Caterpillar launches Global Operator Challenge

Nine finalists will participate in the final competition in March 2026 at Caterpillar’s outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during ConExpo in Las Vegas, US. Image: Caterpillar

This will be the third time that the company – which is the world’s largest construction OEM by sales – has held the challenge.

More than 140 Caterpillar dealer competitions were held during the 2022-2023 challenge, which attracted more than 10,000 operators from 32 countries. The company says that 2025-2026 challenge will include more events, countries and operators than previous programs.

“This challenge helps showcase and celebrate the exceptional skills of the expert men and women in this important profession as they forge their legacies of being the best operators in the world,” said Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President, Tony Fassino.

Operators are invited to compete in local challenges facilitated by Cat dealers around the globe during the first round, being held from January-September 2025. The competitions will feature at least three different challenges on at least three separate pieces of equipment.

Scoring is based on the operator’s skills, safety, efficiency and competence in using integrated technology such as payload, grade control and operator ease-of-use features to enhance the machine’s performance.

Winners from local dealer events will advance to regional semifinal competitions towards the end of 2025. Nine finalists will emerge from the regional semifinals and participate in the final competition in March 2026 at Caterpillar’s outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during ConExpo in Las Vegas, US. The winner receives either a US$10,000 cash prize or an equal value trip for two to a location where Caterpillar is based.