Game of Cranes: Scott White Crowned World Champion Mobile Crane Operator

30-Second Takeaway

Scott White of City Lifting has been crowned the world’s best mobile crane operator after winning Liebherr’s international Game of Cranes final in Ehingen, Germany. The competition tested operators from five global regions across demanding practical and technical disciplines focused on precision, safety, and responsibility.

Scott White, representing City Lifting (UK), has been named the World Champion mobile crane operator following the conclusion of Liebherr’s international Game of Cranes final, held at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Ehingen, Germany.

The final brought together the top five mobile crane operators from North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa / Middle East / Asia, each having progressed through regional preliminary rounds earlier in the year.

Encouraged from the Start

White’s journey to the Game of Cranes final wasn’t accidental. Within City Lifting, colleagues actively encouraged him to apply including Steve Goodey, who convinced White to enter the competition.

From the outset, the City Lifting team including White’s wife Lucy, who accompanied him to Ehingen provided full support throughout the process.

That backing proved crucial as the pressure intensified.

Preparing for the Pressure

Preparation for the Game of Cranes was less about practising tricks and more about mindset.

“The biggest challenge was mental,” White explained.“At the start, you don’t know exactly what to expect, and every move is watched.”

To manage the pressure, White made a deliberate choice.

“I brought my wife with me. That was the best decision I could have made.”

Technically, his approach was simple and telling.

“I focused on the fundamentals: safety. I went back through the Liebherr manuals in detail. Beyond that, it came down to experience, staying calm, and being precise every single time.”

Inside the Competition: Precision Under Scrutiny

The Game of Cranes final tested operators across multiple practical and theoretical stations, including:

• Manoeuvring a container with a spreader through obstacles

• Rigging and attaching loads such as concrete buckets and blocks

• Navigating precision courses designed to punish over-correction

• Maintaining full control under constant observation

Every task demanded concentration, technical understanding, and flawless execution.

Five Disciplines, Global Pressure

Over two days of competition, the finalists faced five demanding practical and theoretical challenges designed to test real-world crane operation skills under pressure.

Tasks included calculating load capacities and rigging configurations, configuring cranes for specific lifts, and transporting loads with extreme precision. Operators were required to manoeuvre containers and suspended loads through tight obstacle courses, attach loads such as concrete buckets and blocks, and maintain precise control throughout complex movements.

Additional challenges tested advanced coordination, including guiding a 5-tonne load through an S-shaped course using simultaneous lifting, luffing, and slewing movements, as well as completing the highly technical “hot wire” task, which required guiding a slewing ring over pipe structures using two hooks without contact.

“The Pinnacle of My Career”

White described the title as a defining moment after more than two decades in the industry.

“It’s an incredible feeling – a personal milestone. After more than 20 years in the industry, this is the pinnacle of my career. This competition shows how demanding and professional crane operation really is.”

City Lifting Managing Director Trevor Jepson said the result reflected long-standing confidence in White’s abilities.

“We had complete confidence in Scott. Watching was nerve-racking because one mistake could have changed everything, but he stayed calm. Many of our customers have said for years that he’s the best, now we have the proof.”

Precision and Responsibility at the Core

White emphasised that success in the competition mirrors the demands of daily crane operations.

“Precision and responsibility are the two pillars of our profession. If they’re not your top priorities, you won’t get home safely. Every move matters because what we do today affects tomorrow.”

Jepson added that crane operation is often misunderstood outside the industry.

“People think the job is easy you sit in the cab and lift things. In reality, it takes patience, technical understanding, and the right mindset.”

Supporting the Next Generation

Beyond the title, White sees the win as an opportunity to support the future of the profession.

“Young and newly qualified operators need mentors. Passing on knowledge and setting standards is important for the future of the industry.”

Jepson said City Lifting’s investment in training was central to the company’s culture.

“We don’t just move cranes we develop people. The crane operator is the strongest ambassador a company can have.”

Looking Ahead

White has been invited to return to defend his title at the next Game of Cranes in 2027, where another global field of operators will compete for the championship.

“Defending a title is a big challenge, but it’s something to look forward to,” White said.

Crane Hub Perspective

Scott White’s victory highlights the technical expertise, responsibility, and professionalism required in modern mobile crane operations. Liebherr’s Game of Cranes continues to raise the profile of crane operators worldwide, reinforcing the importance of training, safety, and precision across the lifting industry.

Crane Hub will continue to monitor the Game of Cranes and its impact on the global crane sector.