National Equipment League Returns for Season Two, Bringing Heavy Equipment Skills to the Spotlight

The National Equipment League is back for its second season, and this year the competition is even fiercer. With the debut of new events, fresh faces and returning champions, the league continues to position heavy equipment operation as a professional sport. Sponsored by HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America, the National Equipment League is an exciting platform showcasing the skills, grit and passion of the construction industry.

The league’s second season introduces a new format with four official events, culminating in the crowning of a new champion. Returning to defend his title is Bryan Furnace, who claimed victory in National Equipment League’s inaugural season. Alongside him are fan-favorites Andrew Camarata and Mike Simon (Dirt Perfect), as well as new competitors Brenna Moore, Chris Guins (LetsDig18), and Brandon Shannon (Dirt, Grain & Steel). From the press release:

“The competition is more fast-paced this season, and we have great rivalries that rise to the surface in each event,” says Bill Elverman, commissioner of the National Equipment League. “This includes the great ongoing rivalry between Mike Simon and Chris Guins, the darkhorse champion Bryan Furnace and the legend Andrew Camarata reminding everyone of how good they are at the controls, and new competitors like Brenna Moore showing us the power of women operators in the industry, and Brandon Shannon matching humor and wit with skill. It’s going to be a great season.”

New Season, New Challenges

Season two kicks off with a bang. It features head-to-head events designed to test competitors’ precision and speed in operating heavy equipment. These competitions aren’t just about moving dirt — they’re about strategy, accuracy and quick thinking. This season’s unique twist is the introduction of local heavy equipment dealer sponsors for each competitor. These partnerships add a personal touch and local pride to the league, with dealers such as National Equipment Dealers, A Montano and Buck & Knobby supporting their hometown heroes. Adding to the excitement, Triple Crown Products has signed on as the official apparel sponsor, and Blue Diamond Attachments continues its promotional support. From the press release:

“It really is a hybrid of auto racing and combat sports — it’s entertaining, it’s fun to watch, and heavy equipment operation translates very well as a sporting event,” says Susan Philpott, marketing manager, HD Hyundai Construction Equipment. “Turning equipment operation into a professional sport and creating this competition is a great way to raise awareness and for people to understand the role that the construction industry plays in the world around us.”

A Look Back at the Inaugural Season

The first season of the National Equipment League was a resounding success, culminating in a championship belt win for Bryan Furnace. A seasoned operator and content creator, Furnace beat out notable names like Mike Simon and Andrew Camarata across four competitive events. The league’s debut season proved that heavy equipment operation can be a compelling spectator sport. Hosted at the HD Hyundai Customer Product Center in Carnesville, Georgia, the competitions were broadcast on Hyundai’s YouTube and Facebook channels, reaching thousands of viewers.

Equipment Competitions Are on the Rise

The National Equipment League isn’t the only competition drawing attention to the skilled trades. Caterpillar’s Global Operator Challenge is one of the most prestigious events in the industry. Held every three years, it brings together operators from around the world to compete in precision tasks using Cat machines. The challenge’s grand finale takes place at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, with operators tackling tasks like trenching, loading and navigating obstacle courses. The most recent winner, Patrick Doheny of Australia, beat out more than 10,000 competitors worldwide.

Caterpillar has also introduced a Global Dealer Technician Challenge, recognizing the critical role technicians play in keeping machines running. This competition highlights diagnostic and problem-solving skills, promoting careers in equipment maintenance.

The NUCA Backhoe Rodeo is another standout event. Held at Dig This Las Vegas, this competition challenges operators to complete tasks like tire stacking, tic-tac-toe and maze navigation. It’s part competition, part celebration of the construction community. JCB equipment played a key role in the rodeo’s success, with several winners praising the smooth controls and responsiveness of their machines.

Why These Competitions Matter

Competitions like the National Equipment League bring much-needed attention to the skilled trades. They showcase the precision, talent and dedication required to operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently. These events also help address the industry’s labor shortage by inspiring the next generation of operators and technicians. By turning construction into a spectator sport, organizations can attract new talent to an industry that is critical to infrastructure and development.

What’s Next for the National Equipment League?

The second season of NEL is already off to a strong start. Check out the video above. With returning champions, new rivalries and support from local dealers, the league is set to make waves in the construction world. Season two episodes will be broadcast on Hyundai’s YouTube and Facebook channels, ensuring that fans across the globe can tune in. And with a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent, the competition promises to be more exciting than ever.

The rise of heavy equipment competitions shows that the industry is evolving. These events highlight the skill and precision required to operate modern machinery, breaking down stereotypes and attracting new talent. For more information on the National Equipment League, visit EquipmentLeague.com or email Commish@EquipmentLeague.com to learn about future events, sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved.

It’s clear: Heavy equipment competitions aren’t just about moving dirt. They’re about moving the industry forward.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

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