News

Polo at the summit of sport and elegance in Gstaad

02 Jul 2025

Polo returns to Gstaad for the 2025 edition of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup. Played on the legendary field beside the airstrip at 1,100 metres above sea level, the four teams will once again face off in one of the most breathtaking alpine settings in Europe. This edition promises also new heights in terms of sporting excellence and event quality, combining sophistication and warm hospitality.

Adrian Laplacette, a player who truly shines on the Gstaad field! © Pascal Renauldon – R&B Presse

A spectacular setting, an elite standard

Since 1996, this unmissable tournament on the international circuit has been the most prestigious polo event of the Swiss summer. The 2025 edition promises another series of thrilling matches with an exceptionally strong line-up. Before, after and between the games, spectators can enjoy the idyllic setting with luxury boutiques, Argentine food trucks, and a dedicated kids’ area. The event is free and open to all.

But of course, the real show is on the field. Adrián Laplacette (6-goaler) is well known to Gstaad’s audience. Finalist in 2024 alongside his cousin Raul and the Meier brothers, he returns this year under the banner of the title sponsor. German player Jürgen Schröder has called on the Argentine star, who feels right at home on this grass field beside the runway. Together with 5-goaler Juan Esteban Uribe and promising young German player Anton Grabosch (3-goaler), they’ll represent Team HUBLOT.

An outstanding headline act

And this year’s edition looks especially promising with the arrival of several of the world’s top players, all from Argentina, of course. Leading the pack is Nicolás Pieres (8-goaler), a former winner of the mythical Argentine Open in Palermo, the holy grail of polo. A finalist there eight times, he won the title in 2012 alongside his brothers Gonzalito and Facundo, and brother-in-law Mariano Aguerre. Between them, they’ve collected no fewer than ten Triple Crown titles (Tortugas, Hurlingham, Palermo). Nico has also claimed major wins at the US Open, British Open, Sotogrande Gold Cup, and the French Open, which he won two years ago.

The French Open was also won by his patron, Juan Pepa, in 2017 after an unbeaten season in France. Originally from Argentina and now Italian, Pepa is not only a talented 2-goaler but also a successful businessman and a discreet philanthropist. He will play for KIELDER AGRO GROUP alongside Tomas Garbarini and Antonio Manzano. Pepa is no stranger to Gstaad, having competed here back in 2016.

Martin “Min” Podestá Jr (7-goaler), winner of the prestigious Copa Cámara de Diputados in 2020 and 2023 (a qualifier for the Argentine Open), is another standout name in this year’s tournament. He will play for Team GSTAAD PALACE with Francisco Fucci (4-goaler) and Swiss duo Markus and Thommy Graeff.

Juan “El Oreja” Jauretche (7-goaler), also a Cámara de Diputados finalist, will be the key player for Fabio and Luca Meier, runners-up in 2024, supported by 5-goaler Marcos Rooney. Together, they’ll represent new sponsor ALBINATI AERONAUTICS.

A weekend of sport and lifestyle

Three days of top-level polo (Thursday, Saturday semi-finals, and Sunday finals) await all lovers of the sport, the mountains, and the unique art of Swiss living. Not to be missed: the traditional parade of teams through the streets of Gstaad on Friday. For nearly thirty years, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad has embodied sporting excellence, refinement, and conviviality in an exceptional alpine setting.

Team Hublot

Jürgen Schroeder (Germany, 0)

Adrian Laplacette Jr. (Argentina, 6)

Juan Esteban Uribe (Colombia, 5)

Anton Grabosch (Germany, 3)

Team handicap : 14

Team Kielder Agro Group

Juan Pepa (Italiy, 2)

Bautista Bello (Argentina, 4)

Antonio Manzano (Argentina, 0)

Nicolás Pieres (Argentina, 8)

Team handicap : 14

Team Gstaad Palace

Markus Graeff (Switzerland, 0)

Thommy Graeff (Switzerland, 3)

Francisco Fucci (Argentina, 4)

Martin Podesta (Argentina, 7)

Team handicap : 14

Team Albinati Aeronautics

Luca Meier (Switzerland, 1)

Pedro URTURI (Spain/Argentina, 1)

Marcos Rooney (Argentina, 5)

Juan Jauretche (Argentina, 7)

Team handicap : 14

An Alpine rendez-vous of sport and elegance

23 Apr 2025

Each summer, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad returns as a breath of elegance and sporting passion. The 2025 edition, taking place from August 21 to 24, promises once again an unforgettable escape — combining top-level polo, Alpine glamour and an international spirit of celebration.

