Erin Nass—Actor, Former Victoria’s Secret Model, and Media Personality—Named Ambassador for This Weekend’s Global Champions Arabians Tour Scottsdale

When the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) stops at WestWorld of Scottsdale this weekend, the spotlight won’t shine solely on more than 200 of the world’s most exquisite Arabian horses. It will also fall on Erin Naas, Arabian horse breeder, actor, media personality, and a former Victoria’s Secret model, who is stepping into the role of ambassador for the internationally celebrated event.

Slated for Fri., Feb. 13 through Sun., Feb. 15 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, GCAT draws elite competitors and an international audience to the desert for a showcase of beauty, precision, and performance. It also offers one of the largest prize purses in the sport, with $384,000 in prize money, drawing elite competitors from across the nation and around the globe while raising the level of competition in each class. As ambassador, Naas will support guests, sponsors, media, and competitors, help facilitate interviews and press coverage, and elevate the overall experience for attendees.

Beyond spotlighting Arabian horses and their handlers, Scottsdale’s GCAT event also includes an upscale event village with concessions, vendors, and brand activations.

Erin Naas, ambassador at the Global Champions Arabians Tour at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Courtesy Global Champions Arabians Tour

Her Lifelong Love Affair With Arabian Horses

Though many recognize Naas from the runway and the big screen, her connection to horses began long before the cameras. She began riding and showing horses at just 3 years old, competing across multiple disciplines over the years. One breed, however, consistently captured her devotion.

“My true love was always Arabian horses—they offer a great opportunity for people who want to start with a really personable animal,” Naas says. “They’ve always captured my heart and attention; they really captivate me.”

While Naas grew up in Los Angeles, today she lives in North Scottsdale with her husband and three children on a horse property where Arabian breeding takes place. The farm keeps her deeply immersed in the industry—not just as an enthusiast, but as a breeder with a vested interest in bloodlines and training. It’s a hands-on commitment that gives her a unique perspective on the competitive circuit.

That background makes her a natural fit for GCAT. This year, she will even watch horses bred through her own program step into the GCAT spotlight in a full-circle moment that blends passion, profession, and prestige.

From Runway to Riding Ring

Naas’ equestrian credibility is matched by a dynamic career outside of the barn. She was a Victoria’s Secret model and walked in the retailer’s famous runway show. She has starred in music videos for Kenny Chesney, N’SYNC and Fuel, and appeared in ad campaigns for Sports Illustrated, Puma, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Frederick’s of Hollywood, among others.

Her resume also includes serving as a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal and appearing in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

While her visibility expanded exponentially through modeling and film, horses remained her personal anchor. Over time, Naas has increasingly used her knowledge and platform to spotlight the Arabian horse breed and the competitive world that surrounds it.

Courtesy Global Champions Arabians Tour

What to Expect at GCAT Scottsdale

For newcomers curious about what sets GCAT apart, Naas offers a succinct comparison.

“Picture the Westminster Dog Show, but for horses,” she says.

During the event, handlers present their horses before judges who evaluate them on criteria such as breed conformation, beauty, and movement; hallmarks that define breed excellence at the highest level. The competition highlights the Arabian horse’s refinement, athleticism, and unmistakable presence.

Professionals and amateurs alike ride and present horses in both English and Western styles, offering spectators a comprehensive look at the breed’s versatility and performance across disciplines. High-stakes prize purses, owner incentives, and elite global competition further elevate the event, expanding visibility for breeders and training programs around the world.

The result is a sophisticated blend of sport and spectacle where lineage, presentation, and performance converge in a setting that feels as curated as any luxury fashion event.

Courtesy Global Champions Arabians Tour

A Desert Stage for Global Excellence

Scottsdale has long been synonymous with world-class equestrian events, and GCAT’s return underscores the city’s status as a premier destination for elite horse competitions. Against the dramatic Sonoran Desert backdrop, WestWorld transforms into a polished arena where international competitors meet refined hospitality.

For Naas, last year’s GCAT debut in Scottsdale left a lasting impression.

“Last year was SO well done, from the seating to the ambiance,” she says. “It’s so nice to see horses being celebrated in that fashion.”

That celebration—of beauty, discipline, and heritage—is at the heart of GCAT. It is a gathering where breeders, trainers, owners, and enthusiasts connect, and where the Arabian horse is honored not only for its performance but for its enduring legacy.

As ambassador, Naas embodies that intersection of glamour and grit, spotlight and stable. Her presence reinforces the tour’s blend of luxury appeal and authentic equestrian expertise, helping to draw new audiences into a world long cherished by insiders.

If You Go …

WHAT: Global Champions Arabians Tour

WHEN: Fri., Feb. 13 – Sun. Feb. 15

WHERE: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

ADMISSION: General admission is free; VIP tables are available for purchase for groups of two to eight

INFORMATION: GCArabiansTour.com or download the GCAT App on Apple or Android