Liebherr has concluded the regional preliminary rounds of its international Game of Cranes competition, which attracted nearly 200 applications from mobile crane operators worldwide. After five intense events in Newport News (USA), Guaratinguetá (Brazil), Adelaide (Australia), Azuqueca de Henares (Spain), and Dammam (Saudi Arabia), five operators secured their place in the grand final to be held in November at Liebherr’s headquarters in Ehingen.
Competitors faced both practical and theoretical challenges designed to test precision, skill, and technical knowledge. Tasks included manoeuvring a crane out of confined spaces during the Remote Drive BTT-E parking challenge, guiding a concrete block through a course while maintaining contact with the ground via a chain, selecting the correct lifting gear, and tackling theory questions on operating manuals, lifting accessories, and physical calculations.“The performances we saw in the qualifiers were impressive. All participants showed how demanding and professional crane operation is today,” said Christoph Behmüller, Head of Training and Education at Liebherr.
The finalists heading to Ehingen are Kirk Smith (Titan Cranes NZ, New Zealand), Joey Fisher (Johnson & Young Cranes, Australia), Scott White (City Lifting, UK), Nick Jackman (Mountain Crane, USA), and Leonardo Navarro (WWN Guindastes, Brazil).
Describing his victory in Brazil, Navarro said he felt “honoured to compete with the best crane operators in the world.” Liebherr managers across the regions praised the competitors’ calmness, precision, and professionalism under pressure.
In November, the five champions will battle for the ultimate title—because in the Game of Cranes, precision is power.