© Kathrin Gralla – Der Rote Drache

Set at 1,100 metres above sea level, the tournament is played on the unusual setting of the Gstaad Airport, right alongside the landing strip — unquestionably one of the most unusual venues on the international circuit.
And no need to worry: air traffic is suspended during the matches!
For nearly three decades, this unique tournament has blended high-level competition with a refined art of living, all in a spectacular natural setting like no other.

Once again, four international teams will compete for the trophy — and, of course, for the coveted Hublot watches awarded to the winners — in a compact format: qualifying matches on Thursday, semi-finals on Saturday, and the grand final on Sunday.
It is arguably the highest-level grass polo tournament in Switzerland. The traditional team parade through the streets of Gstaad, a much-loved highlight, will take place on Friday.

These teams will be led by four distinguished patrons, including Argentine Juan Pepa, returning to Gstaad after first competing here in 2016. Despite what his nationality might suggest, he is not a professional player, but rather a team patron with a solid 2-goal handicap. In 2017, he achieved an impressive treble, winning the Silver and Gold Cups in Deauville, as well as the French Open in Chantilly. With his iconic team Cibao La Pampa, the London-based businessman also reached the quarter-finals of the prestigious Queen’s Cup in England last year. This summer, he has set his sights on Gstaad once again!

The Swiss brothers Fabio and Luca Meier, runners-up last year, and German Dr Jürgen Schröder, a finalist in 2022, also return with unfinished business.

Rounding out the lineup is Markus Graff, a Swiss entrepreneur active in the financial world and a regular figure in European summer tournaments. His team, Graff Capital, famously won the Ambassador’s Cup in Saint-Tropez in 2022.

Each of these four team patrons will wear the colours of one of the tournament’s prestigious sponsors:

The grey-blue of HUBLOT, title sponsor of the tournament and a symbol of Swiss horological innovation;

The red of GSTAAD PALACE, the iconic hotel of the “pearl of the Swiss Alps” and a loyal partner of the tournament;

The green of KIELDER AGRO GROUP, a major international agribusiness, winners in 2024 under the leadership of Swiss player Philippe Müller (absent this year);

And the white of a new entrant: ALBINATI AERONAUTICS, a key player in the world of private aviation, joining the adventure for the first time.

“We are delighted to welcome Albinati Aeronautics among our partners, further enhancing the international and exclusive spirit of the tournament,” says Pierre Genecand, the president of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad.

More than a tournament — a full experience by the field

More than just a polo tournament, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad is a complete experience: a VIP village open to the public, prestigious brand exhibitors, and refined cuisine orchestrated by the chefs of the Gstaad Palace. The traditional gala dinner, hosted by the legendary band Dora on Stage, will extend the magic of the tournament and get guests dancing well into the night.

On match days, spectators will also enjoy discovering the latest Hublot watch collections, Aston Martin’s newest models, and the world of private aviation, with several partner aircraft manufacturers, including Albinati Aeronautics.
Admission is free for the public throughout the tournament, with on-site dining options available.

Children will enjoy a dedicated play and activity area, including the much-loved Gstaad Palace bouncy castle.

The final will be broadcast live on Pololine TV, and all match results will be updated in real time via the ChukkerApp.

Teams 2025

19 Feb 2025

The 28th Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad is set, and four teams will battle for the coveted title:

–Hublot
–Gstaad Palace
–Albinati Aeronautics
–Kielder Agro Group

Who will claim the 2025 title? 🏆🔥 Save the date: August 21-24, 2025, and witness world-class polo in the heart of the Swiss Alps!

Newsletter 2024

07 Nov 2024

The Newsletter 2024 is out. You can view it by clicking on the link below.

Enjoy the memories!

Newsletter_2024

Kielder Agro Group: an English victory!

25 Aug 2024

It may not have been the most beautiful match of the week, but when the final is on the line the only appealing result is a win. Today, polo was a sport of strategy, combat, and patience: and Britain’s Max Charlton proved to be the strongest at this game. All the talent of Raul Laplacette could do nothing about it, despite being named best player of the match.

Kielder Agro Group winner of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad 2024: Nacho Gonzales and Max Charlton (left) Jaime Robert and Philipp Mueller (right) surround athlete Mujinga Kambundji after his return from the Paris Olympics. ©Der Rote Drache / Kathrine Gralla

It was a defensive final which, naturally, concluded with a low score of 6-5. It was unbearable suspense until the end, with each team returning goals blow for blow. With only two minutes left on the clock, a remarkable individual play by Raul Laplacette leveled the score once again, and with mere seconds to go, Max Charlton took advantage of another 60-yard penalty. It was the goal that ultimately determined the match.

