Gstaad Palace Reaches the Summit
In this spectacular setting, nestled in the idyllic Swiss Alps, the 28th edition of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup ended this Sunday with a final full of flair. Four Swiss players took to the field, including team captain Markus Graeff, who led Gstaad Palace to a memorable victory.
At 1:30 p.m., the subsidiary final set the tone with open, fast-paced play between two teams determined to leave Gstaad on a positive note. Less tense than Saturday's semifinals, the match unfolded in a spirit of true sportsmanship, with each team freely expressing their game.
Nicolás Pieres Finds His Rhythm
More comfortable on the field than in the semis, Nicolás Pieres (4 goals) found his rhythm and steered Team Kielder Agro Group to a narrow but meaningful 8–7 win over Adrian Laplacette Jr. (5 goals), ever inspired in his game reading.
Gstaad Palace: A Family Affair and a Podestá Masterclass
The final started off cautiously, with players understandably showing a touch of nerves. But momentum quickly shifted in favor of Gstaad Palace, who took control and dominated throughout. Albinati Aeronautics struggled to break through a rock-solid defense orchestrated by Martin "Min" Podestá (7), with every teammate executing their role to perfection starting with captain Markus Graeff:
"It's such a pleasure to play here. I'm the oldest player on the field at 73, and as far as I know, the next oldest is 20 years younger and most of them are between 20 and 30! I'm thrilled I could contribute… a little. I put this team together, and I'm proud of what we achieved. Playing here in Gstaad is wonderful. Each of my teammates played their part. I had my role to play, and I think I did it well. Like football, polo is a team sport. If I'm invited again next year, I'd be delighted to return."
The captain's son, Thommy Graeff, certainly did more than play his part, delighting the crowd with a stunning golaso.
Doma Simoca, Queen of the Day
No horses, no polo. Most players will tell you that 70% of their performance depends on their horse. For this tournament, Min Podestá brought six of his top horses from the UK. Among them, Doma Simoca, a nine-year-old grey mare, was awarded the Best Playing Pony of the Final.
“She's generous, tireless, I can bring her back into the game two or three times without issue. She's easy to ride and always gives her best,” explained Podestá, who was also named MVP of the final.
A touching tribute to an exceptional mare, bred at the prestigious La Irenita stud. For connoisseurs: she is by Clarín out of Irenita Nazarena, both outstanding polo horses in their own right.
A Tournament Like No Other
There was something truly special about this Sunday in Gstaad, a kind of enchanted interlude where the noble toughness of polo met the gentleness of this alpine setting. This tournament owes much of its character to the man who has orchestrated it for the past twenty years: Pierre E. Genecand, a passionate and demanding host, loyal to his team and to a certain philosophy of event organisation.
Thanks to him and to those who stand by his side, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup has become a one-of-a-kind stop on the global polo circuit: a top-level tournament in an idyllic mountain setting. See you next year, from 20 to 23 August 2026.
Results & Highlights
Subsidiary Final – Team Kielder Agro Group: Nicolás Pieres (8, 4 goals) bt. Team Hublot: Jürgen Schröder (0) – Antonio Grabosch (3) – Adrian Laplacette Jr. (6, 5 goals) – Juan Esteban Uribe (5), 8–7. Progression: 1–2 / 4–3 / 6–6 / 8–7.
Final – Team Gstaad Palace: Markus Graeff (0) – Thommy Graeff (3, 2 goals) – Martin Podestá Jr. (7, 4 goals) – Francisco Fucci (4, 1 goal) bt. Team Albinati Aeronautics: Luca Meier (1, 1 goal) – Patricio Gaynor (2) – Santiago Cernadas (7, 2 goals) – Fabian Bolanterio (4, 1 goal). Progression: 1–0 / 3–1 / 6–3 / 7–4.
Best Playing Pony: Doma Simoca, 9-year-old grey mare bred by La Irenita, ridden by Martin Podestá Jr.
MVP: Martin Podestá Jr.
Best Amateur Player of the Tournament: Juan Pepa, Kielder Agro Group
Top Scorer of the Tournament: Martin Podestá Jr. – 10 goals
Referees: Charles Seavill and Oliver Ellis