The United States Polo Association (USPA) and International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC), in partnership with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, have once again brought the Gauntlet of Polo, the world’s most prestigious series of polo tournaments, back to Palm Beach County. The 2022 slate of competition features three top-tier high-goal polo tournaments with the C.V. Whitney Cup (February 7-27), USPA Gold Cup (March 1-27), and U.S. Open Polo Championship (March 29-April 24).
Established in 2019, the Gauntlet of Polo has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the most thrilling and lucrative events in Palm Beach County. The prize money distribution for the 2022 season guarantees a total of $200,000. $50,000 will be awarded to each of the winning teams of the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup. Similarly, $100,000 in prize money will be presented to the winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship® and any team that wins all three tournaments will be crowned the Gauntlet Champion. In keeping with the spirit of philanthropy, U.S. Polo Assn. will provide a $2,500 donation to the winner and runner-up teams of all three finals to be donated to a polo charity of their choice.
Showcasing nine competitive high-goal teams and nine 10-goal players, the Gauntlet of Polo brings together the world’s best polo players and their incredible horses for three months of nonstop action. Hoping to start the 2022 season off strong with consecutive titles, 2021 C.V. Whitney Cup defending champions Park Place will return with a new addition to their roster. Challengers also vying for the Gauntlet include the inaugural and reigning Gauntlet champions, Pilot, as well as new teams La Fe and Dutta Corp/Show+. Making a strong debut as an 18-goal team, La Fe has reached both the Iglehart Cup and Ylvisaker Cup Finals.
The start of the Gauntlet of Polo marked the beginning of a loaded slate of professional sports this February in Palm Beach County. Also calling The Palm Beaches home this month are the ATP Tour’s Delray Beach Open and the PGA Tour’s The Honda Classic.
“The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is thrilled to welcome back the Gauntlet of Polo for what is sure to be three ultra-competitive polo tournaments that comprise the most coveted title in the sport,” said George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “This prestigious event brings the world’s best polo players and their fans to The Palm Beaches and ultimately creates a tremendous economic impact for our region’s hospitality industry.”
Last year, equestrian sports in Palm Beach County generated a significant economic impact. Over $279 million and 2,880 jobs were contributed to the Palm Beach County economy from equestrian events.
IPC, the host venue for the event, is a premier polo destination hosting the most prestigious tournaments in the United States with some of the world’s highest-ranked players. The centerpiece of the winter polo season, and spanning nearly 250 acres, IPC is the largest spectator-friendly polo facility in the U.S. Events such as the Gauntlet of Polo, U.S. Open of Polo, Gay Polo League, and Gladiator Polo attest to its eminence in the world of equestrian sports. But the venue offers much more than horseplay: Its seven polo fields can be converted into 47 multipurpose fields, which are ideal for rugby, field hockey, lacrosse, football, soccer and more. The USA Field Hockey National Hockey Festival, American Youth Soccer Organization National Soccer Games, International Women’s Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Presidents Cup, and the Rugged Rugby Tour have all been played at IPC. In 2017, the Florida Sports Foundation named IPC the “Large Market Sports Venue of the Year.” Created with players and fans in mind, the stadium welcomes nearly 800 spectators, with an additional 1,028 box seats, and features 7,000 square feet of indoor usable floor space.
For more information about the 2022 Gauntlet of Polo, please click here.
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