Brian Hayden Wins Cat Global Operator Challenge

Brian Hayden of Hayden Excavating and Welding emerged victorious at Caterpillar's Global Operator Challenge, showcasing his skills in three demanding challenges. The first U.S.-based champion, Hayden earned recognition, a $10,000 prize, and global acclaim after besting competitors worldwide.

March 6, 2026 - National Edition
Craig Mongeau - CEG Editor in Chief

CEG photo

Brian Hayden, operator of Hayden Excavating and Welding in Wells, Maine, won the Cat Global Operator Challenge at ConExpo-Con/AGG 2026.

Brian Hayden built his skills on the job while growing up in his family’s business, Hayden Excavating and Welding. (Milton CAT photo)

Brian Hayden (L) and his family’s company, Hayden Excavating and Welding handles residential and smaller commercial projects primarily in southern Maine. (Milton CAT photo)

“I’ve been operating equipment since before I could walk when I was in my dad’s lap in an operator’s cab,” Brian Hayden said (Hayden Excavating and Welding photo)

Brian Hayden, operator of Hayden Excavating and Welding in Wells, Maine, proved he was the best of the best after taking on three demanding challenges and eight other finalists at Caterpillar's Global Operator Challenge, held during ConExpo-Con/AGG 2026.

Each test pushed finalists to their limits, demanding technical mastery and total machine control. In the end, Hayden delivered when it mattered most.

The stakes were significant. The winner receives a $10,000 prize — either cash or a first-class trip for two to any Caterpillar facility worldwide (depending on local laws) — along with global recognition.

Contestants competed in three events designed to test skill, precision and versatility.

Ace of Loaders Challenge: Operators tested speed and control by loading a truck, switching to forks, transporting and placing a pipe. Smooth tool transitions were key to winning this event.

Street Gambler Challenge: This urban-inspired challenge showcased the finesse and power of excavator operators as they tackled a series of precision tasks.

Centennial Push Challenge: This dozer challenge combined tire pushing, fine grading and pipe placement to honor a century of earthmoving. Blade control and precision were critical to success.

Hayden earned first place in the Street Gambler and Centennial Push challenges, while Gunter Dewit of Belgium won the Ace of Loaders challenge.

Global Field of Finalists

In addition to Hayden, whose Cat dealer sponsor was Milton CAT, eight operators from around the world competed in the finals:

• Brock Leclerc, Quattro Constructors, Canada — Dealer sponsor: Finning Canada

• André Nowak, Nowomak, Brazil — Dealer sponsor: PESA

• Norio Miyajima, Tanaka Sangyo (TSK), Japan — Dealer sponsor: NCD Japan

• Shane Poole, Diamond Excavators, Australia — Dealer sponsor: Hastings Deering Australia

• Tim Lamb, Daracon Group, Australia — Dealer sponsor: WesTrac NSW

• Gunter Dewit, Grondwerken JP Dewit En Zoon, Belgium — Dealer sponsor: Bergerat Monnoyeur

• Nicolai Thomsen, Anlægsgartner Mikael Thomsen, Denmark — Dealer sponsor: Zeppelin Denmark

• Sebastian Behr, Reuen Tief- und Straßenbau GmbH, Germany — Dealer sponsor: Zeppelin GmbH

Built for the Job

Hayden, 24, built his skills on the job while growing up in his family's business, Hayden Excavating and Welding, which was founded in 1999. The company handles residential and smaller commercial projects primarily in southern Maine.

With the support of dealer Milton CAT, Hayden advanced through local qualifiers and semifinals to reach the global stage at Operator Stadium.

Winning two of the three individual challenges helped secure his title as Global Operator Challenge Champion.

"I've been operating equipment since before I could walk when I was in my dad's lap in an operator's cab," Hayden said. "And then, ever since I was probably five years old, when I could reach the pedals by myself. I was off on my own after that."

Hayden said he entered the competition almost on a whim.

"I got an e-mail from my local dealer, Milton CAT, saying the Global Operator Challenge was coming back around," he said. "I figured I'd throw my hat in the ring and see how I could do at the local dealer level. I didn't even think it would go anywhere. And here we are."

His victory marks a milestone: Hayden is the first U.S.-based champion of the Cat Global Operator Challenge.

"It feels great to be able to win representing the United States," he said.

Competing on a global stage in front of a crowd easily in the thousands brought its share of pressure, Hayden admitted.

"Oh, I could feel it — there was a lot of pressure," he said. "But once I got in the machine and the door closed, it was just me and what I needed to do. I tried not to look at the crowd, not to think about anything else, and just focus on what I had to do to win."

For Hayden, the victory is both personal and professional recognition.

"It's a great honor and accomplishment to be recognized for what I've been doing my whole life," he said. CEG

Craig Mongeau

Craig Mongeau has been Construction Equipment Guide’s editor in chief for the past 21-plus years. He directly manages CEG’s Northeast and Southeast editions (which includes New England, Georgia and Alabama state supplements); Superintendent’s Profile; Crane Guide; Northeast and Southeast-based anniversary magazines; and special event publications. He also oversees CEG’s Midwest and Western Editions as well as all CEG website content.

A Hofstra University graduate, Craig began his publishing career as a staff writer for local Southeast Pennsylvania newspapers. He then became an associate editor and book editor of Springhouse Corporation, a Pennsylvania-based medical publishing house and then worked as a managing editor of Rockhill Communications, based in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., where he created and managed content for a national Voluntary Hospital Association website.

Originally from Pittsfield, Mass., Craig has lived in North Wales, Pa., for the past 27 years. He has been married to his wife, Hillary, whom he met in college, since 1998 and together, they have two daughters, Jolie and Aubrie.