“Yes, it was a tough fight played out on penalties,” the Briton admitted. “We won today because we were a little bit luckier than Gstaad Palace since both teams were on equal footing. But I’m particularly pleased to have won here, for Phillipp [Müller, his captain]. It’s amazing!”

©Der Rote Drache / Kathrine Gralla

J. Safra Sarasin landed on the third step of the podium.

Today’s opening match, the final for third place, was clinched by French captain François Okala’s team, donning the distinctive J.Safra Sarasin colors, after an action-packed second chukker. Argentinian handicap 6 Horacio Fernandez Llorente led the charge, capturing four goals. The “blues” dominated the match from start to finish, after measuring up the pitch they only discovered last Thursday.

“Actually…not quite,” Tete Fanelli was keen to point out. “This is the third time I’ve played here. I’ve been a finalist twice before but lost on both occasions. I thought this would be my year, so I’m not completely satisfied with third place. That doesn’t stop me from enjoying this tournament enormously—the organization, the environment, the atmosphere. So I’m looking forward to coming back here and leaving with the watch!”

So, maybe next year from August 21-24. The date has already been set for this one-of-a-kind tournament, whose teams continuously express their satisfaction before they return home. This edition was no exception, an extraordinary celebration of polo that couldn’t possibly be spoiled by a little cold on Sunday.

Final for 3rd & 4th place

J. Safra Sarasin: Françoise Okala 0, Bautista Fanelli 3 (2 goals), Horacio
Fernandez Llorente 6 (4 goals) and Tete Fanelli 5 (2 goals)

Hublot: Jurgen Schröder 0 (1 goal), Juan Correa 3 (3 goals), Pedro Fernandez
Llorente 5 (1 goal), Manuel Fernandez Llorente 6 (1 goal)

Progression J. Safra Sarasin: 3-1 / 7-2 / 8-3 and 8-6

FINALE

Gstaad Palace: Fabio Meier 1 (1 goal), Luca Meier 1, Adrian Laplacette 6 (1 goal) et
Raul Laplacette 6 (3 goals)

Kielder Agro Group: Philipp Mueller 0, Jaime Robert 3 (1 goal) Nacho Gonzales
4(1 goal) and Max Charlton 6 (4 goals)

Progression Kielder Agro Group: 1-1 / 2-2 / 4-4 et 6-5

Tournament top scorer: Max Charlton (Kielder Agro Group) with 17 goals
Best professional player of the final: Raul Laplacette (Gstaad Palace)
Best amateur player: Luca Meier (Gstaad Palace)
Best horse of the final: Germania, a 9-year-old bay mare bred in Argentina by Colo
Germano, owned by Fabio Meier and played by Raul Laplacette

Semi-finals: a battle to the bitter end. Gstaad Palace and Kielder Agro Group advance to the final.

24 Aug 2024

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup 2024 semi-finals certainly lived up to expectations in terms of suspense, for none of the semi-finalists managed to dominate their matches. For both, the outcome remained undecided until the final moments, yet they were two matches with very different faces.

Once again, Argentina’s Raul Laplacette was decisive in the Gstaad Palace victory ©R&B Presse / P.Renauldon

The game between Gstaad Palace and Hublot was one of considerable offense, while the other between Kielder Agro Group and J.Safra Sarasin was rather defensive. Paradoxically, there were more goals in the latter, but the truth is most of these goals were scored on penalties. For Gstaad Palace, the chemistry between the Meier brothers and Laplacette cousins proved, once again, to be an effective advantage.

Even so, it was a fierce battle until the final moments, as Gstaad Palace’s top scorer, Switzerland’s Luca Meier pointed out: “The last minute was very long when Hublot came back into the game. We made a lot of mistakes, and that was our problem. Our luck ran dry and we won by a small goal, 7-6…but yes, that last minute was tough. I’m happy to have scored those four goals, although it was more complicated today because the pitch was more coarse than yesterday when I scored three. The ball was harder to control because it was bouncing all over the place, but it turned out well in the end.”

The Gstaad Palace striker was keen to highlight Raul Laplacette’s role in their victory: “Since he’s won the last two editions of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup, we thought it would be a good idea to recruit him this year. It’s very natural to play with the Laplacettes. We’ve known them since we were kids because in Argentina we have our polo facilities in the same village, in Lobos, so we’ve always rubbed shoulders”.

