GAME Polo

Europe, Polo News

2022 POLO RIDER CUP / POLO RIDER CUP DRAW

12. April 2022

Teams draw for the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP

2022 POLO RIDER CUP draw ceremony was held today at the Polo Club of Chantilly via a Zoom meeting with the attendance of the participating teams, under the supervision of Horacio Areco and Alex Taylor from the Federation of International Polo (FIP), Gonzalo Quesada as the POLO RIDER CUP Ambassador and Olivier Godallier from GAME POLO.

14 international polo clubs from 8 different countries will participate in this year’s edition, which will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club of Chantilly, north of Paris (France).

The POLO RIDER CUP draw was conducted by Philippe Perrier, representing the French Federation of Polo (FFP) and Polo Club de Chantilly, and Benoît Perrier as CEO & Co-founder of GAME POLO.

Brieuc Rigaux from Hong Kong Polo Association and Julien Reynes from Polo Club de Chantilly, representing the teams, performed the draw, and the results are as follows:

Group A

Coronel Suárez Polo Club

Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago

Evviva Polo St. Moritz

Ellerstina Polo Club

Group B

Polo Park Zürich

Polo Club de Chantilly

Preußischer Polo & Country Club Berlin Brandenburg

Empire Polo Club of Coachella Valley

Group C Araucaria Polo Club

Polo Club Niederweiden

Deauville International Polo Club

Group D

Hong Kong Polo Association

BP Polo Malaysia

Hamburger Polo Club

Gonzalo Quesada, Ambassador of the POLO RIDER CUP, comments: “Last year, I was very impressed to see the number of teams participating in the first edition of the POLO RIDER CUP. This year with the number of clubs, the quality of the players involved, and the countries represented, it is unbelievable how the tournament has grown in only one year. I think that the POLO RIDER CUP will be one of the most important tournaments in the polo season.”

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-founder of GAME POLO, comments: “With 14 teams participating this year, it has been a very exciting draw. We will witness amazing qualification games during the first part of the tournament. I wish the best of luck to all the teams and participants. It is a great honor to host all these teams, clubs and players at the Chantilly Polo Club for the second edition of the POLO RIDER CUP.”

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

Teams draw for the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP 2022 POLO RIDER CUP draw ceremony was held today at the Polo Club of Chantilly via a Zoom meeting with the attendance…

Europe, Polo News

GONZALO QUESADA continues as the POLO RIDER CUP Ambassador

12. April 2022

Gonzalo Quesada, the Argentinian former rugby player, professional coach of Stade Français Paris and a passionate polo player, continues as the POLO RIDER CUP Ambassador for the second year.

Gonzalo Quesada was pleasantly surprised with the high level of the teams, players and ponies that came to the tournament and the amazing quality of the pitches in all the games of the POLO RIDER CUP’s first edition.

He believes there are two main reasons for the success of the POLO RIDER CUP. First, the originality of being a club competition – this might sound standard for other sports, but it’s unique in polo. And second, the professionalism of the whole organization, with great attention paid to detail, that made the experience extraordinary for the spectators, players, and teams.

While talking with many players who took part in the first edition, Gonzalo Quesada realized how keen they were to win the tournament, putting in a lot of preparation and effort.

For Quesada, there are two similarities between rugby and polo. One is the commitment to your team and your role in the pitch, with each player being essential for the team and dependent on the others. And the other, that they are both contact sports, with a lot of adrenaline, it is all about winning the line and fighting for the position.

Quesada sees polo as having an exciting future, with a lot of people passionate about the sport, especially in France. He believes the POLO RIDER CUP is a great tool to increase the popularity of polo worldwide, with teams from all around the world competing in this unique 10-day international event.

Gonzalo Quesada, Ambassador of the POLO RIDER CUP, comments: “I’m thrilled and honored to continue as the POLO RIDER CUP ambassador for the second year, and fully committed this international competition. This year the tournament is bound to be even better than the first edition!’’

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: ‘’We are very happy to be able to count again on Gonzalo as the Ambassador for the POLO RIDER CUP. He has shown his passion for polo and done great work for the promotion of the POLO RIDER CUP. Gonzalo represents our sport and the gentleman spirit perfectly. He brings us the culture of rugby and a strong sense of family, two values that FIP founder Marcos Uranga also defended and brought to Polo. We feel it’s important to continue to share these values.’’

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

Gonzalo Quesada, the Argentinian former rugby player, professional coach of Stade Français Paris and a passionate polo player, continues as the POLO RIDER CUP Ambassador for the second year. Gonzalo…

Polo News

CORONEL SUÁREZ POLO CLUB rounds out the POLO RIDER CUP

6. April 2022

Coronel Suarez Polo Club (ARG) rounds out the POLO RIDER CUP and replace the Moscow Polo Club (_) due to the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine.

