The 54th International Polo Tournament (Torneo Internacional de Polo) is moving forward steadily, and the Gold Cup, the third leg of the competition, already has its semifinalists defined. After a thrilling qualifying phase, which concluded this past weekend, the High, Medium, and Low Goal teams played their last cards and left everything set for what promises to be an exciting final stretch.
In the High Goal category, which featured eight teams divided into two groups, the last round of matches settled the semifinal puzzle. In Zone 1, Calatagan defeated Dos Lunas with authority, securing the top spot in their group. In the other match, Black Bears overcame MB Polo Team in a tight contest that required an extra chukker, sealed by a goal from Tomás Panelo. However, despite the win, the teams advancing to the semifinals were Calatagan and Dos Lunas, who showed the greatest consistency throughout the phase.
In Zone 2, the drama continued with high-voltage games. La Dolfina Herederos del Marqués de Riscal reaffirmed its status as favorite by beating Amanara, while Whizmo defeated Les Lions/Sainte Mesme in an extra chukker after a fiercely fought battle. Thus, the two semifinal spots went to La Dolfina Herederos del Marqués de Riscal and Amanara.
The semifinals, scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, promise top-class action: on one side, defending champion Calatagan will face Amanara, recent winners of the Silver Cup Terralpa, in a clash of styles and ambitions. On the other, La Dolfina Herederos del Marqués de Riscal will look to maintain their dominant run against Dos Lunas, who will try to spring a surprise. The High Goal grand final will be played on Saturday, August 30, at Field 3 of Los Pinos, in what will be one of the highlights of the international polo calendar.
The Medium Goal has already played its semifinals and determined the two finalists. Muda IZ Polo looked solid and eliminated John Smith, while Electric Polo edged past the always competitive Brunei Polo Team, winners of the Terralpa Silver Cup, in extra chukker. With those results, the two finalists will face off on Friday, August 29, in a match expected to deliver fast-paced play and showcase young talent.
The Low Goal semifinals will be played on Thursday, August 28, with much anticipation. On one side, unbeaten Essso will face La Martina, while in the other bracket Hartog Polo Team will take on 1896 Adrenalina. The winners will meet in the final, also set for Saturday, August 30, rounding off a weekend of decisive matches across all categories.
The Sotogrande International Polo Tournament has, for more than half a century, been an unmissable event for the sport’s elite. The Gold Cup has consolidated its reputation as one of the most prestigious competitions on the global calendar, bringing together renowned players such as Poroto Cambiaso, Barto Castagnola, Polito Pieres, Pablo Mac Donough, among others.
With the finalists now in sight, anticipation grows among fans and players alike. The spectacle is guaranteed: high-intensity chukkers, horses at their peak, and the unmistakable setting of Sotogrande, where tradition and passion for polo are renewed year after year.
Next weekend, the 54th Sotogrande International Polo Tournament will crown the champions of all three categories, and everything points to this edition continuing to write memorable chapters in the history of the tournament.
