World-Class CSI5* Speed Stake Finals at AsiaWorld-Expo
180,000 sq ft Lifestyle Shopping Village Celebrates the Year of the Horse
HONG KONG, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026 concluded in resounding success at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Bringing together the world's top riders and elite horses, the event delivered thrilling international-level competition alongside festive Lunar New Year celebrations, star-studded entertainment and a vibrant lifestyle marketplace. The Show attracted spectators from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas, underscoring Hong Kong's appeal as the premier hub for mega events and AWE's proven capability as a world-class venue for mega events.
One of the event's highlights, the "The AsiaWorld-Expo Speed Stakes - 5* International Showjumping Competition," was staged as one of the grand finales on 1 February. Classified at the highest level by Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the CSI5* event is on par with Olympic-level competition. Riders were challenged to navigate a demanding course featuring obstacles up to 1.5 metres high, where speed, precision and horse-rider harmony were decisive. After an intense contest, Richard Vogel, rider from Germany claimed the championship with an outstanding time of 45.82 seconds, receiving the trophy from Ms Irene Chan, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo.
Equestrian Sport Meets Lunar New Year Festivities
In celebration of the approaching Lunar New Year, AsiaWorld-Expo curated the festive interactive zone, seamlessly blending equestrian sport with traditional cultural elements. A striking flower-themed art installation, festive photo spots and New Year activities created a joyful atmosphere throughout the venue. Visitors could enjoy fortune-drawing, wish-making activities and exclusive Year-of-the-Horse decorations, including limited-edition festive couplets co-created by local artists and AWE Bear. The experience proved especially popular with families, young audiences and international visitors, offering a unique opportunity to experience Hong Kong's New Year traditions alongside world-class sport.
A Lifestyle-Driven, Cross-Generational Spectacle
Breaking away from the traditional sporting event format, this year's Show embraced a sports-meets-entertainment-meets-lifestyle concept to broaden audience appeal. In addition to elite competitions such as the Shetland Pony Grand National and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge, the event introduced the crowd-favourite "Airport Authority Hong Kong presents: Hong Kong Dog Agility Competition", adding a playful and interactive dimension.
The 180,000 sq ft Lifestyle Shopping Village featured over 50 local and international brands, complemented by diverse dining options ranging from light bites to chef-curated menus. Highlights included Dog Fashion Show, Hobby Horse Competition, live DJ performances and, on the final evening, a special live performance by Hong Kong pop star Ian Chan (MIRROR), which brought the atmosphere to an electrifying peak.
Transforming Exhibition Space into a World-Class Indoor Equestrian Arena
Behind the spectacle was a remarkable feat of venue transformation. Leveraging its extensive experience in hosting international sports and entertainment events, AsiaWorld-Expo combined six column-free halls, converting over 360,000 sq ft of event space into a fully FEI-compliant indoor equestrian arena within an exceptionally short timeframe. A dedicated hall was purpose-built to serve as stables accommodating more than 70 international competition horses, with meticulous planning for ventilation, temperature, humidity, sound insulation, and odour control to ensure an optimal environment. The venue also featured two international-standard sand arenas for competition and warm-up, a scale and configuration rarely seen in indoor equestrian events across Asia.
Beyond the competition facilities, AWE elevated the overall spectator journey with all-day entertainment, curated lifestyle offerings, and premium hospitality. VIP Dining Tables and Suites, hosted by AWE's executive chefs, delivered refined dining experiences, redefining the traditional equestrian event as a fully immersive celebration of sport, culture, gastronomy, and entertainment. This integrated approach not only broadened the sport's appeal but also aligned with Hong Kong's Tourism Blueprint 2.0, creating a win-win for equestrian development and experiential tourism.