More complicated than expected for England’s Max Charlton and Kielder Agro Group against Tete Fanelli and J. Safra Sarasin, he nevertheless secured his place in the final ©R&B Presse / P.Renauldon

In the following semi-final, the key player was Max Charlton. The Englishman had a slightly different strategy in this game compared to Raul Laplacette, turning up the pressure cooker by forcing himself and his teammates to stay as close to their opponents as possible in an effort to provoke a foul. This approach proved to be successful, albeit rather crowded, and their win today didn’t come as easily as it had on Thursday, as J.Safra Sarasin’s opposition was stronger than expected.

“We were confident but it was a complicated victory in the end,” captain Philipp Müller admitted. “First, it took us a while to get the right rhythm. Everything went pretty well after that, but we realized that we couldn’t take anything for granted in the last chukker. They leveled our score at less than a minute and then a penalty was whistled in our favor. That is what ultimately saved us. It was an intense match with a lot of fouls, and maybe not the most beautiful match, but the main thing is to be in the final.”

This final will be a dual between Swiss captains!

See you on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. for the final between these two teams who have yet to meet: and we are on the edge of our seats. Who will be the four players to leave Gstaad donning a magnificent Hublot watch on their wrist? We’ll have the answer around 4:00 p.m. tomorrow. The final will be preceded by the third-place play-off at 1:30 p.m.

Match 1

Gstaad Palace: Fabio Meier 1, Luca Meier 1 (4 goals), Adrien Laplacette 6 (2 goals) and Raul Laplacette 6 (1 goals)

Hublot: Jurgen Schröder 0 (3 goals), Juan Correa 3 (1 goal), Pedro Fernandez Llorente 5 (2 goals), Manuel Fernandez Llorente 6

Progression Gstaad Palace: 3-2 / 5-2 / 6-3 et 7-6

Match 2

Kielder Agro Group: Philipp Mueller 0, Jaime Robert 3 (2 goals) Nacho Gonzales 4 and Max Charlton 6 (7 goals)

J. Safra Sarasin: Françoise Okala 0, Bautista Fanelli 3 (1 goal), Horacio Fernandez Llorente 6 (1 goals) and Tete Fanelli 5 (6 goals)

Progression Kielder Agro Group: 0-2 / 3-4 / 7-6 / 9-8

Two favorites emerge amongst an abundance of goals

22 Aug 2024

Press Release, Thursday August 22, 2024

Gstaad got off to a flying start today with the first two qualifying matches of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup 2024, featuring exceptional polo in the unique setting of Gstaad-Saanen airport, surrounded by the verdant mountains that are the hallmark of this singular pitch.

The first match challenged J. Safra Sarasin, pitting Frenchwoman Françoise Okala against the Gstaad Palace team of Swiss brothers, Fabio and Luca Meier, and Argentine cousins, Raul and Adrian Laplacette. Raul holds the advantage, well acquainted with the terrain and its specific dimensions after having triumphed here in both 2022 and 2023. The Meier brothers are naturally quite familiar with each other, as are the Laplacette cousins. All things considered, this is undoubtedly what made the difference when Gstaad Palace achieved the first breakaway in the second chukker at 6-4. The team kept up the pace until the very end of the first match, winning hands down. J. Safra Sarasin didn’t lose out, but they needed time to adapt: Laplacette was one step ahead.

It was a different story for the second encounter between Kielder Agro Group, captained by Switzerland’s Philipp Mueller, and Hublot, led by Germany’s Jurgen Schröder. The outcome was uncertain for the better part of the match, putting forth a more defensive game: 5 ½ to 5 at the end of the third period where Max Charlton shifted up a gear and scored 3 goals in the first three minutes of play. Jamie Roberts then added to the tally, capturing a ninth goal in the final minutes, while the Hublot men remained mute.

See you tomorrow in the streets of Gstaad at 4:00 p.m. for the traditional team parade: a rest day for the horses ahead of Saturday’s semi-finals.

Match 1

Gstaad Palace : Fabio Meier 1, Luca Meier 1 (3 goals), Adrien Laplacette 6 (3 goals) and Raul Laplacette 6 (4 goals)

J. Safra Sarasin : Françoise Okala 0, Bautista Fanelli 3 (1 goal), Horacio Fernandez Llorente 6 (3 goals) and Tete Fanelli 5 (2 goals)

Progression Gstaad Palace: 2-3 / 7-4 / 8-4 and 10-6

Match 2

Hublot : Jurgen Schröder 0 , Juan Correa 3 (1 goal), Pedro Fernandez Llorente 5 (3 goals), Manuel Fernandez Llorente 6 (1 goals)

Kielder Agro Group: Philipp Mueller 0, Jaime Robert 3 (2 goals) Nacho Gonzales 4 (1 goal) and Max Charlton 6 (6 goals)

Progression Kielder Agro Group : (½ goal advantage) 1 ½ -2 / 3 ½ -3 / 5 ½ -5 / 9 ½ -5

POLO AT THE SUMMIT!

