the film crew at the Global Operator Challenge
the film crew at the Global Operator Challenge

It All Comes Down To This

The 2026 Global Operator Challenge finals are here at CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. The world’s best operators have pushed through every test, every obstacle, every limit. And now they meet on the biggest stage there is. One arena. Zero room for mistakes. Skill, precision and nerve on full display. This is a moment that defines careers. Don’t miss the showdown everyone will be talking about.

Deutsch   |   English - Europe    |   English - Australia/New Zealand

English - United States & Canada    |    Español   |    Nederlands  |  Português  |   日本語

Watch the Final Showdown Live

The world’s best operators go head-to-head in real time. Tune in to the 2026 Global Operator Challenge finals livestream on March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. PST and see who rises to the moment.
 

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Caterpillar's Global Operator Challenge finals will be livestreamed exclusively in English. Translation services or alternate language streams will not be provided. The finals will air on March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. PST.

Meet the Finalists

From every corner of the globe, these finalists rose above the competition to represent their regions and compete for the ultimate title.
 

Brian Hayden, AmN Regional Winner, holding their trophy
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Brian Hayden

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

Cat Hydraulic Hoses & Couplings
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Brock Leclerc

Company: Quattro Constructors
Dealer: Finning Canada
Location: Canada
 

Andre Nowak
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André Nowak

Company: Nowomak
Dealer: PESA
Location: Brazil
 

Cat Hydraulic Hoses & Couplings
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Norio Miyajima

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

Cat Hydraulic Hoses & Couplings
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Shane Poole

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

Cat Hydraulic Hoses & Couplings
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Tim Lamb

Company: Daracon Group
Dealer: WesTrac NSW
Location: Australia
 

Cat Hydraulic Hoses & Couplings
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Gunter Dewit

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

Cat Hydraulic Hoses & Couplings
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Nicolai Thomsen

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

Cat Hydraulic Hoses & Couplings
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Sebastian Behr

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

Follow the Road to the Finals

The moment is here. Follow along on social for finalist stories, behind-the-scenes moments and all the action unfolding in Las Vegas.

Get Inspired

Hear from the People Behind the Competition

Listen as experts and participants share their stories, experiences and takeaways leading up to the finals.
 

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Dirt Masters — Episode 1 Join Caterpillar experts Jeff Muniz and Jason Hurdis alongside 2025 North America Regional Competitors Josh Blanton and Danny Younghusband. They share stories from the competition and offer tips and tricks for operators looking to sharpen their skills — and maybe one day take on the Global Operator Challenge.

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Dirtmasters — Episode 2 Caterpillar experts Jeff Muniz and Jason Hurdis return with two more operators as the Global Operator Challenge North America Regionals draw closer. Hear how they’re preparing for the big event, get tips to sharpen your own skills, and learn about the special Centennial paint job honoring 100 years of Cat® machines.

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Dirtmasters — Episode 3 Jeff Muniz and Jason Hurdis sit down with operators preparing to forge their legacies in the Global Operator Challenge. Then Jeff takes on a game of bags — with a Cat® backhoe loader. Who comes out on top?

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Global Operator Challenge (GOC) Regionals 2025: What Makes a Good Operator?

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Global Operator Challenge (GOC) Regionals 2025 brought to you by Caterpillar®: The Greatest Job

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Global Operator Challenge (GOC) Regionals 2025 brought to you by Caterpillar®: Moving Dirt Better