Download more high-res photos: https://www2.asiaworld-expo.com/2026/PressRelease/LHKIHS.zip
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026 Returns
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The First Time a Game in the Legendary Franchise Comes to Consoles
BELLEVUE, Wash., June 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Critically-acclaimed game development studio ArenaNet® tonight announced Guild Wars 3™, the third entry in the legendary and beloved Guild Wars® MMORPG franchise and their first new game since 2012. The game will release globally on PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, marking the first time a Guild Wars game will appear on home consoles. The first beta test is scheduled for fall of 2027.
The official debut trailer features the first in-engine gameplay footage and can be viewed HERE. The first concept art and other assets are hosted at the Guild Wars 3 official press kit.
"Guild Wars 3 is a new era not just for ArenaNet and Guild Wars, but also for MMORPGs as a whole," said Colin Johanson, Guild Wars 3 Game Director and ArenaNet Studio Head. "The MMORPG genre has millions of players worldwide eager for new, modern experiences, and the opportunity to harness that excitement is immense. Our approach with Guild Wars 3 is to push MMORPGs forward, to create an online game world that feels believable, rewarding, responsive, and innovative while at the same time respecting players' time and providing a positive, supportive space to build community and enjoy new stories in our universe."
Taking place over a thousand years before the events of the original game, Guild Wars 3 is set in the Tyrian region of Orr, a vast wilderness frontier imbued with the world's magic. Nature entities with strong connections to the land called Vael spirits embody the vitality of this lush, verdant landscape. Various guilds are engaged in conflict over how to protect or exploit the bounty beyond civilization's borders. These multitudinous spirits will vary in size and influence within the ecosystems around them, with the most notable of these being the Seeker. As seen in the trailer, every player's Seeker will serve as a connection to the spirits of Orr and a mount that will carry them on their journeys through the game's open world.
Players will assume the role of a Vaelwarden, a member of a guild of adventurers committed to preserving and protecting both the spirits of the wild and the land of Orr itself. Through the deep character customization and skill-building gameplay the Guild Wars franchise is known for, players will seek adventure and confront danger across this sumptuous, vibrant online world, growing their relationships with the spirits of the wild, the inhabitants of Orr, and other Vaelwarden players.
A combat system designed from the outset to feel great on both a controller and keyboard rewards positioning by emphasizing the joy of movement and momentum. As players seamlessly transition between various movement modes, they can harness their speed and turn it into bigger damage and impact when fighting their foes.
More information about pricing, beta tests, release date, and gameplay features will be revealed later in 2026 and into 2027. Guild Wars 3 will be available directly from the developers at GuildWars3.com, and can be wishlisted on Steam and the PlayStation Store beginning today, with more information available at the game's official website.
About the Guild Wars Franchise
Guild Wars is the award-winning, visually stunning MMORPG franchise that originally launched in 2005 on PC. Boasting a timeless art-brought-to-life aesthetic, the epic grandeur of massive role-playing environments, fast-paced action combat, large-scale dynamic events that players tackle together in the open world, team-based competitive player-versus-player battles, and a sprawling fantasy storyline, the series is often proclaimed as having the friendliest player community in gaming. Guild Wars was relaunched as Guild Wars Reforged in 2025 and expanded to mobile devices in 2026. Guild Wars 2® launched in 2012 on PC and quickly earned accolades across the industry, including Time Magazine's 2012 Game of the Year. Unlike most competitors, the franchise has always been playable with no subscription fee required, welcoming over 29 million players across its history.
About ArenaNet
ArenaNet is the developer of the best-selling Guild Wars Reforged and the groundbreaking Guild Wars 2 massively multiplayer online PC role-playing games. The studio's mission is to create innovative online worlds, cultivate a vibrant and engaged global community of players, and to incorporate handcrafted artistry into every aspect of their games. ArenaNet formed in 2000, with press and fans consistently calling Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 two of the best MMOs and RPGs of all time. Based in Bellevue, WA, ArenaNet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korean gaming giant NC.
