Polo is a fast-paced and exciting game that needs great horse skills and smart thinking. People have played this famous sport for a long time, from around the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD. At first, it was played by the Turkish people and nomadic Iranians, but now it’s loved all over the world. More than 100 countries play polo under the Federation of International Polo.
Through the years, many talented players have made a big impact on polo. Behind every strong hit and fast horse, a skilled player is making it all happen.
So, who are the best polo players in the world today? Get ready as we reveal the top 10 polo players in the world, according to the important World Polo Tour (WPT) rankings:
Top 10 best polo players in the world
Please note that these rankings are based on performances throughout the year in major tournaments around the world, and they are subject to change as new tournaments are played and new performances are recorded.
1. Adolfo Cambiaso Jr
He’s arguably the greatest of all time. With an impressive score of 1301 points, Cambiaso Jr. from Argentina continues to dominate the sport with his exceptional talent and strategic play. Like his father, he has utterly changed the game of polo. Together, they were the first father-son duo to play in the Triple Crown this century.
He has won one British Open, one Argentine Open, and two Hurlingham Opens. Additionally, he has competed in the US Open, Prince of Wales Trophy, USPA Gold Cup, and CV Whitney Cup Final.
2. Adolfo Cambiaso
Adolfo Cambiaso is renowned as one of the world’s top polo players. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over three decades, he has achieved nearly every accolade in the sport, yet his hunger for more trophies remains unabated. His impressive list of accomplishments includes nine victories in the US Open, eight triumphs at the British Open, and five wins in the Sotogrande Gold Cup.
According to Laureus, the celebrated polo star surpassed Bautista Heguy’s record of 531 goals by scoring 535 goals at the Argentine Open alone. Since his team’s Copa Quilmes victory in 2002, he has been a stalwart representative of Argentina on the international stage.
3. Facundo Pieres
Pieres, the second son of polo legend Gonzalo Pieres Sr., boasts a score of 1033 points, highlighting his prowess on the field. With his exceptional stickwork and horsemanship, which is always a delight to watch, he has emerged victorious in numerous competitions.
At 32 years old, he has accumulated an impressive collection of trophies, winning some of the most prestigious titles multiple times. His trophy cabinet includes 7 Tortugas Open, 5 Hurlingham Open, 3 Argentine Open, 4 U.S. Opens, 5 British Open, 3 Sotogrande Gold Cups, 5 CV Whitney Cups, and 5 Queens Cups.
In 2010, he achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Argentine Triple Crown, clinching victories in all three tournaments – the Argentine Open, Hurlingham Open, and Tortugas Open. Additionally, the renowned legend won the Torneo Internacional de Polo Sotogrande in 2017 and 2018, the most prestigious World Polo Tour competition.
4. Bartolome Castagnola Jr
The renowned Bartolome Castagnola Jr., the eldest of the Castagnola brothers, is a formidable polo player with 912 points to his name. Known for his agility and precision, Castagnola Jr. reached a 10-goal handicap at just 20 years old in 2021. He played a crucial role in the championship game, ultimately earning the MVP Gonzalo Heguy Award.
5. Camilo Castagnola
Camilo Castagnola, like his brother, also hails from Argentina and has accumulated 909 points. In 2024, he is among the youngest and highest-ranked polo players. Camilo made history by becoming the youngest player to achieve a 10-goal handicap, surpassing the records previously held by Facundo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso.
6. Hilario Ulloa
Hilario Ulloa, son of the renowned horse trainer and breeder Carlos ‘Polito’ Ulloa, has a natural love for horses. With 859 points, Ulloa’s performance has been spectacular, earning him a spot among the top players. Growing up, Hilario dreamed of playing in the Argentine Open and achieved a 10-goal player ranking.
After more than 10 years of professional polo, he made his first appearance in the Argentine Open in 2013. In 2019, Ulloa finished eighth among all players and led Park Place to their semi-final matchup with Coca-Cola, averaging 4.7 goals per contest.
7. Tomas Panelo
Tomas Panelo rounds out the top seven with 823 points, demonstrating consistent excellence in the game. In recent years, he has achieved remarkable results in polo. After his successful US 22-goal season, during which he won the USPA Gold Cup, and the US Open, and reached the final of the C.V. Whitney Cup, Panelo’s handicap increased from 9 to 10 goals on May 1, 2024.
8. Juan Britos Jr
Juan Britos Jr. is one of the top polo players in the world, excelling both internationally and domestically. With 736 points, Britos Jr. has established himself as a rising star in the polo world. He is consistently rated among the top players globally, with an 8-goal handicap in the United States and a 9-goal handicap in Argentina. Unlike many of his peers, Britos did not come from a family of polo players in Argentina. He began playing the sport at 13, which is considered late for many elite athletes.
However, he quickly excelled, developing a passion for the game and becoming a formidable player in the sport of kings.
9. Francisco Elizalde
Among the renowned polo players is Francisco Elizalde, who has accumulated 729 points. His contributions to his team have been invaluable. Elizalde began competing at a young age and has participated in high-goal polo tournaments worldwide.
In 2018, Elizalde had a strong season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. With an 8-goal handicap, he helped lead Las Montijas to the final match of the United States Open Polo Championship.
10. Pablo Pieres (United States)
Representing the United States, Pablo Pieres has earned 718 points, making a significant impact on the international stage. He began training on horseback at the age of four under the guidance of his father, Paul. Pieres boasts a remarkable 10-goal handicap and is renowned for his offensive prowess. Throughout his career, he has played in various countries and invested his earnings in horses.
These players have not only excelled in their performances but have also contributed to the growth and popularity of polo worldwide. Their dedication to the sport and their teams is evident in their rankings and achievements.