The Cat Global Operator Challenge (GOC) is back in 2025. This event is run by Caterpillar® and Cat dealers in every country. GOC is a global competition designed to find out who is the best equipment operator in the world.
GOC is more than an event; it’s where legends are born. This is the ultimate test of skill, control and determination for a chance to prove you have what it takes to stand above the rest. Those who come out on top will cement their place in history and inspire the next generation to keep pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve.
The ultimate prize is becoming the GOC champion and being declared the "World's Best Operator"; a glory that was bestowed on Patrick Doheny from Melbourne back in 2023 after he took home the trophy at the Grand Final, which took place in an arena at ConExpo Las Vegas.
In addition to this, Patrick was awarded a trip for two anywhere in the world where there was a Cat dealership.
This time around - the Grand Prize is US$10,000 cash (or an equal value trip for two anywhere in the world where there is a Cat dealership).
The top three winners of the Asia Pacific Regional GOC Semi-Final will each be awarded a trip to Las Vegas in 2026. This prize consists of:
The winner of each state final will be awarded a trip to the Asia Pacific Regional GOC Semi-Final in Japan in November 2025. This prize consists of:
WesTrac will run local qualifying heats in the lead up to the state final. To gain entry into a heat, operators will need to register to compete and then pass a screening process in order to receive a personal invite from WesTrac. Registering to compete does not automatically gain you entry into a heat.
The screening process typically involves a phone call interview that relates to your experience as an operator and what equipment types you are proficient using.
It is expected that only 50% of registered competitors will make it through the screening process.
If you are lucky enough to receive an invitation to attend a heat event in either state, you will need to be available during business hours on one of the days above. A working week has been allocated in each state to provide a buffer in the case of wet weather.
If you are not a business owner, please ensure you have permission from your workplace to attend a heat during this week. We advise seeking permission from your workplace before you register to compete.
WesTrac will run a local final event, in each state, in the lead up to the Asia Pacific Regional Final in Japan. The winner of the state final will be crowned the "Best Operator" in that state and will receive an "all expenses paid" trip to the APAC Final for two people.
It is expected WesTrac will invite 10-12 competitors to compete in the state final.
To enter the state final, operators will need to have successfully made it through a heat event, placed high in that event, received an invitation from WesTrac, and accepted that invite.
Accepting the invite to compete in the state final means, if you win it, you must be able and available to travel to Japan in November 2025. To travel to Japan, you will need a passport and at least a week off your regular work duties.
If you don't think you will be able to travel to Japan and/or secure the time off, you should not compete in the state final or even register to compete.
The Cat Global Operator Challenge 2025/2026 will consist of eight events. Several of these events, or slight variations of them, will appear as challenges at the WesTrac events listed above.
If you are not proficient with more than one of the machines listed below, we do not recommend registering to compete.
Many of the events listed above are very similar (or identical) to events at the last 2022/2023 GOC event. We encourage you to go and check out videos of those events for more detail on what those events will be like in 2025.
