Caterpillar crowned the winners of its two major global competitions – the Global Dealer Technician Challenge and the Global Operator Challenge – during ConExpo-Con/Agg.Tom March, representing England, is the Global Dealer Technician Challenge Champion. Caterpillar crowned Brian Hayden of the U.S. as the 2026 Global Operator Challenge World Champion.

The Global Dealer Technician Challenge showcases the high-tech, high-impact nature of today’s technician careers. The competition spotlights the agility, diagnostic expertise and problem-solving skills required to keep customers’ equipment running at peak performance through a series of challenges where technicians must accurately diagnose and make repairs under intense time pressure.

The Global Operator Challenge, meanwhile, highlights the mastery required to safely operate Cat machines with precision, efficiency and technological sophistication through a series of challenges that test material loading, object handling, precision placement and advanced machine control using wheel loaders, excavators and dozers. Nine operators advanced to the finals in Las Vegas, with Hayden ultimately winning.

Hayden will receive either a $10,000 cash prize or a trip of equivalent value.

According to Cat, both competitions represent its investment inthe future of skilled trades through programs that highlight technical excellence, real-world expertise and the people who power the construction industry.

“As global infrastructure demand increases, access to skilled technicians and operators is a critical issue for our industry,” says Joe Creed, Caterpillar CEO. “By investing in training and upskilling, we’re helping to build the workforce our industry depends on and staying true to our mission of solving our customers’ toughest challenges.”