Pilot rallies to capture USPA Gold Cup at National Polo Center

Lorenzo Chavanne, 18, swept Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony honors.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:41pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a polo match, with the players and horses broken down into overlapping planes of bright, vibrant colors.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and competition of the USPA Gold Cup final at the National Polo Center.Wellington Today

Pilot rallied in the second half to capture the USPA Gold Cup Sunday at the National Polo Center. The foursome of Curtis Pilot, Mackie Weisz, Lorenzo Chavanne and Jeta Castagnola knocked off La Dolfina Scone 10-6, overcoming a 5-2 halftime deficit. Chavanne, 18, was named MVP and had the Best Playing Pony.

Why it matters

This victory marks Pilot's third USPA Gold Cup title and second for patron Curtis Pilot and teammate Mackie Weisz. Pilot is also the only team to win the entire Gauntlet of Polo and $1 million prize.

The details

Trailing 5-2 at the half, Pilot allowed La Dolfina Scone only one goal in the second half to finish the second leg of the Gauntlet of Polo undefeated with a 6-0 record. Chavanne scored a team-high seven goals, including one penalty conversion, to earn his first MVP honor in the Gauntlet of Polo.

  • Pilot rallied in the second half to capture the USPA Gold Cup on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Chavanne made his Gauntlet debut with Coca Cola last year.

The players

Curtis Pilot

The patron of the Pilot team and the tournament's Sportsmanship Award winner.

Mackie Weisz

A teammate of Curtis Pilot who was playing with a broken left hand.

Lorenzo Chavanne

An 18-year-old Argentine player who swept Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony honors.

Jeta Castagnola

A member of the Pilot team.

David Paradice

A member of the La Dolfina Scone team.

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What they’re saying

“It was an amazing match. We started a bit slow. We knew the game was going to be tough, but we had a lot of patience.”

— Lorenzo Chavanne

“This is our third Gold Cup, but it feels like the first one. The first three chukkers were really tough. I'm not sure exactly what went on and all that, but all the boys got together and started talking.”

— Curtis Pilot, Patron

What’s next

The third leg of America's Triple Crown, the U.S. Open, is already under way. Dutta Corp won the opening leg C.V. Whitney Cup.

The takeaway

This victory solidifies Pilot's dominance in the Gauntlet of Polo, as they are the only team to win the entire tournament and the $1 million prize. The performance of the young Argentine player, Lorenzo Chavanne, also highlights the rising talent in the sport of polo.