Fabian Riesterer looks back on the World Cup after winning the SGL Winning Grounds Challenge
When the final whistle of the World Cup was blown, Fabian Riesterer had two reasons to celebrate. Not only did he see his prediction come true with Spain lifting the trophy, but he also finished first in the SGL World Cup Winning Grounds Challenge, securing the top prize: a ticket to the SGL Masterclass 2027.
As Head Groundsman at VfB Stuttgart, Fabian followed the tournament with a unique perspective. While many fans focused on the football, he also paid close attention to the pitches, the preparation behind them and the challenges faced by grounds teams around the world.
Watching the World Cup through a groundsman’s eyes
Although Fabian followed the football closely, his professional background meant he was naturally drawn to the playing surfaces.
“I think I watched both,” he explains. “Of course, you follow the football, but as a groundsman you are always watching the pitches and are interested in everything happening around pitch maintenance.”
Having previously worked on a major tournament during UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany, Fabian understands the pressure on grounds teams to deliver consistent quality.
“The biggest challenge is always the time gaps. During the Euros, we had many matchday minus one training sessions, so there was very little time and very few breaks. The challenge is to deliver a good pitch every three or four days.”
Impressed by consistency across World Cup venues
One of Fabian’s biggest takeaways from the tournament was the quality and consistency of the pitches.
“Every pitch looked like they tried their best to deliver the highest quality. The uniformity really stood out.”
The tournament also highlighted the challenges of different stadium environments. Fabian was particularly impressed by the indoor venues in the United States.
“In Germany, especially in the south, we don’t have much experience with warm-season grasses because we have hot summers but also cold winters. The indoor stadiums like Dallas or Houston stood out to me. Producing really good pitches in those conditions for a long time is a huge challenge, and they did very well.”
Data helping grounds teams make better decisions
The use of pitch performance testing during the World Cup also caught Fabian’s attention. With fLEX measurements providing objective insights into pitch performance, he sees data as an important addition to the expertise of grounds teams.
“It is one brick in building good pitch performance. It is one opinion and one tool that helps us.”
At VfB Stuttgart, measurements already play an important role in preparation and communication.
“We test before every matchday and send a report. It helps us understand what is happening on the pitch, especially when communicating with coaching staff and players.”
Because every player experiences a pitch differently, having measurable data provides valuable support.
“Every player feels the pitch differently. Some players think it is too hard, while others prefer something else. Having clear measurements helps us make better decisions.”
Looking forward to the SGL Masterclass 2027
For Fabian, the biggest value of the SGL Masterclass goes beyond visiting impressive venues. It is about bringing the global grounds management community together.
“I’m happy to be one of the first who can join the Masterclass. It is special because you have people coming from around the world. Greenkeeping is at such a high level, but it is still like a small family.”
“Everyone knows each other and everyone is willing to help. Everybody can learn from each other. That is the spirit of the Masterclass: bringing the family back together.”
Celebrating the people behind the pitches
Fabian’s success in the SGL World Cup Winning Grounds Challenge reflects his passion for both football and pitch management. But his biggest appreciation remains for the people who make world-class pitches possible.
Fabian’s unique perspective as both a football fan and a professional groundsman allowed him to see the World Cup beyond the matches, appreciating the expertise and dedication behind every pitch.
