Operators and staff gather at the start of Season Three of the National Equipment League.
Photo: NEL
2 min to read
The National Equipment League (NEL) has launched its third season with two new events available online and expanded streaming options through Roku, Apple devices, and Apple TV.
The league, developed in partnership with Hyundai Construction Equipment North America, was created to highlight the skills of heavy equipment operators and showcase careers in the construction industry. Since its 2024 debut, the NEL has hosted two tournaments and a qualifying event leading into this season, which will conclude with a championship before Utility Expo 2025.
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Defending champion Mike “Dirt Perfect” Simon returns, joined by inaugural champion Bryan Furnace, along with Chris “LetsDig18” Guins, Tom “Dirt Ninja” Gardocki, Madisen McCaulley, and Mike Frey. Frey qualified by placing second at the Diamond Equipment Qualifier in June. First-place winner Dana Bontrager will compete in a future championship.
Participants listen during a briefing at the National Equipment League event.
Photo: NEL
Events and Coverage
The first two events of Season Three — the Owner-Operator Challenge and the Ski Loader Slalom — are available on YouTube and now on NEL’s new Roku and Apple apps. Previous seasons are also available on these platforms.
Commissioner Bill Elverman said the new season features the most competitive lineup yet and emphasized that expanding streaming options is helping grow the audience.
Scenes from the National Equipment League highlight competitors, equipment in action, and the championship prize.
Photos: NEL
Upcoming Challenges
Viewers are encouraged to watch the upcoming Four-in-One Bucket Challenge, which Elverman described as the most entertaining competition to date.
Additional promotional partners for the season include Blue Diamond Attachments, Triple Crown Products, Thunder Creek Equipment, and Utility Expo 2025. Competitors are also backed by individual construction equipment dealers.
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Utility Expo Qualifying Event
Hyundai will host the “Hyundai Utility Expo Operator Challenge” at Utility Expo 2025, with the winner earning $1,000 and a spot in the next NEL championship. Qualifying will take place Oct. 7–8 in Hyundai’s booth, with finals on Oct. 8 at 1:00 PM.
Elverman noted that regional and event-based qualifiers will continue to be used to bring new competitors into the league and expand participation.
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