Global Operator Challenge: Step into Greatness

Global Operator Champion, Brian Hayden holding his trophy

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Meet your Global Operator Challenge Champion

Brian Hayden from United States of America proved himself the best of the best after taking on three demanding challenges and eight other finalists at Caterpillar's Global Operator Challenge, held at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026. Each test pushed finalists to their limits, demanding technical mastery and total control. In the end, our winner delivered when it mattered most.

the Global Operation Champion; Brian Hayden

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It's a great honor and accomplishment to be recognized for what I've been doing my whole life.

Brian Hayden

Hailing from Wells, Maine, Brian Hayden built his skills as an operator on the job, growing up in his family business and honing his prowess for the global stage with the support of Milton Cat. Powering through local qualifiers and semi-finals, he brings his passion and acument to Operator Stadium. Winning not one but two individual challenges, Brian certainly proved he's worthy of the title Global Operator Challenge Champion.

Celebrating Our Team Champions

From precision to teamwork, these operators prove what’s possible when skill meets collaboration. Team Europe rose above the competition to claim victory.

Team Europe:
Sebastian Behr - Germany
Nicolai Thomsen - Denmark
Gunter Dewit - Belgium

Event Winners

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Ace of Loaders Challenge Winner: Gunter Dewit - Belgium

Operators test speed and control by loading a truck, switching to forks, transporting and placing a pipe. Smooth tool transitions win the run.

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Street Gambler Challenge Winner: Brian Hayden - United States

This urban-inspired challenge showcases the finesse and power of excavator operators as they tackle a series of precision tasks.

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Centennial Push Challenge Winner: Brian Hayden - United States

This dozer challenge combines tire pushing, fine grading and pipe placement to honor a century of earthmoving. Blade control and precision will win.

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panaromic photo of the Global Operator Challenge event

Meet the Operators

These operators represented the best from their regions, competing at the highest level. Together, they made the Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge an unforgettable showcase of skill.

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Brian Hayden

Company: Hayden Excavating
Dealer: Milton Cat
Location: United States of America

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Brock Leclerc

Company: Quattro Constructors
Dealer: Finning Canada
Location: Canada

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André Nowak

Company: Nowomak
Dealer: PESA
Location: Brazil

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Norio Miyajima

Company: Tanaka Sangyo (TSK)
Dealer: NCD Japan
Location: Japan

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Shane Poole

Company: Diamond Excavators
Dealer: Hastings Deering Australia
Location: Australia

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Tim Lamb

Company: Daracon Group
Dealer: WesTrac NSW
Location: Australia

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Gunter Dewit

Company: Grondwerken JP Dewit En Zoon
Dealer: Bergerat Monnoyeur
Location: Belgium

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Nicolai Thomsen

Company: Anlægsgartner Mikael Thomsen
Dealer: Zeppelin Denmark
Location: Denmark

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Sebastian Behr

Company: Reuen Tief- und Straßenbau GmbH
Dealer: Zeppelin GmbH
Location: Germany

Get Inspired

Relive the action from every stage of the journey

Experience the highlights and hard work that took the competitors to the finals of the Global Operator Challenge.

Cat excavator digging trech using grade technology

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Cat excavator digging trench using grade technology.

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Cat 950 wheel loader navigating through obstacle course.

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Cat 420 XE wheel loader picking up target payload.

Sky view of a challenge course with various machines scattered across the competition area

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A skyview of the Global Operator Challenge Finals at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. The framework for an event's obstacle course is set up and machines used in the events are scattered across the area.

Person with clipboard gesturing to group of people

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Each event is scored based on situation-specific penalties and overall time. Here, someone is talking through challenge scenarios to explain the goal of each event to competitors.