The tradition-steeped event under the patronage of Berenberg, Germany’s oldest private bank, will take place this year from July 29th to August 2nd.
The first rays of spring are already sparking anticipation for the Berenberg German Polo Masters – Sylt can hardly wait. Following an international tournament last year that enjoyed strong attendance despite challenging weather conditions, the event returns in 2026 with renewed energy.
“The Berenberg German Polo Masters remain what they have always been: top-level sport combined with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere,” says Frederik Gottlob, Head of Corporate, Wealth and Asset Management at Berenberg. The Hamburg-based private bank has been the main sponsor of what is arguably Germany’s most renowned polo tournament since 2015. And the event continues to evolve. In 2026, BMW joins as a new automotive partner, perfectly matching the speed and elegance of the game.
Also new as a team sponsor is the legendary Pony Club in Kampen, continuing a long-standing tradition of Sylt-based restaurateurs supporting this important island event. The Pony will also host one of the most anticipated evenings: the Players Party. “This year it will take place at Tom Kinder’s Pony in Kampen – a premiere that promises to be truly memorable and make history,” says event organiser Kiki Schneider.
There will also be new faces on the field. A Swiss team, led by team captain Ann-Kathrin Braendle, will make its debut on Sylt. Joining her are Nicolas Rogerson and Argentinian player Manuel Carranza, bringing international experience and fresh momentum to the polo grounds in Keitum. Far from new to Sylt, however, is Hamburg’s Lukas Sdrenka, who grew up in the saddle here and remains a formidable goal scorer. He has been working successfully as a coach at Düsseldorf Polo Club for years.
Sylt’s firm place in the international polo scene will once again be evident in 2026: the Berenberg German Polo Masters are once again part of the prestigious German Polo Tour, founded by accomplished player Christopher Kirsch. “This highlights the strong position and importance of the Berenberg German Polo Masters within the German tournament calendar. Players and teams from various countries come together here,” Schneider adds.
Connections this year extend beyond the island. The breathtaking Carlton Hotel St. Moritz returns as a valued partner, combining polo tradition with alpine elegance. Perched high above the lake, the hotel stands for privacy, style and a close connection to the sport of polo – a partnership that naturally links Sylt and St. Moritz as summer and winter destinations.
Beyond the sporting action, the overall event experience continues to develop. A diverse exhibitor village invites guests to explore, while breaks between matches offer time for conversation, encounters and the unmistakable Sylt lifestyle – particularly vibrant in early August.
Review of the 2025 Tournament:
In a narrow 7–6 victory, the team of Californian electric car pioneer Lucid Motors triumphed in last year’s final against Zuckerhut & Matterhorn – a match that could hardly have been more thrilling after four intense days of play. Led by Switzerland’s Philipp Müller, the young and highly talented British players Ralph Robson, Tom Brodie and Charles Cooney delivered a technically strong and exceptionally likeable performance. Fighting until the very last second, Patrick Maleitzke, Vanessa Schockemöhle, Sebastian Schneberger and Cristobal Durrieu narrowly missed out on victory.
In the match for third place, Berenberg secured the bronze medal – as in the previous year, and in true Hanseatic fashion – with a clear 6–3.5 win against the cosmetics brand Clé de Peau Beauté. The match for fifth place ended in a 4–4 draw between Burckhardt’s Glide and defending champions König Sylt, making them joint fifth-place finishers.
Dunkelziffer e.V., the tournament’s long-standing charity partner, was once again present and raised valuable donations through the sale of specially designed bracelets.
