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Your Guide to Polo Around the World in 2026

Your Guide to Polo Around the World in 2026

As the world’s most discerning travelers look toward 2026, make sure Polo is on your bucket list.

28.01.2023 Polo Game 2 Azerbaijan Land of Fire (1st) vs. World Polo League (4th)
copyright: fotoswiss.com/giancarlo cattaneo

The Crown Jewel: Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz

Since it launched in 1985, the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz has reigned supreme as the original and most prestigious tournament of its kind. In January 2026, the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz will once again transform into the “world capital of polo” for the 41st edition of this legendary event.

  • Info: As the world’s only high-goal tournament on snow, it features six elite teams battling for victory in the shadow of the snow-capped Engadin Alps. The action unfolds from January 23rd to 25th, with games starting daily at 10:30 AM.

  • Beyond the Field: The event is a multi-day social extravaganza. The “tent city” on the lake buzzes with gourmet dining and entertainment. The weekend culminates in the iconic Snow Polo Night Gala Dinner, a black-tie affair held at the legendary Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.

  • The Ultimate Stay: An official partner, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel provides the quintessential alpine luxury base. Guests can unwind après-polo in its newly renovated heated outdoor pool or world-class spa.

The North American Rival: St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

While St. Moritz pioneered the sport, Aspen, Colorado, proudly hosts the only snow polo tournament in North America. The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship returns for its thirteenth year in December 2025, bringing world-class play and celebrity glamour to the heart of the Rockies.

Held at Rio Grande Park with the majestic Mount Sopris as a backdrop, this two-day event features semifinals and celebrity matches on December 17th, followed by the finals and trophy presentations on the 18th. Organized by the Aspen Valley Polo Club, one of the busiest in the nation, the tournament is a highlight of Aspen’s glittering winter social season.

The Pinnacle: The Global Triple Crown

For the purest expression of polo at its highest level, the sport’s “triple crown” events are non-negotiable.

The Gauntlet of Polo: The Ultimate American Test

Held in the equestrian epicenter of Wellington, Florida, The Gauntlet of Polo is the most rigorous and prestigious high-goal series in the United States. Running from February 11 to April 26, 2026, this marathon tournament features the season’s top professional players and patron teams competing in a triple crown of events: the C.V. Whitney Cup, the USPA Gold Cup, and the culminating U.S. Open Polo Championship. The atmosphere at the International Polo Club Palm Beach is one of intense sporting focus combined with high society glamour. Sunday finals are major social happenings, where the world’s best polo is watched from exclusive grandstand boxes and elegant tailgate pavilions, making it the essential destination for the serious polo aficionado.

The Argentine Open (Palermo, Buenos Aires)

The undisputed pinnacle of the global sport, the Argentine Open Championship at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo is to polo what Wimbledon is to tennis. Held from November to December 2026, this tournament features the highest-handicap players in the world competing for the most coveted title. The energy in the grandstands is electric, and attending the final is a rite of passage for anyone claiming serious interest in the sport.

 

The British High-Goal Season

The English summer is defined by its own prestigious tournaments. The Cartier Queen’s Cup (late May to mid-June) at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park is a highlight, known for its royal patronage and impeccable tradition. It is followed by the Gold Cup for the British Open at Cowdray Park in July, another historic and fiercely competitive championship that defines the UK’s polo summer.

The European Summer in Sotogrande

From July to August, the resort of Sotogrande, Spain, becomes the epicenter of European polo. Its season features high and medium-goal tournaments like the Emperor’s Cup and the Sotogrande Gold Cup, attracting an international jet-set crowd to the sunny Costa del Sol for a blend of top sport, luxury living, and vibrant nightlife.

The American Northeast

The polo scene migrates north with the warmth, offering distinct experiences:

 

Greenwich Polo Club: Classic Sunday Tradition

For a taste of the traditional American polo club, the Greenwich Polo Club in Connecticut presents its Summer Sunday Matches throughout the 2026 season. Gates open at 1:00 PM for the 3:00 PM chukkas, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated afternoon. Guests can choose their experience: reserving a field-side cabana for full-service hospitality, setting up a stylish lawn picnic, or enjoying general admission. The setting on Conyers Farm is pristine, and the club maintains a welcoming yet refined vibe that embodies the family-friendly spirit of the sport, making it a perfect regular weekend destination for New York and Connecticut locals.

Polo Hamptons: An Intimate Summer Showcase

In stark contrast to the lengthy Florida seasonPolo Hamptons offers two exclusive, high-octane Saturdays in the heart of New York’s summer playground. Held in Bridgehampton on July 18 and 25, 2026, this boutique event caps attendance at 900 guests, ensuring an intimate, exceptionally curated experience. It attracts a powerful crowd from the upper echelons of finance, fashion, and celebrity. The focus is on premium hospitality, featuring open-bar lounges, gourmet catering, and thrilling matches with some of the sport’s top names. More than just a polo match, it is a definitive summer social event where the sport provides the backdrop for elite networking and celebration.

Newport International Polo Series: Global Sport with Coastal Charm

The first polo club in America is celebrating 150 years as well its 35th season of the Newport International Polo Series in 2026, the Newport International Polo Series offers a uniquely festive and accessible take on the sport. Every Saturday from June through September at historic Glen Farm in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, a team from the host club faces off against international squads from Italy, Jamaica, and Ireland. The atmosphere is celebratory and coastal-chic, featuring themed tailgates, live music, and a legendary divot stomp at halftime. It successfully blends world-class competition with the laid-back, festive elegance of a Newport summer, appealing to both dedicated polo fans and those seeking a splendid, entertaining outdoor spectacle

Navigating the Global Polo Circuit

  • Secure Access Early: For events like the Argentine Open Final or the Cartier Queen’s Cup Final, tickets and hospitality packages sell out months in advance. Book through official club channels or a trusted luxury travel concierge is highly recommended.

  • Understand the Season: The polo year mirrors the hemispheres. The European season runs from May to September, while the Argentine season peaks from October to December. The U.S. has dual hubs: Florida (January-April) and Northeast/Hamptons (Summer).

  • Dress the Part: Each event has its own code. British events lean towards smart summer attire (blazers, dresses). Argentine Open attendees often embrace elegant, fashion-forward looks. When in doubt, “smart casual” is a safe bet.