As the heartland of polo, Argentina stands at the forefront of the sport, and the 2024 Polo Season promises to be a spectacular showcase of tradition, skill, and passion. This season offers a perfect mix of high-stakes competition, legendary tournaments, and the best players. At the center of this excitement is the Argentine Triple Crown, a prestigious trio of tournaments that keeps captivating global attention. Let’s dive into what makes the 2024 Polo Season in Argentina a must-follow event.
The Argentine Triple Crown
The Argentine Triple Crown consists of three of the world’s most elite polo tournaments: The Hurlingham Open, The Tortugas Open, and the Argentine Open. These tournaments bring together the best players, most renowned teams, and passionate fans from around the globe, all drawn to the high-intensity action and legendary status of these events.
This year the participating teams are: La Natividad, La Dolfina Saudi, La Hache, La Ensenada, Ellerstina, Cría La Dolfina, La Hache Cria y Polo, Indios Chapaleufú.
With eight 10-goal players being part of La Natividad and La Dolfina Saudi teams.
Hurlingham Open (September 24 – October 5 – 2024)
Kicking off the Triple Crown, the Hurlingham Open is the oldest polo tournament in the world, dating back to 1893. It’s an event where tradition meets fierce rivalry. The fast-paced matches and dramatic finishes make Hurlingham a crowd favorite, set amidst the stunning surroundings of the Hurlingham Club.
Tortugas Open (October 12 – November 2 2024)
As the second leg of the Triple Crown, the 84 edition of the Tortugas Open, is known for its rich history and fierce competition. This year, the tournament will see top teams such as La Dolfina, Ellerstina, and La Natividad battle it out on the field in the quest for the second title of the season. The Tortugas Open is characterized by its dynamic pace, tactical plays, and skillful mastery of horses and riders.
Argentine Open (November 1 – December 7 2024)
The crown jewel of the Triple Crown, the Argentine Open at Palermo is regarded as the most prestigious polo tournament globally. Played at the “Cathedral of Polo” in Buenos Aires, the Argentine Open attracts tens of thousands of spectators, creating an electric atmosphere. The final match is the pinnacle of the season, showcasing the sport at its highest level. Fans can expect thrilling displays of horsemanship, precision, and teamwork, as the world’s top players leave everything on the field in their pursuit of glory.
In addition to the top teams that automatically qualify for the Argentine Open, two additional teams earn their spot through the Qualification Tournament, also known as the Torneo Clasificatorio. This competitive tournament takes place in the weeks leading up to the Argentine Open and provides a chance for rising teams to challenge the established powerhouses. Only the top two teams from this qualification stage advance to join the prestigious lineup in Palermo, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the tournament. These qualifiers often bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the competition.
Polo Beyond the Triple Crown
While the Triple Crown serves as the highlight of the Argentine polo season, there are other incredible tournaments and activities throughout 2024 for fans and newcomers alike. Local clubs across the country, from the outskirts of Buenos Aires to the beautiful countryside of Córdoba, offer amateur tournaments and events that showcase the depth of Argentina’s polo culture.
For beginners and enthusiasts, many polo schools across Argentina offer tailored experiences where you can learn from experienced players, ride top-quality horses, and immerse yourself in the sport. The 2024 season will see an influx of visitors looking for unique polo holidays, where they can combine training sessions with luxury stays in some of Argentina’s most stunning estancias.
Key Teams and Players to Watch in 2024
As we head into the 2024 season, all eyes will be on the top teams and their star players. La Dolfina Saudi, led by the iconic Adolfo Cambiaso & his son Poroto Cambiaso, will be looking to continue their dominance, while Ellerstina Yellow Rose, under the guidance of Gonzalo Pieres, will no doubt be fighting to reclaim their place at the top. Meanwhile, up-and-coming teams such as La Natividad, featuring top players like Camilo and Bartolomé Castagnola, promise to keep the competition fresh and unpredictable. While a new generation of Heguy’s will play again under Indios Chapaleufú team.
