The equestrian-friendly WestWorld of Scottsdale has seen Barrett-Jackson’s high-end automobiles and Fuel Fest’s souped-up cars drive through the property.
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, Presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos, will turn up the horsepower at the venue on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Among the star players is “The Face of American Polo,” Nic Roldan, the captain of the Aspen Valley Polo Team. Organizers are just as excited.
“This year’s lineup features some of the most talented and recognizable names in the sport,” said Jason Rose, the creator and co-founder of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. “It’s a rare opportunity to see so much star power in one place, and we couldn’t be more excited to host these players here in Scottsdale.”
Joining Roldan is Melissa Ganzi, one of the world’s top-ranked female polo players, and her son, Grant Ganzi, a rising star in the sport.
Grant was one of the youngest players in the nation to compete in 26-goal polo during the inaugural 2019 World Polo League.
“It is always a highlight of my fall to have the opportunity to play at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. Always a beautiful day with amazing friends on and off the field,” Grant said. “It is also an honor to share the field with Nic and my Mom, Meli.”
Roldan and the Ganzis will take on the Napa Valley Polo Team at 4 p.m. They’ll face off against the likes of Napa Valley Polo Club’s Manuel Crespo, an Argentinian-born six-goal player. All professional polo players have a rating that falls between -2 and 10, with higher numbers indicating higher levels of skill, experience and horsemanship.
Among those representing the Arizona Polo Club is Andres Camacho-Castilla, a three-goaler and one of the highest-rated polo players in Arizona.
A fifth-generation, Colombian-born player, Camacho will take the field at noon during the second match of the day, where he’ll play alongside his wife, Natalie Grancharov-Camacho. They will face off against the Wales Polo Team featuring Ricky Cooper, Pete Webb and his son, Alex Webb.
Pete started riding at age 9, earned a scholarship to play polo in New Zealand at 17 and has been a fixture in the sport ever since. He’s secured numerous accolades, including victories in the Gold Cup British Open and the Royal Windsor, and has also represented England in two World Cups and at matches across the globe.
With Welsh roots through his father, Pete takes great pride in playing for the Wales Polo Team at what he describes as “The Best Polo Party in the world.”
The party’s first night polo tournament will be followed by Polo After Dark and Dinner Under the Stars in partnership with the City of Scottsdale.
The Polo Party will also include an all-day musical roster, with Relentless Beats welcoming DJ Jai Wolf to the Casa Amigos DayClub powered by NÜTRL and other top DJs set to spin throughout the duration of the event.
While attendees will have a chance to check out some of the globe’s top-ranked polo players, the event also includes fashion shows, luxury brand installations, exotic car and equestrian displays, VIP tent opportunities and the return of Grimaldi’s Pizza Bistro, among other exclusive draws and attractions.
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos
WHEN: Doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
WHERE: WestWorld
INFO: thepoloparty.com, info@thepoloparty.com
Polo schedule
Gates open at 10 a.m., with the event’s five polo matches scheduled as follows:
10 a.m.: New Orleans Polo Club vs. Cave Creek Equine
Noon: Arizona Polo Club vs.
Wales Polo Team
2 p.m.: Nashville Polo Team vs.
Pride World Polo Team
4 p.m.: Aspen Valley Polo Club vs.
Napa Valley Polo Team
6 p.m.: Sonoma County Polo Team vs.
El Paso Polo Team
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Foothills Focus Executive Editor