The World Championship is ours. The FEI Endurance World Championship 2028 will take place in September in Castiglione del Lago, in the heart of Umbria. The decision by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), taken during the FEI Board Meeting on 1 September, rewards Italy’s successful bid and brings one of the most prestigious events in equestrian sports to our country.
This will be the first time that the Endurance World Championship comes to Umbria, a region that has been at the forefront of the discipline for more than 25 years and that, in 2028, will become its global capital. This achievement is being welcomed with great honour, a deep sense of responsibility and sincere gratitude for the confidence that the FEI has chosen to place in Italy, Umbria and Castiglione del Lago.
Almost a year has passed since the bid dossier was submitted, during which time the Italian candidacy underwent a comprehensive and rigorous selection process. The Organising Committee, comprising sistemaeventi.it Srl and Italia Endurance ASD, together with the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE), presented a strong and ambitious project, ultimately prevailing over five high-profile bids from Qatar, the United States, Spain, Romania and Slovakia.
Building on the success of the Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025, held in Castiglione del Lago, the 2028 project received broad institutional support, further strengthening its national significance. The Italian Government, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), the Umbria Region and the Municipality of Castiglione del Lago recognised the initiative not only as an opportunity to host a major sporting event, but also as an important platform to promote the region and Italy on the international stage.
The bid dossier was supported by letters of endorsement from the Italian Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, Umbria Regional Councillor for Tourism and Sport Simona Meloni, and the Mayor of Castiglione del Lago Matteo Burico. As Minister Abodi highlighted, the World Championship will provide international visibility for Endurance, showcase Made in Italy and local excellence, support the regional economy and strengthen the connection between sport, culture and tourism. This broad alignment brought together Italy’s key institutions around a project capable of showcasing the strength and cohesion of the Italian system on the global stage.
“We believed wholeheartedly in the strength of Castiglione del Lago and in Italy’s ability to offer something truly extraordinary to Endurance. That is why today,” comments Gianluca Laliscia, CEO & Chairman of sistemaeventi.it, “we are not simply celebrating the award of a World Championship. We are celebrating more than twenty-five years of work, passion, expertise and the people who have helped build this story.”
“We are very pleased with the decision by the Fédération Equestre Internationale to award the 2028 FEI Endurance World Championship to the Organising Committee in Castiglione del Lago. This is another success for Italy and for the teamwork we are building with serious and passionate professionals such as the Laliscia family, who have once again demonstrated their outstanding professionalism and proven ability to deliver results,” said Atty. Marco Di Paola, President of the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE). “This achievement rewards Italy’s credibility on the global stage and highlights our outstanding organisational tradition. I am confident that the 2028 Endurance World Championship will be a great success for the entire Italian equestrian community.”
The bond between Castiglione del Lago and equestrian Endurance dates back to the beginning of the century and has remained unbroken ever since. Over more than twenty-five years, the Trasimeno area has hosted some of the discipline’s most prestigious competitions, establishing itself as a leading destination for Endurance well beyond Italy’s borders.
In 2028, Umbria will welcome the world’s leading national teams, along with athletes, horses, coaches, team staff, officials and supporters from across the globe. This major international event will have a significant impact on the region’s hospitality, accommodation and services sectors, while providing Umbria with an exceptional international showcase.
The road to the World Championship will get fully underway as early as September 2027, exactly one year before the main event, with the Castiglione del Lago Test Event. It will serve as the full-scale dress rehearsal for every aspect of the organisation, from the 160-kilometre competition course and operations at the former Eleuteri Airport, the event venue, to logistics, safety and sporting management. At the heart of the entire project will be one absolute priority: ensuring the highest standards of welfare and full protection for both horses and riders.
