U.S. OPEN ARENA POLO CHAMPIONSHIP® PRESENTED BY U.S. POLO ASSN.
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship serves as the highest level of United States arena polo competition at 12- to 16-goals and has a rich history dating back to 1926. In its inaugural year, it was won by Yale University made up of Reddington Barret, Winston Guest and William Muir. However, their champion status was quickly overtaken by Brooklyn Riding & Driving Club the following three years (1927-1929).
In contemporary competition, Cedar Croft Farms garnered the prestigious title from 2013-2015. A significant feat, as only the second team in the history of the tournament to achieve three consecutive wins with the same team members (Kris Kampsen, Felipe Viana and Robert Ceparano). Following a two-year hiatus from 2019-2020, the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship was reignited in 2021. Recent contemporary champions include Dallas Polo Club (2021), Beverly Equestrian (2022) and SIG (2023).
In 2023, a record nine teams descended on California Polo Club (Los Angeles, California) to crown a new U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship victor. Held over three days of intense physical competition, the battle ultimately came down to a memorable match-up between SIG (Eden Ormerod, Daniel “Cacho” Galindo, Nicolai Galindo) and KCrush (Harrison Azzaro, Remy Du Celliee Muller, Mike Azzaro). Utilizing the boards and taking advantage of open goal penalty opportunities, a spectacular 14-goal performance from Nicolai Galindo combined with a steadfast defensive strategy allowed SIG to hold its lead for an exhilarating 15-14 victory. Read article here.
Proudly moving to the Lone Star State for the first time, this year's edition of the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship presented by U.S. Polo Assn. will be hosted by Brookshire Polo Club in Brookshire, Texas. Once again, nine talented teams will compete for the coveted title including Bar-Spur, Dallas Polo Club, Equus Hotels Waikiki, Fawkes Polo, KCrush, Prestonwood/Broken Taco, Texas Aggies, Texas Arena League and Traveller's Rest.
Displaying the breadth of exceptional talent and deep roots throughout all levels of polo, the rosters are highlighted by many former Arena Open competitors and champions as well as multiple Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) alumni. Also featured among the players, are Team USPA alumni Patrick Uretz (Bar-Spur), Jared Sheldon (Fawkes Polo), Devon Dailey, Tiamo Hudspeth, Steve Krueger (Equus Hotel Waikiki/McFaddin Ranch) and Nicolai Galindo (Traveller's Rest).
The 2024 U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship will be played in conjunction with the United States Arena Handicap. Five teams will automatically qualify for the Handicap following Open preliminary play.
The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship will offer a grand total of $50,000 in prize money. The prize will be divided between first ($30,000), second ($12,000), third ($6,000) and fourth ($2,000) place teams.
2023 U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship Winners: SIG - Eden Ormerod, Daniel "Cacho" Galindo, Nicolai Galindo. Presented by California Polo Club President Rodney Fragodt. Pictured with SIG team owner Deep Singh. ©Tequila Sunsets Photography
