2 minutes - magazine 01 | 2026
Game of Cranes:
passion at the grand finale in Ehingen
After five spectacular preliminary rounds in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the world’s elite mobile crane operators gathered for the grand finale of the Game of Cranes – right where mobile cranes are built: at the Liebherr plant in Ehingen.
This international contest combines technical skills, precision, and passion, showcasing just how demanding and versatile the crane operator’s profession truly is. When Liebherr opened its doors for the big finale at the end of November, the Ehingen plant became the stage for a thrilling competition at the highest level. The five finalists, who had previously prevailed against strong competitors in regional rounds, delivered an impressive display of skill.
Five finalists – five challenges
The finalists calculated load capacities, configured cranes, and transported loads – all under the watchful eyes of a strict jury. They rotated from stage to stage: in the training centre, the task was to correctly rig various loads such as concrete buckets and blocks to an overhead crane. Outside, on the yard, a container filled with pylons and a pyramid of cups had to be safely maneuvered around an obstacle.
The other challenges were equally demanding: contestants calculated wind loads on a steel plate, lifted it over an obstacle in single-hook mode, and demonstrated finesse by pouring a bottle into a beer glass using two hooks. Things got especially exciting on the S-course, where a 5-tonne load had to be maneuvered – lifting, luffing, and slewing simultaneously without touching anything! In the “Hot Wire” challenge, a slewing ring had to be guided through a pipe structure in two-hook mode without making contact. Nerves of steel were essential!
Scott White (City Lifting) and Christoph Kleiner (Sales Managing Director at Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH)
And the winner is…
Around 200 applications from all over the world were submitted to Liebherr – and the finale proved: crane operation is true Champions League! After two days full of action and team spirit, the winner was crowned: Scott White from City Lifting in the UK claimed the title “World Crane Champion” with 898 points!
This article was published in the UpLoad magazine 01 | 2026.
