The U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge, the premier fundraising event for the Polo Players Support Group (PPSG), once again delivered an unparalleled display of talent while raising funds for players and grooms in need. Held at the National Polo Center (NPC) in Wellington, Florida, the match is the only event outside Argentina to feature eight of the world’s best players in a 40-goal showdown.
In an electrifying match, Airstream secured a 9-8 victory over Bestplayingpony.com. The winning team featured Poroto Cambiaso, Bartolome “Barto” Castagnola, Tomás Panelo, and Facundo Pieres, while Bestplayingpony.com was represented by Adolfo Cambiaso, Camilo “Jeta” Castagnola, Hilario Ulloa and Fran Elizalde, who stepped in as a replacement for Polito Pieres.
2025 40-Goal Polo Challenge Champions: Airstream – Bartolome “Barto” Castagnola, Poroto Cambiaso, Tomas Panelo, Facundo Pieres. ©David Lominska
The game was fast-paced and fiercely contested, with Jeta Castagnola delivering the Tito’s 2-Point Shot of the Day. Poroto Cambiaso earned Best Playing Pony honors with Nature Lapita, a standout horse in the match. This year also marked the first-ever appearance of Barto and Jeta Castagnola in the prestigious event, generating even more buzz around the match.
Before the main match, the Future 10’s Game provided a glimpse into the next generation of polo stars. Wellington Agency triumphed over Delorean AI with a narrow 6-5 win, proving that the future of polo is in good hands.
40-Goal Challenge Runner-up: Bestplayingpony.com – Adolfo Cambiaso, Hilario Ulloa, Camilo “Jeta” Castagnola, Francisco Elizalde. ©David Lominska
Showcasing high-caliber talent and an important cause behind it, the U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Challenge remains an unmissable event in the world polo calendar.
HISTORIC AUCTION RAISES SIGNIFICANT FUNDS FOR THE PPSG
Alongside the action-packed matches, the annual PPSG charity auction was another highlight of the U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge, raising significant funds for injured and ill polo players and grooms.
“To date the PPSG has awarded over $3.5 million to 116 different seriously injured or ill players and grooms.” – Dave Offen, President of the Polo Players Support Group
Several standout items were auctioned, including a Costa Rica vacation, which was sold twice—once to Mike & Geannie Sheller and again to Ginny Orthwein. Severance McLaughlin was among the most generous bidders, acquiring the National Polo Center membership, an Ellerstina vacation and an exclusive jersey from the G.O.A.T, Adolfo Cambiaso. Meanwhile, Curtis and Dawn Pilot secured a Brendan Murphy original sculpture, and the Bolay dinner for 100 was sold twice, purchased by Peter Orthwein and Chip McKinney. A unique item that stood out was a 1955 F-100 pickup truck, donated by Brendan Murphy and purchased by Gringo Colombres, adding a special touch to the auction.
Camilo “Jeta” Castagnola shakes hands with Airstream’s Poroto Cambiaso. ©David Lominska
Reflecting on the success of the event, Dave Offen, President of the PPSG, expressed his gratitude stating, “The 2025 U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Challenge was one of the best games we have ever had. Jeta and Barto played for the first time, and although Polito had to withdraw at the last minute due to injury, Fran Elizalde stepped in and played very well.”
Since its inception, the Polo Players Support Group has awarded over $3.5 million to 116 different players and grooms, making a tangible impact on the polo community. This year’s 40-Goal Challenge further reinforced its importance, combining elite-level polo with a noble cause.