Normally, according to the POLO RIDER CUP rules, a maximum of 2 clubs/teams per country are allowed, but given the special situation we are living and as an exception, a third club from Argentina has been authorized by the Federation of International Polo (FIP), the French Polo Federation (FFP), and GAME POLO to participate in the POLO RIDER CUP.

Coronel Suárez Polo Club will comprise the following players:

1. Gleb Fetisov (0) –
2. Misha Rodzianko (+2) USA
3. Ignacio Badiola (+5) ARG

4. Edouard Pan (+5) FRA

Ignacio Badiola, Captain of Coronel Suarez Polo Club, comments: ‘’It is a great honor to represent Coronel Suárez Polo Club in the second edition of the POLO RIDER CUP. Personally, it will be my first time playing this great tournament and I am very happy to do it together with Misha Rodzianko, Gleb Fetisov and Edouard Pan who already played the Cup last year. For sure, we will have a great time.”

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: ‘’Coronel Suárez Polo Club represents the excellence, the values of sharing the champions’ spirit, the polo family and friendship. Many families are based in this fantastic club in Argentina. Several top players have come from this club, the Harriots, the Alberdi and Arayas, among the most famous players. The youngest generation often reaches the finals of Copa Potrillos. Coronel Suárez Polo Club has won the Argentine Open 25 times, it is the club that holds the record for victories in Palermo. It is a huge honor for the POLO RIDER CUP organization to have Coronel Suárez Polo Club participating in this edition.’’

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

Coronel Suarez Polo Club (ARG) rounds out the POLO RIDER CUP and replace the Moscow Polo Club (_) due to the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine. Normally, according…

Europe, Polo News

PREUßISCHER POLO & COUNTRY CLUB BERLIN at the POLO RIDER CUP

18. February 2022

Preußischer Polo & Country Club Berlin Brandenburg (GER) (Berlin Polo Team) will be playing the POLO RIDER CUP for the first time, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI), Deauville International Polo Club (FRA), Polo Club of Chantilly (FRA), Polo Park Zürich (SUI), Empire Polo Club of Coachella Valley (USA), Araucaria Polo Club (ARG), Moscow Polo Club (RUS) and Polo Club Niederweiden (AUT) in the field of the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP, which will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club of Chantilly, north of Paris (France).

The Berlin Polo team will comprise the following players:

1. Kutlay Yaprak, (0) GER/TUR
2. Max Bosch, (+3) GER
3. Valentin Novillo Astrada, (+6) ARG
4. Moritz Gädeke, (+3) GER

Moritz Gädeke, Vice-President of Preußischer Polo & Country Club Berlin Brandenburg, comments: “We are very excited to represent our club in the second edition of the POLO RIDER CUP. It is a great tournament format, where we as a club can measure our abilities against other international polo clubs. I am very much looking forward to playing amongst good friends. With Valentin N.A. and Max Bosch, we will uphold the good spirit of the first edition. New to the roster, Kutlay Yaprak will be joining us as our Team Captain. Many thanks to everyone involved in the great effort to organize this outstanding event.”

Kutlay Yaprak, Captain of Berlin Polo Team, comments: “I am very happy to join the Berlin Polo team and I’m looking forward to playing the POLO RIDER CUP. I believe I am the only contestant with Turkish roots. This gives me great joy.”

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: “We are honored to welcome Berlin Polo Club. The club, led by Moritz Gädeke, is very active in Europe, organizing high-level competitions and supporting the Federation of International Polo. Kutlay Yaprak, their international team captain, will be taking part in the POLO RIDER CUP for the first time. The team is well balanced and they know each other very well, having played many tournaments together. Their pony organization is very strong.”

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

Preußischer Polo & Country Club Berlin Brandenburg (GER) (Berlin Polo Team) will be playing the POLO RIDER CUP for the first time, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA),…

Europe, Polo News

POLO CLUB NIEDERWEIDEN first participation to the POLO RIDER CUP

2. February 2022

Polo Club Niederweiden (AUT) will take part for the first time in the POLO RIDER CUP, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI), Deauville International Polo Club (FRA), Polo Club of Chantilly (FRA), Polo Park Zürich (SUI), Empire Polo Club of Coachella Valley (USA), Araucaria Polo Club (ARG) & Moscow Polo Club (RUS) in the field of the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP, which will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club of Chantilly, north of Paris (France).

