kirk Smith of Titan Cranes

NZ praised the organisation and intensity of the competition:

“What an incredible experience the Dammam preliminary round was. The professionalism from the entire Liebherr Saudi Arabia team was exceptional. The Game of Cranes was a thrilling mix of nerves and excitement that kept me sharp, despite the jet lag. I’m thrilled to have won this round and look forward to the next challenge.”

Marius Kleck, Regional Sales Manager Middle East & Central Africa at Liebherr, highlighted the technical quality on display:

“The competition showed how much skill and precision go into every single move. It was impressive to see how calmly and focused the participants performed, even under pressure.”

Looking Ahead to Ehingen

The five finalists will now meet in Ehingen, Germany, where they will compete head-to-head in the Game of Cranes global final. The winner will earn international recognition as the world’s best mobile crane operator, reinforcing the profession’s importance in modern lifting operations.

Crane Hub Perspective

Crane Hub Global will continue to monitor the Game of Cranes as it builds toward the final in Ehingen. The competition continues to highlight the professionalism, responsibility, and technical expertise required of mobile crane operators and the growing emphasis the industry places on skill, safety, and precision.