a closup image of a polo player and horse, featured image for the article

Centaurs at Sotogrande’s International Polo Tournament

Teba Siles | · 4 min. read

Sotogrande is one of the most exclusive and luxurious places in the world, where excellence is measured by the car you drive, the watch you wear, the pedigree of your dog, or the box you occupy to enjoy one of the sports and social spectacles of the summer: the Sotogrande International Polo Tournament.

Sotogrande’s Rise as a Summer Polo Capital

The journey to make Sotogrande the world capital of polo in summer has been long. The creation of Sotogrande is linked to Joseph Rafael McMicking, an American entrepreneur of Filipino origin who, in the early 1960s, found the ideal place in Sotogrande to build a luxury complex with golf courses and a polo field. What began as friendly polo matches on the mythical La Playa field became, starting in 1971, the Sotogrande Gold Cup. The Mora Figueroa and Zobel families (descendants of McMicking) have made polo the hallmark of Sotogrande through the Santa María Polo Club and the Ayala Polo Club, which with nine fields, is one of the largest in Europe.

Polo Horses in Sotogrande

Details of the 53rd Andalucía International Polo Tournament

From July 23 to August 31, the Ayala Polo Club hosts the 53rd Andalucía International Polo Tournament, consisting of three cups: the Bronze Sotogrande Cup (July 23-28), the Silver Terralpa Cup (July 30-August 17), and the Gold Turkish Airlines Cup (August 19-31). This tournament is held across the three fields of Ayala Polo Club and the four fields of Ayala Los Pinos, which are the most significant events in Continental Europe and comparable to tournaments in Argentina, the United States, and England.

The tournament features three polo categories:

  • High Handicap: Teams between 20 and 22 goals
  • Medium Handicap: Teams between 12 and 14 goals
  • Low Handicap: Teams between 6 and 8 goals
Santa María Polo Club, International Polo Tournament
Santa María Polo Club

World-Class Players at the 53rd Andalucía International Polo Tournament

The 53rd Andalucía International Polo Tournament will feature the world's top players, including Bartolomé and Camilo Castagnola, Adolfo Cambiaso "Poroto," and his legendary father Adolfo Cambiaso. Other notable players like Pablo Mac Donough, Facundo Pieres, and Juan Martín Nero will also participate, especially in the High Handicap category, which will have seven teams. The Medium Handicap will feature five strong teams, and the Low Handicap will have ten teams competing for glory.

Ayala Polo Club, International Polo Tournament
Ayala Polo Club

Beyond Polo: The Ultimate Sotogrande Experience with Leisure, Gastronomy, and Music

While the excitement of top-level polo at the Andalucía International Polo Tournament is the highlight of Sotogrande, the region offers much more to enjoy off the field. With an array of leisure activities, exceptional dining experiences, and live music events, Sotogrande provides a vibrant atmosphere where guests can indulge in the finest entertainment throughout the tournament season. From unique culinary experiences to must-see concerts and cultural exhibitions, Sotogrande truly has something for everyone.

Unforgettable Experiences at Last Chukker

In addition to top-level sports, Sotogrande offers an attractive off-field proposal with Last Chukker. Located between fields 3 and 4 of Ayala Los Pinos, Last Chukker provides an unforgettable experience with the Croft Twist and Cokko & Rosso bars, along with Larios, organizing four must-see concerts:

  • Back to 80’s: July 27.
  • Siempre Así: August 17.
  • Third Floor: August 23.
  • Los Alpresa: August 31, after the Gold Turkish Airlines Cup final.

Culinary Delights, Fashion, and Free Access

Last Chukker also offers culinary delights, a market on Fridays and Saturdays, and a space for fashion and art exhibitions in the central pavilion.

Most notably, everything mentioned, both on and off the field, can be enjoyed for free. Although there will be boxes available for purchase, entry to all matches of the 53rd Andalucía International Polo Tournament and the concerts at Last Chukker will be free of charge.

If you’re looking to explore more of what Sotogrande has to offer, dive into its stunning landscapes, world-renowned golf courses, and exceptional culinary scene. Whether you're interested in discovering the best spots to visit, learning about the region’s golf culture, or tasting its gastronomic delights, there’s something for everyone.

For those considering a move to Sotogrande, learn about the current state of the real estate market and how it could be the perfect time to invest. If you’d like more information or to get in touch, feel free to contact us.