The event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with JCB joining as headline sponsor as the company celebrates its 80th anniversary. All machines used in the challenge will be supplied by JCB, including an extensive line-up of excavators from 1 to 14 tonnes and the versatile Hydradig will be in action. Alongside the competition kit, JCB’s latest hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine will also be on static display, giving visitors the chance to see what’s next in alternative power.

Following the success of the 2023 edition at Peterborough Showground, which saw hundreds of operators and industry insiders taking part, the 2025 competition promises to be just as competitive, entertaining and memorable.

Speaking about the partnership, Gareth Lumsdaine, JCB UK and ROI Sales Director, said:

“We’re proud to be the headline sponsor of Awesome Earthmovers’ Operator Challenge at PlantWorx 2025. As well as being a fantastic way to celebrate JCB’s 80th anniversary, PlantWorx is a great platform to showcase our very latest construction machines, and to let skilled operators put them through their paces in a competitive, but friendly environment. We’re looking forward to an exciting three days with great machines and great people putting in some genuinely impressive performances.”

This year’s challenge will feature eight timed events, each inspired by classic board games. Designed to test accuracy, control and flair, these challenges offer operators the chance to show off their skills in a fast-paced and fun setting. Two extra head-to-head activities will be open to all accredited attendees, giving everyone a chance to get involved.

Familiar faces from the operator community will also be joining the challenge. Amy Underwood (The Digger Girl), Lloyd Peckham (Bearded Excavation UK), and Conor Kelly (Conor the Digger Driver) will all be on site. Conor will be going head-to-head with Lloyd in a much-anticipated rematch following his marginal defeat at PlantWorx 2023; this time they’ll be battling it out on JCB machines.

Dale Hawkins, Awesome Earthmovers, said:

"It’s been incredible to see how the Operator Challenge has grown over the years, but 2025 feels like a real landmark. Having JCB come on board as headline sponsor, as they celebrate 80 years at the heart of British manufacturing, takes the whole thing to another level. It’s a huge show of support - not just for the event, but for the operators themselves. These are the people out there every day, making the machines work, delivering precision, power, and pride in what they do.

We’re bringing it all to the new venue at Newark Showground with a great line-up of JCB kit; from compact excavators to the Hydradig and even a look ahead with their hydrogen combustion engine on static display. It’s the perfect setting to put operator skills in the spotlight.

And of course, there’s unfinished business. Conor and Lloyd are back for a rematch after their showdown in 2023 - what some are already calling the ‘rumble in the jungle.’ It’s friendly, but fierce. Exactly what this event is all about. Operators showing what they’re capable of, backed by the best machines in the game. We can’t wait to see how it plays out."

Daily prizes will be awarded in each challenge, with the overall winner decided by the lowest combined time across all eight games. The format rewards consistency as much as speed and raises the bar for operator excellence.

Astrak joins as attachment sponsor, with Flannery Plant Hire bringing its mobile ‘skills hub’, Collins Earthworks, Conquip and Steelwrist already backing individual challenges. More sponsors will be announced in the run-up to the event.

Two hands-on demo zones will also run alongside the competition, giving visitors the chance to try out a range of small to mid-sized kit in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. On-site catering will be available throughout the challenge area to keep everyone fuelled.

The Operator Challenge is fast becoming a must-attend feature of the construction calendar, showcasing the talent, focus and finesse that operators bring to the job every day.

To find out more or to register your interest, visit Awesome Earthmovers or head to the PlantWorx 2025 website.