By Sondra Barr
On the sunlit lawns of WestWorld of Scottsdale, the rhythmic sounds of galloping horses will once again fill the air as the 12th Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick returns this November 4.
Touted as America’s most attended polo event, the championship promises action, adrenaline, and allure.
Nic Roldan, America’s top-tier polo player, makes a much-anticipated return, solidifying the event’s status on the global map. With his unmatched prowess and charismatic presence, Roldan’s participation is a beacon for polo aficionados. Once again, the championships tout both local and international teams, each bringing their distinct flair to the field, making for a riveting, cosmopolitan showdown.
Eight teams will vie for supremacy on the turf, representing regions from Texas to Wales, including PRIDE USA and USA Women’s All-Star team. The thrills commence at 10 a.m. with a vibrant contest between the Texas Polo Club – Garland and PRIDE USA. Sterling Jones, famed actor from hits like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Barbie Movie,” will rub shoulders with fellow polo enthusiasts on the field as a player on the PRIDE USA team. He will be joined by 3-goaler Juan Bollini and Vinny Sangaline. Garland standouts Oscar Chacon-Hidalgo and Alec Felhaber will also bring their skills to the field.
The second match at 12:15 p.m. promises to be electric as the Arizona Polo Club, sponsored by Lamborghini, faces off against the USA’s Women’s All-Star team. Local polo stalwarts Diego Florez and Andres Camacho, both with over 12 years of association with the event, will steer the men’s team, while Danielle Travis, Natalie Grancharov Camacho, and Carolyn Likas represent the women.
The day’s highlight will be the clash between the undefeated Bentley Scottsdale’s Aspen Valley Polo Club and the Wales Polo Team from Great Britain at 2:30 p.m. Leading Aspen is USA’s top player, 8-goaler Roldan alongside teammates 3-goal champion Grant Ganzi and patron Melissa Ganzi. Aspen’s fast action will met by some fierce competition as 5-goaler Jason Crowder, alongside Ricky Cooper, and 5-goaler Pete Webb promise a tough battle as they represent the Wales team. With seven Scottsdale titles under their belt, Aspen Valley is primed for an eighth victory.
Then in the final match-up starting at 4 p.m. the North Scottsdale Polo Club, led by another Arizona polo player, Josh Black, will play in a riveting match against New Orleans Polo Club.
Florez, whose ties to the event span 12 years, is not just a competitor but also a passionate advocate for polo. He champions the Scottsdale Polo Academy, which runs out of SandSpur Ranch, 12302 N. 93rd St., located in the heart of Scottsdale’s Cactus equestrian corridor. The academy’s aim, is to introduce enthusiasts to polo in a supportive and secure setting, emphasizing safety and foundational skills.
Natalie Grancharov Camacho, another ardent advocate for Arizona’s burgeoning polo scene, shares her infectious zeal for the sport, equating its intensity to mainstream sports like football and hockey. Her love affair with polo began at UC Davis. “Being around the team, the horses, it just felt right,” she reflects. For Camacho, polo is more than a sport; it’s an adrenaline-fueled passion.
Beyond the thrilling chukkers, attendees have a plethora of attractions. The Sunset Concert, crafted by leading concert organizers, will feature a top-tier DJ. Meanwhile, wine connoisseurs in attendance are in for a treat with the expanded wine tasting experience. As glasses clink and laughter resonates, enthusiasts can sample an array of wines, immersing in the rich palettes and discovering new favorites, while savoring culinary delights from renowned Scottsdale steakhouse, Maple & Ash. The event also embraces philanthropy, partnering with institutions like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Every sip, cheer, and celebration echoes with a purpose, highlighting the event’s commitment to weaving sport and society seamlessly.
And for those looking for a touch of glam, the Canine Couture Fashion Show by Lugari Pet Salon and The World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show, produced by Phoenix Fashion Week, are sure to dazzle.
Adding to the grandeur, the 2023 All-Porsche Grand Display is set to rev up the excitement. Porsche aficionados can revel in a visual feast, culminating in the Best of Show People’s Choice Award.
Whether you’re a fan of the sport, intrigued by its history, or looking for an exhilarating day out, the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships promise an unforgettable experience.
The event is held at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd. For more information about the Polo Academy, visit scottsdalepolo.com. For more information about the 12th Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick, visit thepoloparty.com.
This content is sponsored by the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick.
