Each summer, the Swiss Alps provide the stage for one of the world’s most captivating polo tournaments: the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad. Now in its 28th edition, the event has become synonymous with elegance, tradition, and sporting excellence, attracting international players, leading brands, and a discerning global audience.
Polo at Its Summit
Set against the panoramic peaks of the Saanenland, the tournament stands out thanks to its alpine surroundings. Played on one of the highest-altitude fields in Europe, it demands both power and finesse. This year’s final crowned Team Gstaad Palace, led by captain Markus Graeff and his son Thommy, alongside Argentinian stars Martin “Min” Podestá Jr. and Francisco Fucci, who secured a 7–4 victory over Team Albinati Aeronautics.
Podestá, awarded Most Valuable Player, embodied the spirit of the sport with both his play and his mare, Doma Simoca, recognized as Best Playing Pony. For spectators, it was a masterclass in polo’s rare combination of athletic intensity and refined elegance. The subsidiary final highlighted another great talent: Nicolás Pieres, making his Gstaad debut and leaving fans hopeful for his return in 2026.
Partners in Prestige
The Polo Gold Cup is defined not only by its players but also by the partners who ensure its excellence. Hublot, the title sponsor, epitomizes innovation fused with tradition, values that mirror polo itself. Gstaad Palace, both a team and a legendary host, once again played a central role, underlining the event’s intimate ties to the region’s heritage.
Alongside them, Kielder Agro Group and Albinati Aeronautics brought international prestige, while an impressive array of co-sponsors elevated the tournament further: Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, bj office & coffee, Dassault Aviation, Fourteen, Official Champagne Laurent-Perrier, and the enduring support of the Polo Club Gstaad.
The 2025 edition also carried a deeper resonance with the presence of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, connecting with guests and sharing its vital mission of granting wishes for children facing critical illnesses, giving them strength, courage, hope and moments of happiness with their family. It was a reminder that the spirit of polo in Gstaad extends beyond sport into meaningful acts of generosity.
Gstaad: An Alpine World of Luxury and Discovery
The Polo Gold Cup may be the jewel of August, but the region itself offers an equally glittering experience for visitors. The Gstaad Palace, perched high above the village, remains the grande dame of Swiss hospitality, an icon of glamour where heritage meets contemporary luxury. For those seeking intimate sophistication, Alpina Gstaad offers a modern take on alpine design with Michelin-starred dining and discreet spa experiences.
Culinary pleasures abound: Restaurant Chesery, with its emphasis on regional produce and refined classics, is a must, while Sommet at The Alpina, awarded with a Michelin star, presents haute cuisine with an alpine flair. For something more casual yet atmospheric, Bergrestaurant Wasserngrat rewards diners with panoramic views accessible via chairlift, a reminder that in Gstaad, even lunch can be an adventure.
Beyond fine dining, the village reveals delightful quirks: Charly’s Tea Room, beloved for its pastries and hot chocolate, retains the charm of old-world Switzerland. Boutique hunters will enjoy discovering luxury brands alongside family-run ateliers where traditional crafts are still cherished. And for those who enjoy cultural immersion, the Gstaad Menuhin Festival each summer fills the valley with music, blending classical brilliance with alpine serenity.
Importantly, the Polo Gold Cup itself mirrors this sense of balance, offering dedicated areas for children and families. While the adults enjoy world-class sport and après-polo hospitality, younger visitors discover the joy of horses, see the helicopters and jets at the Saanen, experiencing the spirit of play, and a lesson of teamwork and resilience. Gstaad, in this sense, is not only a destination for indulgence but also for inspiration across age groups.
A Legacy of Distinction
The continued success of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup reflects the vision of Pierre E. Genecand, whose stewardship has made the tournament one of the most admired stops on the global polo calendar. With Swiss precision, a dedication to sporting excellence, and an emphasis on hospitality, he has created a tournament that stands apart not only for the level of play but also for its distinctive character.
As the 2025 edition concluded, guests departed with memories of thrilling competition and alpine refinement. Yet the event’s spirit also looks forward. With its dedicated children’s area and family-friendly programming, the Polo Gold Cup ensures that the values of teamwork, respect, and fair play are passed on to the next generation.
The next chapter is already in motion: from 20 to 23 August 2026, polo will return to the Alps, reaffirming Gstaad’s place as one of the most prestigious luxury sporting destinations in the world, an experience to be shared by all ages.
Article by: Christina Ioannou (Founder of ccicomms.com)
