We start the year by looking back at how the last one ended. On Sunday 7 December, La Natividad La Dolfina beat Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufu 17-13 in the final of the 132nd Argentine Open at Palermo, and with it the Triple Crown was theirs.
A third straight title for the merged team
It was the third consecutive title since the two Argentine powerhouses joined forces. Rated at 40 goals against Ellerstina’s 36, the favourites had been unbeaten on the way, and their semi-final win over UAE Polo (16-14) was their eleventh victory in a row that season. Ellerstina had earned their place in the final by edging La Irenita La Hache 13-12 on the Thursday, which also won them the Stellantis Cup.
The result also added to the Cambiaso legend. Adolfo Cambiaso is now the only player to have won the Triple Crown five times. It is a record that may take some beating.
Women’s Open and new handicaps
The day before, La Dolfina won the ninth Women’s Argentine Open by beating defending champions UAE Polo 9-4. It was their fifth title in the event and they went through the tournament unbeaten. Milly Hine finished as top scorer with 13 goals and Mia Cambiaso was named most valuable player.
The Asociación Argentina de Polo has also published its handicap changes, which took effect on 1 January. Antonio Heguy rises from 8 to 9 goals, Juan Martin Nero drops from 10 to 9, and Mia Cambiaso reaches 10 in the women’s handicap list.
First final of 2026 in Florida
The new season began on Sunday 4 January at Port Mayaca Polo Club, where ConcordEquityGroup.com won the Heritage Cup 11-10 over Tendonall Equine. The match went to overtime and Nico Escobar scored the winning goal, which also earned him the MVP award. His side was Dana Barnes, Lucas Escobar, Nico Escobar and Ned Hine.
That is the real start of the American season, and over the next few weeks we will be following the build-up to the Gauntlet of Polo as well as the snow polo events in the Alps.
Sources: Polo Times, Polo Times (Heritage Cup), Polo Times (AAP handicaps)
