Meet the Finalists: Pilots Qualified for the 12th FAI Sailplane Grand Prix World Final

After months of intense racing across stunning landscapes and soaring skies around the globe, the 12th Series of the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix has reached its ultimate moment: the World Final in St-Auban, France, this August.

From the waves of Santa Cilia to the mountains and thermals of Nowy Targ, pilots have pushed their limits to secure a coveted spot in the final showdown. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the official list of 20 qualified pilots who will compete for the title of FAI SGP World Champion, as well as the reserve list of pilots who remain on standby should a position open up.

Official Finalists – 12th Series SGP World Final

Qualified Pilots

GER Stefan Langer
Current SGP World Champion
FRA Maximilian Seis
1st Place SGP Spain
FRA Kévin Faur
2nd Place SGP Spain
GER Conrad Hartter
1st Place SGP Norway
GER Klaus Kalmbach
2nd Place SGP Norway
GER Björn Gintzel
1st Place SGP Germany
GER Steffen Göttler
2nd Place SGP Germany
FRA Didier Hauss
1st Place SGP Italy
ITA Alberto Sironi
2nd Place SGP Italy
GER Mario Kiessling
1st Place SGP Slovenia
GER David Bauder
2nd Place SGP Slovenia
FRA Adrien Henry
1st Place SGP France
FRA Christophe Abadie
2nd Place SGP France
NED Erik Borgmann
1st Place SGP Australia
USA Sean Fidler
1st Place SGP USA
USA Robin Clark
2nd Place SGP USA
BEL Tijl Schmelzer
1st Place SGP Netherlands
NED Peter Millenaar
2nd Place SGP Netherlands
POL Stanisław Biela
1st Place SGP Poland
LIT Gintas Zube
2nd Place SGP Poland

These elite glider pilots have earned their place through grit, performance, and consistency across the international SGP qualifying events. Among them are seasoned competitors, national champions, and rising stars from 10 different countries.


Official Reserve List

In case any of the top 20 are unable to participate, the following reserve pilots may be called to the starting grid in order of their ranking:

Reserve Pilots

UK Jon Gatfield
3rd Place SGP Spain – 42 pts
NED Roelof Corporaal
3rd Place SGP Netherlands – 32 pts
NOR Arne Martin Güettler
3rd Place SGP Norway – 31 pts
GER Patrick Puskeiler
3rd Place SGP Slovenia – 28 pts
POL Sebastian Kawa
3rd Place SGP Poland – 25 pts
UK Tom Arscott
3rd Place SGP Germany – 17 pts
FRA Eric Bernard
3rd Place SGP France – 16 pts
AUS Norman Bloch
2nd Place SGP Australia – 16 pts

Among the reserve list are the 2nd FAI Virtual SGP World Champion Arne Martin Güettler (NOR) who had a tie in points with 2nd place Klaus Kamlbach (GER) in Norway, as well as 5-time FAI SGP World Champion Sebastian Kawa (POL), who narrowly missed automatic qualification in a dramatic finish at the SGP of Poland. The depth of experience on this list means that any substitutions will bring equally fierce competition.

What’s Next?

The World Final in St-Auban, France, will bring together these top pilots in a head-to-head format that emphasizes tactical flying, bold decision-making, and unmatched gliding skill. Only one will emerge as the Serie 12 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix World Champion.

📍 Stay connected as we bring you live race coverage, pilot profiles, behind-the-scenes footage, and more!

🔗 Follow all the updates at sgp.aero and on our social medias!

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The Sailplane Grand Prix of Poland Wraps Up Season 12 Qualifiers