Berenike Nordmann
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
Dr.-Hans-Liebherr-Straße 1
89584 Ehingen
Germany
89584 Ehingen
Germany
+49 7391 502-0
Listicles | 19/12/2025
Game of Cranes: Interview with the champion from City Lifting
Scott White, newly crowned world champion mobile crane operator, and Trevor Jepson, managing director of City Lifting, talk about the road to victory, the challenges of the competition, and why precision, responsibility, and passion are essential not only in crane operation but in the entire industry.
Everything under control: Scott White at the Game of Cranes at the Liebherr site in Ehingen.
Scott, how does it feel to be named the world’s best mobile crane operator?
Scott White: Es ist ein unglaubliches Gefühl – ein persönlicher Meilenstein. Nach über 20 Jahren in der Branche ist das die Krönung meiner Karriere. Dieser Wettbewerb macht sichtbar, wie anspruchsvoll unser Beruf ist.
Trevor Jepson: Wir hatten großes Vertrauen in Scott – und er hat geliefert! Trotzdem war es auch für uns Zuschauer nervenaufreibend. Ein Fehler hätte alles gekostet. Aber Scott blieb ruhig. Viele unserer Kunden haben schon lange gesagt: „Er ist der Beste.“ Jetzt haben wir den Beweis.
The City Lifting team at the award ceremony: Steve Goodey (left) convinced his colleague Scott White (centre) to apply for Game of Cranes. Their boss Trevor Jepson (right) and Scott’s wife Lucy (centre) supported him from the very beginning.
What does this title mean for you personally and for your future? And what does it mean for City Lifting?
Scott White: It’s a highlight of my career. Maybe it opens doors to share my knowledge with the next generation. Young or new drivers need mentors – and I want to take on that role.
Trevor Jepson: For City Lifting, this award sends a strong message: We invest in training and quality. We don’t just move cranes – we develop talent. For us, the crane operator is the best ambassador for the company, and Scott’s success shows we train and support top people.
Scott White at Station 2, where he had to maneuver a container together with a spreader.
How did you prepare for the competition?
Scott White: It was mainly a mental challenge. At first, I didn’t know what to expect – that added extra pressure. During the competition, you have everyone’s full attention; every move is watched. To calm my nerves, I brought my wife along – the best decision ever. Technically, I focused on the essentials of our job: safety. I re-read the Liebherr manuals and absorbed every detail. Beyond that, I relied on my experience and on staying calm and working precisely in every situation.
At the award ceremony: Christoph Kleiner (Managing Director of Sales at Liebherr in Ehingen, right) congratulates Scott White (left) on winning first place.
Success at Game of Cranes is one thing – but which values are crucial for success in the industry?
Scott White: 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. We carry the greatest responsibility: for ourselves, our colleagues, and everyone who relies on our work. Safety is paramount. Competitions like Game of Cranes show how much skill and concentration are involved. We’re highly trained professionals who don’t just lift loads – we make decisions every day that determine the success of entire projects.
Trevor Jepson: People outside the industry often think the job is easy: you sit in the cab and lift things. But it takes patience, technical understanding, and the right mindset. I taught Scott the basics back in the day – now he’s much better than me.
Trevor Jepson, managing director of City Lifting, supported Scott White from day one.
What advice would you give to young crane operators inspired by your success?
Scott White: Start your career with a company that invests in training and values the next generation. A strong company culture that feels like family is a key factor for success. That’s where you’ll get not only the knowledge but also the values that will carry you forward.
Trevor Jepson: And practically: don’t be afraid to ask questions. Mistakes often come from uncertainty – asking is better than guessing. At City Lifting, we make the effort to find answers – whether internally or with partners like Liebherr. In the end, one thing matters: safety and quality.
Scott, you’ve been invited to defend your title in 2027. How do you feel about that?
Scott White: I’m nervous and excited at the same time! After all, defending a title is a big challenge. Maybe I’ll even volunteer as a tester [laughs] – who better to assess the finalists than someone with 23 years of experience?
Trevor Jepson: We’re proud of Scott and our team. It shows that with passion, solid training, and teamwork, we can achieve great things. And of course, we’ll support Scott again in two years. For us, Game of Cranes is an opportunity to keep moving the industry forward. And for that, we would also like to thank our partner Liebherr.
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