High-Profile Polo Competitions: Watch the Best Teams in Action

Polo is a sport of elegance, skill, and tradition, known for its fast-paced action and connection to high society. Around the world, high-profile polo competitions bring together elite teams and players, offering fans a chance to witness the best in the sport. These prestigious events showcase not only the mastery of the game but also the grandeur and luxury that surrounds the polo lifestyle. Here are some of the top polo competitions where you can watch the world’s finest teams in action.

1. The Argentine Open Championship: The Pinnacle of Polo

The Argentine Open Championship (Abierto Argentino de Polo) is the most prestigious polo tournament in the world, held annually in Palermo, Buenos Aires. This competition is regarded as the highest level of professional polo, attracting the best players and teams from across the globe.

• Location: Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Key teams: La Dolfina, Ellerstina, La Natividad
• Why it’s prestigious: The Argentine Open is the crown jewel of the polo world, often referred to as the “World Cup of Polo.” It is known for its intense competition and high-goal matches, where players with a handicap of 10 (the highest in polo) frequently compete. The tournament’s history dates back to 1893, and winning this championship is the ultimate goal for any polo player.
• Best to watch for: Legendary players like Adolfo Cambiaso, who has dominated the Argentine Open with his team La Dolfina, are regulars at this event.

Tip: If you’re planning to attend, book early to secure the best seats at the iconic Campo Argentino de Polo, known as the “Cathedral of Polo.”

2. The Queen’s Cup: Royalty and Polo Excellence

Held at the prestigious Guards Polo Club in Windsor, England, the Queen’s Cup is one of the most important polo tournaments in the world. The competition, which runs over several weeks in early summer, attracts the elite of both the polo world and high society, with Queen Elizabeth II herself being a long-time supporter of the event.

• Location: Guards Polo Club, Windsor, England
• Key teams: King Power, Dubai Polo Team, La Indiana
• Why it’s prestigious: The Queen’s Cup is synonymous with prestige and excellence in the sport. Top international players compete for the coveted trophy, and the event is known for its exclusive VIP hospitality. The tournament’s connection to British royalty elevates it as one of the most glamorous events on the polo calendar.
• Best to watch for: Look out for star players like Facundo Pieres and Gonzalito Pieres, who often lead the top teams in this tournament.

Tip: For an unforgettable experience, consider booking the VIP hospitality package, which includes access to the Royal Box and exclusive social events with the polo elite.

3. U.S. Open Polo Championship: America’s Premier Polo Event

The U.S. Open Polo Championship is the most prestigious polo event in North America, held annually at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida. It draws the best teams and players from around the world to compete for the top title in U.S. polo.

• Location: International Polo Club Palm Beach, Wellington, Florida, USA
• Key teams: Valiente, Pilot Polo Team, Las Monjitas
• Why it’s prestigious: As the pinnacle of American polo, the U.S. Open Polo Championship is known for its high-goal competition and luxurious surroundings. The event is the culmination of the winter polo season in Florida and attracts a glamorous crowd of celebrities, business leaders, and polo enthusiasts.
• Best to watch for: Top international players like Hilario Ulloa and Polito Pieres often lead the teams competing in the U.S. Open.

Tip: Attend the Sunday Brunch and Polo event for a quintessential polo experience, where you can enjoy gourmet cuisine and champagne while watching the action unfold.

4. The Cartier Queen’s Cup: Prestige Meets Luxury

The Cartier Queen’s Cup is another prestigious event held at Guards Polo Club in Windsor, England. Sponsored by Cartier, this tournament blends the finest aspects of luxury and high-goal polo, with elite teams battling for the prestigious trophy.

• Location: Guards Polo Club, Windsor, England
• Key teams: La Bamba de Areco, Scone Polo, VS King Power
• Why it’s prestigious: The Cartier Queen’s Cup is one of the most exclusive polo tournaments, with luxury fashion brand Cartier bringing a touch of glamour to the event. The tournament attracts royalty, celebrities, and some of the best polo players in the world. The combination of top-tier competition and high-profile spectators makes it a must-attend event for polo lovers.
• Best to watch for: Teams led by the Pieres brothers or other world-class players dominate this prestigious event, making for exciting and closely contested matches.

Tip: Dress to impress—spectators at the Cartier Queen’s Cup are known for their impeccable fashion, adding to the overall ambiance of this glamorous polo event.

5. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series: Polo in the Desert

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is the premier polo event in the Middle East, attracting high-goal teams and players from around the world. Held at the luxurious Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, this series of tournaments culminates in the Gold Cup, the most prestigious title in Middle Eastern polo.

• Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, Dubai, UAE
• Key teams: Bin Drai Polo, Habtoor Polo, Mahra Polo
• Why it’s prestigious: The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series showcases world-class polo against the backdrop of Dubai’s luxury lifestyle. The event has grown rapidly in prestige and now features some of the top players and teams in the world. The combination of high-end hospitality, stunning venues, and top-tier competition makes this a standout event on the global polo calendar.
• Best to watch for: International stars like Pablo Mac Donough and Guillermo Terrera often compete in this glamorous event, bringing top-level polo to the Middle East.

Tip: Enjoy the VIP hospitality experience, which includes access to exclusive lounges, gourmet dining, and luxurious views of the matches.

6. The Gold Cup for the British Open: A UK Polo Classic

The Gold Cup for the British Open is one of the most prestigious polo tournaments in the UK, held at Cowdray Park Polo Club in West Sussex. This event is the highlight of the British summer polo season and attracts elite teams from around the world.

• Location: Cowdray Park Polo Club, West Sussex, England
• Key teams: Next Generation, Monterosso Polo Team, Talandracas
• Why it’s prestigious: The British Open is regarded as the premier polo tournament in the UK, known for its high-goal matches and long history. Cowdray Park is often referred to as the “home of British polo,” and winning the Gold Cup is a significant achievement for any team. The tournament combines tradition with a vibrant social scene, making it a top destination for polo fans.
• Best to watch for: Expect thrilling performances from top teams like El Remanso and King Power, often featuring some of the best players in the world.

Tip: Arrive early to enjoy a full day of activities, including the traditional divot stomping during halftime, a popular social tradition at British polo matches.

7. St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup: Polo on Ice

The St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup is a one-of-a-kind event that takes place on a frozen lake in the Swiss Alps. This competition is the most prestigious snow polo tournament in the world and combines the thrill of the game with the unique challenge of playing on ice.

• Location: St. Moritz, Switzerland
• Key teams: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, Maserati, Team Azerbaijan
• Why it’s prestigious: The St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup is as much a spectacle as it is a sporting event. The stunning alpine setting, combined with the luxury of St. Moritz, creates a magical atmosphere for both players and spectators. The tournament attracts top international teams and offers an unparalleled VIP experience with high-end hospitality and glamorous parties.
• Best to watch for: The combination of challenging conditions and top-tier polo makes for exciting matches. Look for world-class players like Nacho Figueras to lead their teams to victory on the ice.

Tip: Bundle up and enjoy the luxury chalets and après-ski atmosphere that accompany this unique polo event in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Conclusion

High-profile polo competitions offer fans the chance to witness the best teams and players in action, all while enjoying the luxurious lifestyle that surrounds the sport. From the world-renowned Argentine Open to the glamour of the Cartier Queen’s Cup and the unique spectacle of snow polo in St. Moritz, these events are must-see experiences for anyone who loves the elegance and excitement of polo.