Intro
At 1,000 metres above sea level, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup unfolded once again on the lush green airfield of Gstaad-Saanenland. Four teams, one alpine panorama, and a final decided by nerve did not flourish. When the dust settled, England’s Max Charlton led Kielder Agro Group to victory, mastering the mallet and the moment.
The Setting
Gstaad is no stranger to elegance. Between snow-capped ridges and meadows that echo old Swiss charm, the resort transforms into Europe’s highest polo ground every August. Timed by Hublot and infused with local hospitality, the tournament is more than a fixture — a ritual of style, sport, and summer social rhythm.
The 27th edition, held from 23 to 25 August 2024, welcomed international champions, a debut female competitor, and Olympian Mujinga Kambundji, who joined spectators in the traditional divot-stomping ceremony between chukkers — an enduring link between nobility and grassroots.
The Experience
The final wasn’t cinematic. It was tactical. Kielder Agro Group and Gstaad Palace traded goals in a tight defensive match. Suspense lingered with every whistle, every ride-off. In the last seconds, a 60-yard penalty by Charlton secured a 6-5 win — not flashy, but fierce. On the sideline, captain Philipp Müller beamed beside Jaime Robert and Nacho Gonzales, flanked by Kambundji, fresh from the Paris Games.
Earlier, the third-place match saw J. Safra Sarasin, led by François Okala and the ever-efficient Horacio Fernandez Llorente, dominate with controlled aggression, claiming the podium with an 8–6 victory over Hublot.
The Sport
In the semi-finals, nothing came easy. Gstaad Palace’s synergy — driven by the Meier brothers and Laplacette cousins — edged past Hublot by one goal, 7–6. Meanwhile, Kielder battled J. Safra Sarasin in a penalty-laden match, ultimately triumphing 9–8 thanks to Charlton’s relentless pressure and accuracy.
Charlton finished the tournament as top scorer with 17 goals. But the title of best player in the final went to Argentine talent Raul Laplacette. Germania, the best horse of the final — bred in Argentina and owned by Fabio Meier — epitomised the poise and athleticism that defined this year’s edition.
Quote
“Yes, it was a tough fight played out on penalties. We were a little luckier today, but I’m especially happy to win this one for Philipp. It’s amazing.”
— Max Charlton, Kielder Agro Group
What’s Next
Next year’s edition is already set for 21–24 August 2025. If this year’s blend of altitude, adrenaline, and artistry is anything to go by, the 28th chapter promises another unforgettable page in polo’s most elevated tournament.