The First Time a Game in the Legendary Franchise Comes to Consoles
BELLEVUE, Wash., June 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Critically-acclaimed game development studio ArenaNet® tonight announced Guild Wars 3™, the third entry in the legendary and beloved Guild Wars® MMORPG franchise and their first new game since 2012. The game will release globally on PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, marking the first time a Guild Wars game will appear on home consoles. The first beta test is scheduled for fall of 2027.
The official debut trailer features the first in-engine gameplay footage and can be viewed HERE. The first concept art and other assets are hosted at the Guild Wars 3 official press kit.
"Guild Wars 3 is a new era not just for ArenaNet and Guild Wars, but also for MMORPGs as a whole," said Colin Johanson, Guild Wars 3 Game Director and ArenaNet Studio Head. "The MMORPG genre has millions of players worldwide eager for new, modern experiences, and the opportunity to harness that excitement is immense. Our approach with Guild Wars 3 is to push MMORPGs forward, to create an online game world that feels believable, rewarding, responsive, and innovative while at the same time respecting players' time and providing a positive, supportive space to build community and enjoy new stories in our universe."
Taking place over a thousand years before the events of the original game, Guild Wars 3 is set in the Tyrian region of Orr, a vast wilderness frontier imbued with the world's magic. Nature entities with strong connections to the land called Vael spirits embody the vitality of this lush, verdant landscape. Various guilds are engaged in conflict over how to protect or exploit the bounty beyond civilization's borders. These multitudinous spirits will vary in size and influence within the ecosystems around them, with the most notable of these being the Seeker. As seen in the trailer, every player's Seeker will serve as a connection to the spirits of Orr and a mount that will carry them on their journeys through the game's open world.
Players will assume the role of a Vaelwarden, a member of a guild of adventurers committed to preserving and protecting both the spirits of the wild and the land of Orr itself. Through the deep character customization and skill-building gameplay the Guild Wars franchise is known for, players will seek adventure and confront danger across this sumptuous, vibrant online world, growing their relationships with the spirits of the wild, the inhabitants of Orr, and other Vaelwarden players.
A combat system designed from the outset to feel great on both a controller and keyboard rewards positioning by emphasizing the joy of movement and momentum. As players seamlessly transition between various movement modes, they can harness their speed and turn it into bigger damage and impact when fighting their foes.
More information about pricing, beta tests, release date, and gameplay features will be revealed later in 2026 and into 2027. Guild Wars 3 will be available directly from the developers at GuildWars3.com, and can be wishlisted on Steam and the PlayStation Store beginning today, with more information available at the game's official website.
About the Guild Wars Franchise
Guild Wars is the award-winning, visually stunning MMORPG franchise that originally launched in 2005 on PC. Boasting a timeless art-brought-to-life aesthetic, the epic grandeur of massive role-playing environments, fast-paced action combat, large-scale dynamic events that players tackle together in the open world, team-based competitive player-versus-player battles, and a sprawling fantasy storyline, the series is often proclaimed as having the friendliest player community in gaming. Guild Wars was relaunched as Guild Wars Reforged in 2025 and expanded to mobile devices in 2026. Guild Wars 2® launched in 2012 on PC and quickly earned accolades across the industry, including Time Magazine's 2012 Game of the Year. Unlike most competitors, the franchise has always been playable with no subscription fee required, welcoming over 29 million players across its history.
About ArenaNet
ArenaNet is the developer of the best-selling Guild Wars Reforged and the groundbreaking Guild Wars 2 massively multiplayer online PC role-playing games. The studio's mission is to create innovative online worlds, cultivate a vibrant and engaged global community of players, and to incorporate handcrafted artistry into every aspect of their games. ArenaNet formed in 2000, with press and fans consistently calling Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 two of the best MMOs and RPGs of all time. Based in Bellevue, WA, ArenaNet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korean gaming giant NC.
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Guild Wars 3, Modern Evolution of the MMORPG, Announced at Summer Game Fest for PC and PlayStation 5
