– Trio of matches brings three-day snow polo spectacle to a close –
After a night of sparkling celebrations across the über chic resort of St. Moritz – from the sold-out Gala Dinner at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, to dancing until dawn with polo friends in King’s Social House – the stage was set for Finals’ Day today – the sporting summit of this truly unique tournament, the world’s oldest and best snow polo event.
This truly is snow polo at its most iconic: glamorous, gripping and gloriously unforgettable. Finals’ Day is not just three matches, but a magnificent moment in the winter calendar – a celebration of sport, spectacle and pure excitement which truly has to be experienced to be believed… and once is never enough. 26,000 spectators certainly agreed, with sellout crowds over the course of the weekend and an impressive 2,400 tonnes of infrastructure placed upon the frozen Lake St. Moritz.
As the players made their way on to the arena, the atmosphere was electric. Designer clad spectators filled the stands, Perrier Jouët Champagne glasses clinked as the sun tried to peek through the snow clouds and the cheers of the thousands of spectators rang out across the frozen lake as every world-class chukka brought fresh drama and excitement. High goal polo skill, horsepower and Swiss efficiency and hospitality combined power in perfect partnership – all set against the unforgettable St. Moritz backdrop.
Cementing the event’s global status, in exciting breaking news, J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, has confirmed a major four-year commitment to Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, with US Polo Assn. confirmed as the official apparel supplier until 2030. It is a partnership ensuring that every chukka is played with serious sartorial style.
Game 1: The Casablanca Cup: Azerbaijan-Land of Fire vs. MACKAGE
The first match of the day saw Azerbaijan-Land of Fire and Mackage battle for fifth and sixth place, with intensity and passion on display as they competed for The Casablanca Trophy. A fast-paced opening chukka saw Mackage strike first, but 2022 and 2023 winners Azerbaijan-Land of Fire quickly responded to level the score at 1-1. The remaining three chukkas were just as tight, with fast, flowing, end-to-end polo throughout. A penalty conversion for Azerbaijan-Land of Fire opened the fourth and final chukka to give them a 5-4 lead, and although Mackage fought hard to equalise, time was not on their side. Azerbaijan-Land of Fire stepped onto the podium to receive The Casablanca Trophy from Villa Sandi’s Diva Moretti Polegato, who presented the winners with a Casablanca helmet, a silver-framed team picture and a bottle of Villa Sandi, whilst runners-up Mackage received Casablanca knee pads, a silver-framed team picture and a bottle of Villa Sandi.
Game 2: The Mackage Trophy for the Subsidiary Final: Investec and St. Moritz-Top of the World
The Subsidiary Final for the Mackage Trophy saw open, clean and fluid play, with minimal whistle from the umpires which resulted in easy to watch polo with thrilling end-to-end action. An injured Nico Pieres was replaced by Manuel Fernández Llorente, who jumped into the saddle, hot from a strong performance in the previous match and Manuel did not disappoint in his role as substitute.
Investec’s all-Brazilian line-up had well and truly found their feet and snow polo rhythm today, challenging St. Moritz-Top of the World every step of the way for possession, with their efforts rewarded in the third chukka as they gained the lead for the first time, 4-3½. Robert Strom worked relentlessly for St. Moritz-Top of the World – as always, efficiently reading the play and pushing hard to regain the advantage. But despite his and his teammates’ best efforts it was not to be and the white-shirted ‘Boys from Brazil’ for Investec ran out the winners with a closer than close final score of 5-4½.
Tanya Golesic, CEO of Mackage, presented Mackage vouchers to both teams and a silver-framed team picture; while the winners also received a bottle of Beluga Vodka presented by Dmitri Nasalskiy, Noblewood Marketing Director.
Game 3: The 41st Snow Polo World Cup Final Trophy: Flexjet and Standing Rock
Both finalists, Flexjet and Standing Rock, had impeccable pedigrees and the sold-out grandstands were packed for the Final. National pride was running high with two Swiss players taking part: Team Captain Philipp Müller for Standing Rock, competing for the second time in the tournament and Tito Gaudenzi, back-to-back winner in 2022 and 2023. Five-time winner Max Charlton opened the scoring for Standing Rock to neutralise Flexjet’s half goal handicap advantage, but Flexjet found their cruising altitude, weaving through the defensive lines to find the posts right on the bell, 1½-1.
It was edge-of-the-seat stuff as tensions mounted and the ball was lofted from end to end of the arena, with tight marking making it hard for either team to pull conclusively ahead. Uruguayan David ‘Pelon’ Stirling, the non-Argentine with the most Argentine Open wins, was in formidable form for Flexjet, showing his experience and talent with assertive possession of the line and accurate play. However, in response Standing Rock were so solid that at half-time they still retained a narrow half goal lead, 3-2½, thanks to a last-minute dash to goal by Charlton, playing like a man possessed.
After a quick half-time break and pony change, the teams returned to the arena with added pace, with a blisteringly fast chukka. A penalty for Flexjet swung the lead in their favour again, but Standing Rock’s determined offensive teamwork combined with Nacho Gonzalez’s rock-solid defence soon resulted in another lead change, 4-3½.
And so, the final ball of the chukka, of the final match of the 41st Snow Polo World Cup was thrown in. Pelayo Berazadi converted a penalty opportunity for Flexjet, 4½-4, could they hold onto the lead for the last five minutes? Not on Standing Rock’s watch – a converted penalty from Most Valuable Player Raul Laplacette swung the lead in their favour once again, followed by Raul scoring a further goal with less than 30 seconds left on the clock, securing the title safely in Standing Rock’s possession.
This win sees Max Charlton achieve his sixth Snow Polo World Cup titles; whilst Nacho Gonzalez now has an impressive five; Raul Laplacette his third and for Philipp Müller, his first time lifting the prestigious trophy.
The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Trophy was presented by FIP President Dr. Piero Dillier. The Standing Rock players were each presented with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface by Mrs Anne Schaal, Brand Director Switzerland of Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Best Playing Patron: Presented by TJ Joulak was awarded to Sebastien Aguettant who received a 5-day voucher at Ithaafushi – The Private Island by Waldorf Astoria.
The Most Valuable Player: Awarded to Raul Laplacette, who received a cashmere jacket, sponsored by Hedonist and presented by Laura Zancanella.
Polo Times Best Playing Pony: Presented by Nick Hine to Max Charlton for his 14-year-old gelding Big Brother who played in the second chukka and is a firm favourite on the yard. Max received a bespoke pony rug and 200 Swiss Francs for the grooms.
Umpires thanks: Sponsored by Villa Sandi and presented by Leonardi Moretti Polegato
So, after three truly spectacular days of polo power, pace and precision which saw nine matches on the frozen lake in this truly unique location, it was time for everybody to say goodbye. From the dedicated team of 300 officials who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event such a success – including the delivery and installation of 2,400 tonnes of infrastructure directly onto the frozen lake – to the players, flown in from around the world, and the VIPs and public who come to enjoy the incredible spectacle that is Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, all bade a fond farewell to polo friends – both old and new.
With 40 private jets flying in and this year’s event a complete sell-out, exceeding previous attendance with over 26,000 spectators enjoying the action across the three days. So, after nine matches, the 41st edition of this iconic tournament drew to a close in fitting style. Make a note in your diary now – and book early – for the 42nd anniversary edition on 22, 23 and 24 January 2027.
