The 54th International Polo Tournament of Sotogrande came to a memorable close with the definition of the Gold Cup across its three levels: High, Medium, and Low Goal. Over two intense days at Los Pinos fields, spectators enjoyed top-level matches that crowned Amanara, Electric Polo, and Hartog Polo Team as champions in their respective categories.
On Friday, August 29, Electric Polo claimed the Medium Goal Gold Cup after defeating Muda IZ Polo 10-5. With solid defensive play and the connection between Félix Esaín and Pedro Chavanne, the team dominated early on, entering the final chukker with a 6-5 lead. In that decisive stretch, Electric Polo displayed its best polo, producing a 4-0 run to secure the title. Facundo Sola and Ciro Urturi stood out for Muda IZ Polo, which fought until the end. Felix Esaín was presented with the MVP Award, while Mensajera, ridden by him, was picked as Best Playing Pony. Also, Ve Ocho Valdez, played by Pedro Chavanne, was chosen as the Best Argentine Polo Bred Pony.
The celebration continued on Saturday, August 30, with the High Goal Gold Cup final, where Amanara defeated Dos Lunas 13-9 in a thrilling clash that showcased Sotogrande’s world-class polo. Dos Lunas started stronger thanks to the leadership and goals of Antonio Heguy, who gave his team a 7-3 advantage by the end of the second chukker. But Amanara turned the tide in the second half with a brilliant performance: Bartolomé “Barto” Castagnola led the comeback, supported by goals from Lorenzo Chavanne, key plays from Beltrán Laulhé, and decisive strikes from Martín Romualdez. A crucial goal by Romualdez in the fifth chukker widened the gap to 12-8, sealing Amanara’s path to victory before Castagnola closed it out in the final minutes.
This triumph capped a historic season for Amanara, as the team also won the Silver Cup, achieving a rare double not seen since Dubai in 2022. It marked Castagnola’s second Gold Cup title, while Chavanne and Laulhé lifted the trophy for the first time. Barto Castagnola was the Most Valuable Player of the final. Regarding the best horses of the final, Ve Ocho Grappa, by Lorenzo Chavanne, was the Best Playing Pony, while Gete Jade, also by Lorenzo Chavanne, was picked by the Argentine Polo Breeders Association as the Best Argentine Polo Bred Pony.
Saturday also saw Hartog Polo Team take the Low Goal Gold Cup, beating Essso 8-5 in a solid performance over five chukkers. Kevin Korst was the standout of the match and was named best player of the final.
Award ceremonies featured representatives from Ayala Polo Club, local authorities, and tournament sponsors, including Paola Zóbel, president of Ayala Polo Club; Oscar Ledesma, acting mayor of San Roque; as well as executives from Bionesta, U.S. Polo Assn., Covetsol, JP Financial, and Citi Re Reinsurance.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, Last Chukker offered a complete leisure and dining experience with food trucks, the Croft Twist bar, shops, and a mercadillo available every Friday and Saturday. The evening closed with live music from Grupo Delajet, who brought energy and rhythm to the celebrations.
The 54th International Polo Tournament once again reaffirmed Sotogrande’s status as one of the world’s most prestigious polo venues, combining competitive excellence, tradition, and entertainment in a free-to-attend event that draws thousands of fans and families each year.