The Polo Club Niederweiden team will comprise the following players:

1. Paul Grabosh (+3), GER
2. Anton Grabosh (+3), GER
3. Emil & Michl Grabosh (+1), GER
4. Santi Schweitzer (+4), ARG

Paul Grabosch, Captain of Polo Club Niederweiden, comments: “We are very happy and eager to play the POLO RIDER CUP, especially as this year my three brothers will be with me on the team with Santi Schweitzer. Santi has accompanied us throughout our whole polo career and is part of the Los Indianos Family. We are also proud to be playing for Gerhard Hermanns’ polo club, Niederweiden. Gerhard has always supported us and has often invited us to play great polo at his amazing club. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Philippe and Benoît Perrier for making us part of the Chantilly Polo family.”

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: “Polo Club Niederweiden is another new club competing at the POLO RIDER CUP. The club is located in Austria, a new country participating with the organization of the Grabosch family. This organization is very special, with four brothers playing together with an international Argentine player. It’s a very young team, the youngest of the tournament with 34 ponies. With their total dedication to the sport, these players represent the passion for polo. We wish them a great tournament.”

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

Polo Club Niederweiden (AUT) will take part for the first time in the POLO RIDER CUP, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo…

Europe, Polo News

Bienvenido ARAUCARIA POLO CLUB to the POLO RIDER CUP

28. January 2022

Bienvenido Araucaria Polo Club (ARG) to the POLO RIDER CUP, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI), Deauville International Polo Club (FRA), Polo Club of Chantilly (FRA), Polo Park Zürich (SUI) & Empire Polo Club of Coachella Valley (USA) in the field of the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP, which will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club of Chantilly, north of Paris (France).

The Araucaria Polo Club team will comprise the following players:

1. Fabio Meier (+1) SUI
2. Luca Meier (+1) SUI
3. Fabian Bolanterio (+4) ARG
4. Adrian Laplacette (+6) ARG

Fabio Meier, Captain of Araucaria Polo Club, comments: “My brother and I are very pleased to be playing in this year’s POLO RIDER CUP. For us it will be the first time at the Polo Club of Chantilly. We have heard only positive things about the club, the people, and the tournament. We are looking forward to participate and are very happy to be able to add this tournament to our Polo CV.”

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: “We are glad to be able to count on a new international club from Argentina. The team is very experienced and well-balanced, with Fabio and Luca Meier plus Fabian Bolanterio, a key offensive player, and they have reinforced the line-up with a seasoned player, Adrian Laplacette, who was playing for Düsseldorf last season. The club is based in Lobos, a very active polo centre near Cañuelas. This organization is very active in Europe, with excellent ponies.”

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

Bienvenido Araucaria Polo Club (ARG) to the POLO RIDER CUP, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI), Deauville International Polo…

Europe, Polo News

EMPIRE POLO CLUB of COACHELLA VALLEY returns at the POLO RIDER CUP

24. January 2022

The Empire Polo Club of Coachella Valley (USA) returns to the POLO RIDER CUP, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI), Deauville International Polo Club (FRA), Polo Club of Chantilly (FRA) and Polo Park Zürich (SUI) in the field of the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP, which will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club of Chantilly, north of Paris (France).

The Empire Polo Club team will comprise the following players:

1. Clément / Victoria Smith (0), FRA
2. Guillermo Li (+49, PER
3. Tito Ruiz Guiñazu (+7), ARG
4. Derek Smith (+1), USA

Derek Smith, Captain of Empire Polo Club, comments: “Our team, representing the famous Empire Polo Club, is looking forward to take part in the second POLO RIDER CUP at the Chantilly Polo Club, the most prestigious Club in France. Our family team is always promoting sportsmanship within the tournaments, friendship among polo players and we also like to share our love for horses. We are certain this second POLO RIDER CUP will continue to promote our values.”

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: “We are very enthusiastic to announce the second participation of Empire Polo Club of Coachella Valley from the West coast of the USA. The team is composed of four nationalities and one of the strongest players of the tournament: Tito Ruiz Guiñazu. The organization keeps the same team line-up, they were playing fantastically in 2021 and certainly played one of the fastest games during the semi-finals. They can also count on the team management and coaching of Caroline Anier.”

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

The Empire Polo Club of Coachella Valley (USA) returns to the POLO RIDER CUP, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo St. Moritz…

Europe, Polo News

Defending Champion POLO PARK ZURICH at the POLO RIDER CUP

17. January 2022

The defending Champion, Polo Park Zurich, will join Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI), Deauville International Polo Club (FRA) and Polo Club of Chantilly in the field of the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP, which will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club of Chantilly, north of Paris (France).

The Polo Park Zurich team will comprise the following players:

1. Richard Harris (0), USA

2. Elena Venot (+1), FRA

3. Miguel Amieva (+4), ARG

4. Min Podesta (+7), ARG

Richard Harris, Captain of Polo Park Zurich, comments: “It is a great honor to defend our Polo Rider Cup title this coming year! This is quickly becoming one of the top polo tournaments in the world and we are impressed with the organization and thoughtful attention to detail that Benoît Perrier and Olivier Godallier of GAME POLO have put into the tournament. Our team is prepared, ready to play, and most importantly to have fun. We look forward to seeing everyone again in June.”

