The sport of Polo has been historically associated with royalty. For many centuries it was a sport of luxury and prestige, reserved only for a certain section of society. While the sport has opened for many today, it remains a strong symbol of luxury and royalty. It almost dates back 2500 years to the nomadic tribes when they played the sport before it found its way to the royal houses of Persia. As the British invasion spread globally, the equestrian sport travelled with the British Empire across continents.
Wonder why the sport has held such an elusive nature to this date?
The horses used in the game are to this data an expensive investment. Their purchase, upkeep, and maintenance involve high costs. This has become a key reason why the sport for centuries has been limited to the elites of the society. Even the spectators of the matches are often high-society families, business professionals, and social-power houses. Who come together to enjoy a game wearing bespoke luxury outfits. While the common man had no link to sports before the existence of social media and television, its mystery made it even more exclusive for the ultra-rich. Making the game aspirational and a crème de la crème of luxury life.
Today the sport is more popular than ever. Breaking stereotypes on who can play, including women’s participation in Polo. The game is more inclusive, diverse, and accessible to the public today. What sure has not changed is its nature to bring the two worlds of luxury and sport into one place. Luxury atelier fashion, a high style quotient, and elated sophistication from players, horses, and spectators bring the entire playground to life.
Polo: The Sport
The sport of Polo is played on horseback between two teams with four players each. Players use mallets with long, flexible handles to drive and hit that wooden ball on the grass field. The aim is to take the ball between two goalposts. The game is an exquisite showcase of skills and one of the oldest equestrian sports.
Players: Each player is assigned a position with certain responsibilities. Interesting fact, each position is a number, not a name like in Football or Basketball. For instance: Number one is usually the novice or weakest player in the team, while position one is the most difficult to play. Number two is the hustler of the team, number three is the one who plays a quarterback position and number four is essentially the defensive player.
The first Polo international competition took place in 1886 between the United States and the English players for the Westchester Cup. Another instance noted is dated back to 1875 and linked to the British heritage. Aristocrats living in Buenos Aires collectively created the Asociación Argentina de Polo. Over time, many new nations integrated into the teams.
Engaging audiences: Leading Tournaments in Polo
Not only are these tournaments defining events of the sport, but also reflect how it still integrates luxury and royalty. Let’s dive into the leading Polo tournaments globally:
1. Cartier Queen’s Cup
Established in 1960 and named after Queen Elizabeth II, Cartier Queen’s Cup is held at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park. A prestigious royal event, where the top elite players and teams compete. The cup is held in May-June each year and is often called the ‘jewel in the polo calendar’. It encapsulates the best of the British summer season sports.
Luxury Sponsors: Global luxury brands like Cartier, Jaguar, Piaget, Royal Salute, and others have been either sponsor partners of the cup or part of the event for promotional support.
The royal connection: Since its inception, the silver cup has been given out by Queen Elizabeth II a few times. The event has ultra-rich and high-profile attendees. The royal British family members have been often known to compete in the tournament.
2. Argentina Polo Open Championship (APOC)
Started in 1893 at Campo Argentino de Polo of Palermo, Buenos Aires, APOC is one of the three key tournaments in Polo that make up the title of Triple Crown. The championship features leading Polo players of the world. In its 131 years of running, Coronel Suarez has won the most titles (25 titles).
Luxury sponsors: The event is sponsored by leading luxury and elite brands like Rolex, Land Rover, and Piaget. Luxury Champagne houses like Laurent-Perrier, and bespoke atelier houses like LV and Cartier.
The royal connection: Members of the British, European, and Middle Eastern royal families are commonly in attendance during this championship. The event has a fashion-forward high-profile and high-society attendance. Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Tommy Lee Jones, etc. have also been in attendance.
3. US Open Polo Championship
Organized since 1904, the US Open Polo Championship has been played at the International Polo Club Palm Beach since 2004. Considered to be one of the biggest and most significant Polo tournaments, the US Open Polo Championship has 26-goal tournaments during Florida’s high-goal winter polo season.
Luxury sponsors: The championship has been sponsored and done promotional events with leading luxury houses and brands. Such as Maserati, Moet & Chandon, Polo Ralph Lauren, Cartier, Rolex, Land Rover, etc.
The royal connection: Prior known as Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, current Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Princess Eugenie of York are some royal names in attendance over the years. Celebrities, social figures, and businessmen like Bill Gates, Chris Hemsworth, Olivia Palermo, and Kendra Scott have also been seen in attendance over the years.
4. Dubai Gold Cup Series
One of the latest entrants in the Polo sports tournaments list, the Dubai Gold Cup series was established in 2010. It is usually held at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club in Dubai. The event attracts top international players
Luxury sponsors: The Dubai Gold Cup Series is powered by luxury houses and brands like Bentley and US Polo Assn. (their official apparel sponsor partners).
The royal connection: The Royal family of Dubai has been often seen attending this event. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his sons at times attend the event as supporters and patrons of the sport. Other royal family members from Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia also grace the event with their presence at times.
Each game of Polo is thrilling, and packed with culture, heritage, and luxury. We can often see movies, books, and TV shows referencing Polo sport in all its grandness. Highlighting its luxe appeal, the fashion statements, and the romanticism of the jockeys and the horses. Polo has garnered a niche luxury sport status that is here to stay. It has been aptly titled as the sport of kings, still retaining the status of being an exclusive, noble, and luxurious sport.
Luxury houses like Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Gucci, and La Martina amongst others often launch collections inspired by the world of Polo sport.
Want to Learn More Sports and Luxury Connections?
Stay tuned with the MBA ESG, India, blog. We post weekly articles on Sports, Luxury, Fashion, Technology trends in management, and more.