04 Jul 2024

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad is a tournament like no other. An unparalleled setting, on this exceptional field alongside the runway of Gstaad-Saanen Airport at 1100 m, a majestic stage of greenery nestled in the alpine mountains showcases the world’s oldest team sport. In Gstaad, polo takes on a whole new dimension.

This prestigious tournament attracts the interest of many team captains, but places are limited, as the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad has its own unique format: four days, including a rest day (devoted to the traditional parade through the village), four matches determine the finalists. The demand is high, but spots are exclusive, as there are only four. This year, the four elected captains – including a woman for the first time in Gstaad, the Frenchwoman Françoise Okala – come from three different nations, Germany, Switzerland and France. In total, the sixteen players will represent six nations, with professionals from Argentina, Italy and the UK: it couldn’t be more cosmopolitan with this minimum number of four teams. Gstaad charms us!

“Be part of it”

The captains and their professionals love Gstaad, not only for the quality of sport, but the hospitality and lifestyle that completes the experience, with festive evenings including the prestigious gala under the immense, elegantly decorated Barnum tent on the edge of the field. It is an evening open to all who wish to join, as are the two VIP lunches on Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th, just follow the QR-Code below. After all, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad is a celebration to be shared.

THE HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP GSTAAD: SOPHISTICATION, SPORT, AND ELEGANCE

15 May 2024

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad is a special time in the international polo calendar, an enchanted interlude on the world circuit. A unique world of intense competition and glamour in the heart of the magnificent Swiss Alps. At an altitude of 1,100 meters, in the unusual setting of the Gstaad/Saanen airport, this unique event promises four extraordinary days dedicated to the world’s oldest team sport.

Much more than a tournament, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad is a unique sporting event and a celebration of equestrian excellence and luxury. The number of teams wanting to take part in the tournament increases every year, making it a daunting task for the organizers to select those who will be lucky enough to set foot on this very special field.

This year, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad will welcome a new team: first of all, a new partner, the prestigious private bank J. SAFRA SARASIN, whose French captain Françoise Okala will be playing in Gstaad for the first time together with the Argentine Fanelli brothers as well as Horacio Fernández Llorente.

The GSTAAD PALACE will be represented this year by two Swiss brothers, Fabio and Luca Meier, who have often shone in Gstaad: will this be the year? Chances are good as they team up with Argentine brothers Adrian and Raul Laplacette. The latter, who has already won the Hublot Polo Gold Cup twice, knows this particular terrain like the back of his hand.

But the battle will be fierce. Swiss captains Philipp Müller and Cedric Schweri have opted for an all-British squad for their KIELDER AGRO GROUP team, including the formidable Max Charlton, a very fast and responsive player with his English horses. Charlton is an all-round player who shone on the snow in Saint-Moritz and has a handicap of 10 in arena polo! But he is just as impressive on grass: last year he won the traditional Westchester Cup in Wellington (USA), a high-goal match between Great Britain and the United States.

The team of title sponsor HUBLOT and German captain Jürgen Schröder, who was a finalist last year, will also be supported by a sibling pair – there will be four in total at this tournament – brothers Pedro and Manuel Fernández Llorente. The final will be broadcast on Pololine TV and there will be free access for the public, with children’s play areas and catering.

A VIP experience

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup is not only a top-class sporting event, but also an exceptional experience on the sidelines with a VIP village (open to the public), exhibitors offering exclusive luxury products, the latest models from Aston Martin, as well as the latest model from Dassault Aviation, which will be exhibiting its brand new Falcon 6X at the airport, Albinati Aeronautics, Barnes… and of course Hublot, which will be presenting its new collections.

Celebrate the sport, its conviviality and its festive atmosphere in VIP style, with elegant lunches and refined cuisine prepared by the chefs of the Gstaad Palace, as well as a sumptuous gala dinner with entertainment from the band Dora on Stage.

All you have to do is book your place for this unforgettable experience at www.pologstaad.ch, because the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad is much more than just a tournament – it is an event not to be missed for lovers of refinement and thrills.

Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad