Pilot Wins USPA Gold Cup at USPA National Polo Center

Iconic tournament hosted by ESPN's Chris Fowler draws record crowd

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:00pm

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a high-speed polo match, with the players and horses broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the dynamic and competitive nature of the sport.The USPA Gold Cup final featured a thrilling matchup between two of the sport's youngest and most talented teams, captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that captures the speed, energy, and competitive spirit of the iconic tournament.Wellington Today

The 2026 USPA Gold Cup, the second most prestigious polo tournament in the U.S., was held at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida on April 5th. The final matchup was between Pilot and La Dolfina Scone, with Pilot emerging victorious 10-6. The event was hosted by ESPN commentator Chris Fowler and broadcast across multiple ESPN platforms, bringing the sport to a global audience.

Why it matters

The USPA Gold Cup is a critical leg of the Gauntlet of Polo, one of the most competitive and anticipated events of the winter polo season leading up to the U.S. Open Polo Championship. As the official sports brand of the USPA, U.S. Polo Assn.'s presence was felt throughout the tournament, enhancing the spectator experience and connecting the sport to fans worldwide.

The details

Pilot, featuring a family-legacy player on their roster, was down 2-5 at halftime but did not allow La Dolfina Scone to score in the 4th or 5th chukkers. MVP Lorenzo Chavanne scored 6 goals, pushing Pilot ahead in the second half to seal their third USPA Gold Cup victory. U.S. Polo Assn. outfitted all on-site NPC staff and offered its performance jersey program to all teams competing in the Gauntlet of Polo.

  • The 2026 USPA Gold Cup final was held on April 5, 2026.
  • The U.S. Open Polo Championship is played annually from April 1-26 at the USPA National Polo Center.

The players

Pilot

The winning team, comprised of #1 Curtis Pilot (0-goal), #2 Mackenzie Weisz (6-goal), #3 Lorenzo Chavanne (7-goal), and #4 Camilo 'Jeta' Castagnola (10-goal).

La Dolfina Scone

The runner-up team, comprised of #1 David Paradice (0-goal), #2 Rufino Merlos (6-goal), #3 Jesse Bray (7-goal), and #4 Poroto Cambiaso (10-goal).

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What they’re saying

“The USPA Gold Cup represents the pinnacle of high-goal competition leading into the U.S. Open Polo Championship, showcasing the extraordinary talent, teamwork, and athleticism that define the sport at its highest level to a global audience on ESPN.”

— J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global

“Congratulations to both teams on what was an epic game in front of a record crowd.”

— J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global

What’s next

The U.S. Open Polo Championship, the premier polo tournament in the United States, will be held at the USPA National Polo Center from April 1-26, 2026.

The takeaway

The USPA Gold Cup showcased the highest level of polo talent and competition, with U.S. Polo Assn. playing a central role in elevating the sport's global profile through its sponsorship, broadcast partnerships, and immersive fan experiences.