WESTERN CHALLENGE
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Established in 1986, the Western Challenge is a national 12-goal tournament that has been hosted exclusively in the Lone Star State by both the Houston Polo Club in Houston, Texas, and Brookshire Polo Club in Brookshire, Texas. Over its history, numerous champions have been crowned, including repeat titleholders San Saba (1993, 1999) and Isla Carroll (1994, 2002). However, standing as the most decorated among them is ERG, with five titles in 2005, 2007, 2011, 2012 and 2016. Following a three-year hiatus from 2019-2021, the Western Challenge returned to Brookshire Polo Club. Featuring a match-up between Eureka and Brookshire Polo Club, an early five-goal lead highlighted Brookshire Polo's ability to convert from the penalty line and claim the 10-7 win.
In 2023, defending champions Brookshire Polo Club (Will Mudra, Vaughn Miller Jr., Milo Dorignac, Victorino "Torito" Ruiz Jorba) faced off against Old Pueblo (Leigh Anne Hall, Duilio Diaz, Sterling Giannico, Jeff Hall). Led by top scorer Ruiz Jorba, Brookshire Polo Club controlled play from the outset, earning the 13-9 victory and back-to-back Western Challenge titles.
This year's rosters feature many players that have recently competed at various levels in the 2024 Florida season. The upcoming edition of the Western Challenge will field six competitive teams, including reigning champions Brookshire Polo Club. Aiming for a third consecutive Western Challenge title, Brookshire Polo Club will add Tomas Alberdi, Quinn Evans and Scott Wood to their roster alongside returning champion Victorino "Torito" Ruiz Jorba. 2023 runner-up Eureka will challenge for the title once more, with Texas staples BTA, Old Pueblo, La Elina and Tonkawa rounding out the talented competition.
Representing Team USPA are alumni Tomas Alberdi (Brookshire Polo Club), Cody Ellis and Mason Wroe (BTA).
Brookshire Polo Club will be taking advantage of the USPA's Bridge to High Goal Initiative (B2HG) for the Western Challenge, which provides eligible USPA Member Clubs three USPA Professional Umpires (two mounted officials and one third man) at 50% of the regular cost to the club.
The Bridge to High Goal Initiative (B2HG) has been created to support polo between 12 and 16 goals. The goal of the program is to build a bridge from low-goal polo to high-goal polo that provides a safe environment for competition which will allow for the cultivation of team owners and the advancement of aspiring professionals.
Photo: 2023 Western Challenge Champions: Brookshire Polo Club - Will Mudra, Vaughn Miller Jr., Milo Dorignac, Victorino "Torito" Ruiz Jorba. ©Bobby Gerry