Sébastien Le Page, President of Polo Park Zurich, comments: “It is with mixed feelings of pleasure, pride and anxiety that Polo Park Zürich comes to defend its title at the POLO RIDER CUP 2022. Having won the first installment means that all the other teams will be gunning for us this year! But the strong foundation of Min Podesta, who just qualified PPZ for the Triple Crown in Argentina, Elena Venot, who won for PPZ, amongst others, the Women Open de France in Chantilly, and Richard Harris, who captained PPZ brilliantly last year in the POLO RIDER CUP, gives the team a chance to perform well. They are joined by Miguel Amieva, who is building a very strong relationship with PPZ as we work on a reciprocal deal between his club in Mallorca and PPZ. Unfortunately, the questionable increase in handicap of Tachu Solari in France means that he cannot defend his title. However, we are confident that PPZ will be well represented on and off-the field by these extremely talented individuals. Hopp PPZ!”

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: “Polo Park Zurich are back in 2022 to defend their title. The team will have three players of the 2021 edition with their Captain, Richard Harris, Min Podesta, one of the best players in the competition, who won La Camara de Diputados in Argentina, and Elena Venot, the best female French player. The last player is the strong back Miguel Amieva, a very experienced and well mounted player. Horsepower is one of their strong points, with ponies from the Zurich organization. We thank Richard Harris and the president Sébastien Lepage for this new participation in 2022. Polo Park Zurich is a very active and international club in Europe with a strong organization and facilities, a long polo history and an excellent social and club life. Zurich is one of the best towns for its quality of life in Europe.”

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

The defending Champion, Polo Park Zurich, will join Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI), Deauville International Polo Club (FRA) and…

Europe, Polo News

2022 POLO RIDER CUP / EVVIVA POLO ST. MORITZ

17. December 2021

EVVIVA POLO ST. MORITZ back on board for the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP

Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI) is back on board, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER) in the field of the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP, which will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club of Chantilly, north of Paris.

The Evviva Polo St. Moritz team will comprise the following players:

1. Andy Bihrer (0) SUI
2. TBA (5) ARG
3. Martin Aguerre Hijo (7) ARG
4. Tommy Rinderknecht (0) SUI

Tommy Rinderknecht, Captain of Evviva Polo St. Moritz, comments: “Evviva Polo St. Moritz is very happy to return to the POLO RIDER CUP with a competitive team. Andi Bihrer and Tommy Rinderknecht, the two lawyers from Switzerland who are actively involved with the organization of the famous Snow Polo World Cup on the last weekend in January 2022, will take part in the POLO RIDER CUP again with a team led by the 7-goaler Martin Aguerre and another strong 5‑goaler. As a preparation, the Evviva team will participate, among other tournaments, in the Lawyers Polo Cup in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa in the spring of next year.”

Benoît Perrier, CEO & Co-Founder of GAME POLO, comments: “We are proud to count on the participation of Evviva Polo St. Moritz for the second edition. The organisation and line-up are structured around Martin Aguerre Hijo, with two Swiss and another Argentine player. The team is highly motivated, and its great ponies are also a strong asset for the tournament as well as a part of their experience.”

For more information, please contact GAME POLO at: neus@game-polo.com

EVVIVA POLO ST. MORITZ back on board for the 2022 POLO RIDER CUP Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI) is back on board, joining Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago…

Europe, Polo News

The 2022 POLO RIDER CUP will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022

7. July 2021

Following the recent success of the first edition of the POLO RIDER CUP, Game Polo, the organizer and promoter of the event, is pleased to announce the dates of the second edition that will be held from 8 to 18 June 2022 at the Polo Club de Chantilly, north of Paris.

After a debriefing with the Federation of International Polo (FIP), the French Polo Federation, the Polo Club de Chantilly and the Founding clubs/teams, some changes were agreed for next year´s event.

The main changes are that the Final will be held on Saturday 18 June 2022 and a Subsidiary Cup will be held during the tournament.

Concerning the format, it was approved that the number of teams participating in the event will remain the same, 12 international clubs/teams with a maximum of 2 clubs/teams per country.

Olivier Godallier, President & Co-Founder of GAME Polo, comments: “We are really looking forward to the second edition of the POLO RIDER CUP. This new polo club competition found great acceptance at the international level and we received positive feedback from all the clubs, players, federations, partners and media, so we are excited to be working on next year’s edition to improve it and make it even more challenging.”

For more information, please contact GAME Polo at: neus@game-polo.com