The National Equipment League (NEL) has launched its third season as well as new apps and channels to watch the action.
Developed in partnership with Hyundai Construction Equipment North America, The National Equipment League showcases the skill and character of heavy equipment operators in the construction industry, and to showcase careers in the construction industry in an entertaining and competitive way.
Originally launched in 2024, the league has held two major tournaments and a qualifying event in the lead-up to its third season, which will culminate in a champion being crowned just before Utility Expo 2025.
Mike “Dirt Perfect” Simon is the league’s defending champion, while longtime contractor and industry media personality Bryan Furnace was the inaugural champion in 2024. Both men return for Season 3 with Chris “LetsDig18” Guins, Tom “Dirt Ninja” Gardocki, Madisen McCaulley and Mike Frey.
“From top to bottom it’s the most competitive field we’ve had, and as the league continues to grow, we’ll bring in more competitors and events to create more opportunities for these skilled tradespeople to show off their talents and inspire future generations,” says NEL Commissioner Bill Elverman. “The audience and the industry have responded positively, and we’re now bringing the league to a wider global audience through Roku and Apple and hosting bigger and better events with great partners like Hyundai.”
The first two events of Season Three are now available for viewing on YouTube: The Owner-Operator Challenge and the Ski Loader Slalom.
For the first time, the NEL is available on popular streaming platforms with its own app that can be found by searching “National Equipment League” on Roku, and also on all Apple devices by searching “National Equipment League” in the Apple App Store — both for iPhones and tablets, as well as Apple TV.
Each event is shot and broadcast like all major professional sports and brings the audience along on a roller coaster of wins, losses, emotions, strategies and complications that deliver legitimate drama over the course of each challenge.
“I’ve said that NEL mixes the passion of mixed martial arts with the attitude of dirt track racing, and the first two seasons, and our inaugural qualifying event, paid off on that,” Elverman said. “All while showing the character and camaraderie that exists in the construction industry. There’s really nothing like it, and it makes for compelling competition.”
Hyundai to Host Qualifying Event at Utility Expo 2025
Hyundai also announced that it will host the “Hyundai Utility Expo Operator Challenge” at Utility Expo 2025, The winner of that event will win $1,000 and a slot in the next big NEL championship event. Qualifying will take place in Hyundai’s booth at the show. Additional promotional partners for NEL include Blue Diamond Attachments, Triple Crown Products, Thunder Creek Equipment, and Utility Expo 2025. Each competitor is also sponsored by a construction equipment dealer in the competition. Host sponsors for season three include Diamond Equipment (two competitors), National Equipment Dealers, Ahearn Equipment, Buck & Knobby, and Jet City Equipment.
