Australia’s Joey Fisher has finished second in the international Game of Cranes, a global competition run by Liebherr to find the world’s best mobile crane operator.
The final was held at Liebherr’s Ehingen plant in Germany at the end of November, bringing together the top operators from five regions: North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa/Middle East/Asia.
Competitors faced five tough practical and theoretical tasks over two days. They calculated load capacities and wind loads, configured cranes, carried out rigging work and manoeuvred loads through tight obstacle courses. One of the final challenges – known as the “hot wire” – required operators to guide a slewing ring over a pipe frame using two hooks without making contact.
Michaela Gogeißl, Sales Manager Customer Training, said the stages tested precision and concentration. “At the next stages, the finalists calculated the wind load on a steel plate and lifted it over an obstacle using a single hook before pouring a bottle precisely into a beer glass using two hooks,” she said.
In a close finish, Britain’s Scott White from City Lifting secured first place with 898 points. “It was a fantastic competition and great fun – I’m over the moon that I did it! The S-course was the biggest challenge, the hot wire was the best station,” Scott said.
Australia’s Joey Fisher takes second
Australia’s representative, Joey Fisher from Johnson and Young Cranes, placed second with 861 points. Joey said he was thrilled with the result. “It was incredible, just amazing! I was here with my wife Nicole and, to be honest, I was pretty nervous – there were so many people watching,” he said.
Speaking after the event, Joey described the conditions as intense and the testing as demanding. He said, “It was slow and steady work in freezing conditions, but coming second by only a few points feels unreal. I wasn’t even planning to enter. I was nominated, so I’m very happy.”
Joey also received a silver trophy, official certificates, personalised Liebherr uniform items, limited-edition finalist gear, a model crane, a €1250 voucher for the Liebherr shop, and a fully paid trip to Germany for the five-day event, which included tours and training on new electric and hybrid cranes.
Other placings
New Zealand’s Kirk Smith from Titan Cranes placed third with 811 points. “It was a very challenging competition – and a great experience! The sportsmanship of my fellow competitors was incredible, but I still had a few sleepless nights,” Kirk said.
Fourth place went to American competitor Nick Jackman from Mountain Crane Service. “It was a great competition – very well thought out and perfectly organised. Today is not only the final of the Game of Cranes, but also Thanksgiving – and the Liebherr plant in Ehingen is the best place to celebrate,” Nick said.
Brazil’s Leonardo Navarro finished fifth and said every task required deep knowledge and skill.
Liebherr received about 200 applications from around the world. Christoph Behmüller, Head of Training and Development at Liebherr in Ehingen, said the finalists performed at a very high level. “The performances we saw in the final were impressive. All participants demonstrated how demanding and professional crane operation is today,” he said.