In some ways, ime seems to stand still at the Snow Polo World Cup.  Since its inception in 1985, the event has confidently celebrated one of the most exclusive sports in the world, attracting a fittingly elite clientele while also drawing in many curious spectators without an American Express Centurion Card.

Of course, smartphones and drones are now omnipresent, capturing every picturesque moment. Yet the essence of the event remains remarkably unchanged.

High Society Charm and Indulgence

Fur coats are still widely worn and champagne is the all-time favorite drink: Perrier-Jouët flowed liberally as spectators brought their glasses and bottles to their seats on the grandstands, merging high society charm with effortless indulgence.

The VIP tent glittered with displays from elite luxury brands, from FlexJet’s bespoke aviation services to the exclusive medical offerings of The Kusnacht Practice, alongside showcases from TWW Yachts and One Luxury's exclusive travel services.

Investec as First-Time Sponsor

Unlike other gatherings of wealth and power such as the White Turf horse races where UBS took over Credit Suisse's commitment as a sponsor, the financial industry took a subtler role here. Most private banks with a St. Moritz branch discreetly entertained top clients in the VIP tent.

With the exception of Zurich-based private bank Investec, a subsidiary of the South African banking group. As a first-time sponsor, it brought a fresh dynamic to the event’s ecosystem.

Reto Gaudenzi, Creator of Snow Polo. (Image: Courtesy)

The Winner Is...

In an atmosphere where sporting excellence met cultural festivity, the «Kusnacht Practice» team emerged victorious, defeating «Azerbaijan – Land of Fire» in a thrilling final with a narrow 5-4½ score. Team captain Eduardo Greghi led his team with poise, while Chris Mackenzie’s stunning third-chukka goal from an impossible angle electrified the audience.

The trophy designed by Azerbaijani artist Faig Hajiyev, whose artistic journey mirrors the event’s beginnings in 1985, also honored the legacy of snow polo.

«Kusnacht Practice»'s win was also justified from an atmospheric point of view: From the opening chukka, its supporters filled the tribunes with jubilant cheers, amplifying every goal.

Most Valuable Player, Best Playing Pony

The snow-blanketed grounds – there were about 40 centimeters of fresh snow on the tournament's final day – saw fierce competition across three days. «Mackage» secured a hard-fought victory over «Taos» in a penalty shootout to claim the «Casablanca Trophy», while «World Polo League» outplayed «FlexJet» in the Subsidiary Final, winning 7-5½ to earn the «Mackage Trophy». The matches showcased the resilience and athleticism of the players and ponies alike, even under challenging conditions.

Additional accolades included Isidro Strada’s award for Most Valuable Player and Dolfina Aureliana’s recognition as Best Playing Pony, cementing the day as a celebration of skill, dedication, and elegance.

«The Sport of Kings»

Polo, often dubbed «The Sport of Kings,» boasts a history spanning millennia. Originating in ancient Persia as a training exercise for cavalry, the game evolved into a symbol of elite prowess. Its costly nature—from the care of high-performance ponies to the logistics of global tournaments—ensures its exclusivity. Snow polo, a daring offshoot, debuted in St. Moritz in 1985, adding the intrigue of a frozen playing field to the sport’s legacy.

40 Centimeters of Fresh Snow. (Image: Christian Sommer, Courtesy)

Yet, beneath the glamour lies a demanding discipline. Players navigate thundering hooves and icy conditions, relying on unparalleled skill and trust in their equine partners. The results are breathtaking: a match that’s part art, part adrenaline.

Enduring Allure of the Extraordinary

The 2025 edition of the Snow Polo World Cup concluded with a record-breaking 26,200 spectators over three days, underscoring the enduring magic of St. Moritz. Reto Gaudenzi, also known as the «Godfather of Snow Polo», summed up the event’s spirit: «We were treated to fantastic matches with an unbelievable Final with a completely full house, plus ecstatic spectators and
wonderful polo — truly St. Moritz at its best!»

As the final chukka ended and champagne corks popped, plans for the 2026 tournament—set for January 30 to February 1—were already underway. In St. Moritz, where the lines between sport, culture, and luxury blur, snow polo isn’t just a game. It’s a statement: of heritage, exclusivity, and the enduring allure of the extraordinary.