Caterpillar’s Global Operator Challenge Is Back. Let’s Reminisce About that Time We Kind of Competed.
There are a lot of cool equipment skills events out there these days — like that National Equipment League and that recent NUCA backhoe rodeo. More evidence: On the horizon I see Caterpillar‘s Global Operator Challenge. This worldwide competition is back for its third iteration, and it is a massive event. Just look at this crazy stadium, filled with dirt hauled into Vegas, that Cat built for the finals at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Cat’s Global Operator Challenge does two things really well. It brings together and tests the skills of the industry’s top machine operators, and it highlights the importance of operators in construction. It’s also a great venue to showcase integrated technology. So, maybe it does three things really well. From the press release:
“For nearly 100 years, our customers have been pushing the limits with our machines,” said Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President Tony Fassino. “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.”
Cat seems super focused on operator challenges lately. I visited Caterpillar’s first Women in Construction Celebration in March in Clayton, North Carolina, which included a skills challenge. Additionally, Caterpillar recently launched its first-ever Global Dealer Technician Challenge, showcasing the expertise of those who keep equipment running. All these events reflect Cat’s continued commitment to celebrating talent and driving awareness in construction careers, which is pretty cool.
The Global Operator Challenge Returns
The Global Operator Challenge, first launched in 2019, has become a premier event in the construction industry. Operators from around the globe compete in skill-based events using Cat machinery equipped with advanced technology. The 2025-2026 challenge will feature local competitions hosted by Cat dealers, regional semifinals and a final event during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas in March 2026. We’ll be there! During the 2022-2023 challenge, more than 10,000 operators participated, with Patrick Doheny of Australia emerging as the champion. Tasks included trenching with excavators, loading precise amounts of material and navigating obstacle courses. Judging focused on time, safety, precision, efficiency and the use of Cat technologies like Grade and Payload systems. The upcoming event promises even greater participation and new challenges.
The competitions will feature at least three different challenges on at least three separate pieces of equipment. Winners from local dealer events will advance to regional semifinal competitions during the fall 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-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. The winner receives either a $10,000 cash prize or an equal value trip for two where Caterpillar has a location worldwide.
A Look Back at the First Global Operator Challenge
In 2019, I attended the Western Dealer Regional Finals in North Carolina. It was fun to watch this competition on a regional level without the big backdrop of CONEXPO. At one point Greg Worley, global mini excavators marketing professional at Cat, offered me an opportunity to perform the mini excavator skills test (photo above). He was not impressed with my time. In this upcoming competition, much better operators than I will compete in precision tasks using a range of machines, including dozers, wheel loaders and hopefully mini excavators. For me, that first competition also provided insight into how advanced technology is reshaping the role of machine operators. Integrated systems like Cat Grade Assist and Payload technology enable operators to achieve higher efficiency and precision, underscoring the value of skillful operation in modern construction.
Introducing the Global Dealer Technician Challenge
Caterpillar’s first Global Dealer Technician Challenge highlights the essential role of dealer technicians in maintaining and repairing equipment. This competition, running alongside the Operator Challenge, emphasizes the technical expertise required to keep Cat machinery operating smoothly. Technicians will compete in skills-based tasks that test problem-solving, mechanical aptitude and familiarity with advanced diagnostic tools. The top 10 technicians will advance to the finals at CONEXPO-CON/AGG in 2026.
The competition also addresses the growing demand for skilled technicians. Cat dealers globally will need to hire more than 44,000 technicians by 2026. By spotlighting this career path, Caterpillar aims to attract new talent to the high-tech and high-impact field of equipment maintenance.
Why Competitions Matter and Are Just Cool
Caterpillar’s challenges bring much-needed attention to the skilled trades that power the construction industry. Machine operators and technicians play critical roles in ensuring projects are completed efficiently and safely. By celebrating these professionals, Caterpillar not only honors their contributions but also inspires the next generation to consider careers in construction and equipment maintenance.
Join the Action
Whether you’re an operator eager to prove your skills or a technician interested in showcasing your expertise, Cat’s challenges offer unique opportunities to compete and grow. Follow the journey at cat.com/operatorchallenge and cat.com/dealertech for updates, rules and insights into the competitions. Mark your calendars for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas, where the finals for both challenges will take center stage. The Compact Equipment crew will be there.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
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