Conservation & Community, Plan South America | Argentina | 08.11.24

The Argentine Polo Open Championship: the Crown Jewel of Competition

In a country where open space and horses abound, it’s no wonder why Argentina is the heartland of polo.

Combine those elements with a storied reputation of superb horsemanship inherited from gaucho culture, and it becomes clear how Argentinians quickly began to outplay the British aristocrats who introduced the game to the country in 1875.

The “Sport of Kings” is alive and well today in Buenos Aires, where the best polo players in the world meet each year to compete in a prestigious trio of tournaments known as the Argentine Triple Crown. This season-long competition begins in late September with the Hurlingham Open, followed by the Tortugas Open in mid-October. The competition culminates in the final matches of the Argentine Polo Open Championship, held at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Buenos Aires’ historic Palermo neighborhood throughout November and December.

This final tournament of Argentina’s polo season, also known as the Palermo Open, is highly regarded as the most esteemed polo competition globally, where eight of the most elite club teams from the Argentine Polo Association meet on the cancha in pursuit of glory. Each team boasts a remarkable roster of high handicap players and powerful animal athletes, or polo ponies, whose agility, responsiveness, and muscularity are significant assets to a team’s success.

Thousands of spectators from across the globe flock to Palermo’s Campo Argentino–better known as the “Cathedral of Polo”—to witness the oldest team sport in history be played at the highest level. The Open promises fierce rivalry, goal-for-goal precision, fast-paced final seconds, and an outstanding showcase of athleticism from players and ponies alike. And despite the palpable competitiveness between teams, participants are united by the country’s excellence in the sport on full display.

The venerable Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo has served as the tournament’s home since 1928. With two pristine polo fields and enough seating to accommodate up to 30,000 people, the scene is electrified by the backdrop of the city. Between matches, spectators enjoy the venue’s latest addition of BOCHA: an open-air gastronomic experience that brings together some of the best names in local fare. Located within the premises of the venue, BOCHA is comprised of restaurant stalls, bars, family-friendly attractions, and common areas to relax and enjoy some of the best views of Buenos Aires. From pizza to sushi, traditional parrilleras to pop-up bakeries, BOCHA’s variety will temp you into making a polo match an all-day activity.

Whether you prefer to sip mate like a local or indulge in a yerba mate infused gin tonic, there’s a flavor for everyone at the Cathedral of Polo, where visitors, city residents, and people from nearby estancias come to connect over the game. Outside the premises, there is plenty to see and do in the bustle and beauty of Buenos Aires. Taste wine, browse flea markets, catch a tango show or lesson, and simply wander its richly historical streets.

Polo can easily be made the centerpiece of a visit to Argentina during polo season, as there are plenty of opportunities to connect with the sport outside the walls of the Palermo Open. The Argentine Women’s Polo Open Championship takes place in Buenos Aires during this time and has gained significant traction since its inauguration in 2017. Throughout the spring, various amateur tournaments and polo events take place across the country and should not be overlooked. Those wishing to lean even further into their enthusiasm for the sport should venture beyond the outskirts of Buenos Aires, where polo schools and estancias like La Sofía, La Aguada, Puesto Viejo, and El Metejon offer lessons with professionals paired with a luxury stay amongst the pampas.

The Argentine Polo Open Championship may be the crown jewel of competition, but the sport’s legacy of passion, skill, and tradition can be experienced in many ways. Contact our travel designers today to begin planning your polo holiday today.

FIELD NOTES