The 55th International Polo Tournament Sotogrande 2026: Everything You Need to Know

The summer season in Sotogrande is officially underway, and with it comes one of the most anticipated sporting events in Europe: the 55th International Polo Tournament. Organised by Ayala Polo Club and played across Sotogrande’s world‑class fields, the 2026 edition promises an exceptional line‑up of teams, categories and matches, all set within the unmistakable summer atmosphere that defines Sotogrande.

If you want to understand the full context, the history, the fields, the academies and the lifestyle surrounding polo, read our complete guide:

👉 Read more about Polo in Sotogrande

According to the official calendar released by Ayala Polo Club, the 55th International Polo Tournament will take place:

• Bronze Cup: 27 July – 1 August 2026
• Silver Cup: 3 August – 15 August 2026
• Gold Cup: 17 August – 29 August 2026

These dates mark the peak of the polo season in Sotogrande, attracting international players, teams, families and spectators from around the world.

Matches will be played across Sotogrande’s most iconic polo venues:

• Ayala Polo Club (San Enrique de Guadiaro)
• Los Pinos (four tournament fields)

Ayala Polo Club confirmed that the 2026 season will use three fields at Ayala plus the four fields at Los Pinos, ensuring a full, dynamic tournament schedule.

The International Tournament will feature three competitive categories, as officially announced:

• High Goal: 20–22 goals
• Medium Goal: 10–12 goals
• Low Goal: 6–8 goals

This structure allows for a wide range of teams and playing styles, making the tournament accessible to both seasoned polo followers and newcomers.

While the final team list for the International Tournament is traditionally announced closer to the start date, the 2026 season has already showcased strong participation in the lead‑up tournaments:

• Copa Bienvenida (19–24 May)
• Copa Ke Sotogrande (26–31 May)
• Copa Joseph McMicking (4–14 June)
• Open de España (18–28 June)
• Memorial Manuel Prado y Colón de Carvajal (2–12 July)
• Memorial Fundador Enrique Zóbel (2–12 July)

These tournaments have featured teams such as:

• Dany’s Polo
• La Margarita PTA
• La Esperanza
• 1896 Polo
• Heritage Polo Team

With players including:

• Nicolás Ruiz Guiñazú
• Santos Iriarte
• Emiliano Bernal
• Martín Iturraspe
• Jamie Le Hardy
• Gerardo Mazzini
• Segundo Fernández Llorente

These names are strong indicators of the calibre expected for the International Tournament.

• Daily Matches - From late July to late August, matches take place every afternoon, offering spectators a full month of world‑class polo.
• Free Entry - Ayala Polo Club confirmed that all matches in the 2026 season will have free public access, continuing Sotogrande’s tradition of making top‑level polo open to everyone.
• A Cosmopolitan Crowd - Expect international families, professional players, patrons, sponsors, and visitors from London, Dubai, Buenos Aires, Madrid and beyond.
• A Full Social Calendar - The tournament includes:
  • Sunset matches
  • Social gatherings
  • Hospitality events
  • Live entertainment organised by Last Cukker

• Warm‑Up Tournaments - The International Tournament is preceded by a full spring‑summer season, giving fans weeks of competitive polo before the main event.

The International Polo Tournament is the highlight of Sotogrande’s summer, a moment when the destination reaches peak visibility, attracting tourism, international attention and a refined audience that appreciates sport, nature and lifestyle.

It is also a key driver of Sotogrande’s cultural identity, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most important polo hubs.

With confirmed dates, world‑class venues and a strong line‑up of teams already competing in the warm‑up season, the 55th International Polo Tournament Sotogrande 2026 is set to be one of the most exciting editions yet. Whether you are a long‑time polo enthusiast or discovering the tournament for the first time, this summer promises elegance, competition and the unmistakable Sotogrande atmosphere.