Gorgeous views of turquoise waters. The feel of the warm, ocean breeze through the palm trees. The sights and sounds of polo ponies galloping and kicking up the sand. There’s nothing like the thrill of watching polo on the sunny shoreline of Miami Beach.

The World Polo League’s Beach Polo World Cup, Miami Beach, which touts itself as the largest polo event in the world, takes place April 20-April 23, 2023, with a glitzy combination of polo matches, fashion and parties. Whether you have a passion for polo or simply want to experience something unique, you should mark your calendar for the daily competitions and events that take on the sands of South Beach between 21st and 22nd streets.

Who will compete at the event?

Featuring eight international teams and starring a roster of players from more than 10 nations, the event offers attendees the chance to watch some of the world’s best polo players compete. You may see players such as Nacho Figueras, who’s been called “The David Beckham of Polo,” Melissa Ganzi, Tito Gaudenzi, Nic Roldan and others.

What’s the schedule of events?

High-goal matches take place throughout the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a celebrity charity match and an award presentation wrapping up the event on Sunday evening. WPL Beach Polo World Cup is the chance to mingle with polo aficionados, a sprinkling of celebs, and those who want to be part of the see-and-be-seen crowd. Check out full schedule details here.

What is beach polo?

If you’ve never watched a beach polo match, the game is played in a similar fashion to arena polo, where players on horseback use mallets to knock the ball in the goal. The main difference is that it’s played on the sand, and with an ambiance that only Miami Beach can offer.

Polo is a luxury sport, also known as the “Sport of Kings,” so expect attendees to be (casually) dressed to impress. In the past, fans have donned stylish hats, sunny dresses, and tailored jackets and polo shirts paired with shorts. (Of course, you can watch the matches in your bathing suit from the beach.)

Are tickets required for the Polo World Cup in Miami Beach?

General admission on the sand is complimentary for the public. Polo Lounge and VIP tickets are available to purchase.

Guests can shop in the retail village, and when the polo games are done for the day, they can flock to The Setai Miami Beach hotel for the Après Polo event.

By: Angela Caraway-Carlton | March 2, 2022