Thu 23rd Apr 2026U.S Open Polo Championship Finalists Against All Odds Pilot and BTA are through to the Final after two unexpected Semi Finals
It was an exciting day at The National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida on Wednesday 22 April as four teams clashed to play for their place in the biggest Final of the US season. The U.S Open Polo Championship is the final leg of The Gauntlet of Polo and a global Grand Slam alongside The Argentine Open and The British Polo Open for the Cowdray Gold Cup.
Two completely unexpected results occurred. First up, BTA took on La Dolfina Tamera. Both sides came out at full intensity from the opening throw-in, but it was the BTA side who seized early control taking a 4-0 lead in the first chukka and asserting their dominance. To their credit La Dolfina Tamera kept a cool head and responded well, pulling the score back to within just a goal by the end of the fourth, but BTA were determined. Once again they slotted home four unanswered goals in the fifth to take a significant and unreachable lead going into the last. They kept this momentum going through the sixth, the Final almost close enough to touch. Two goals to one in the last sealed the victory with a score of 16-10 with KC Krueger making a significant difference on the field, neutralising the great Adolfo Cambiaso and scoring pivotal goals. BTA take their place for the first time in the Final of the most significant tournament of the US.
Next up, Coca Cola, who had such a great season in 2025, took on USPA Gold Cup winners Pilot. Pilot haven’t had a smooth run through the qualifying rounds, but they came out confidently on to the field, taking an early lead. To everyone’s surprise they managed to stretch this lead to an unheard of 9-1 advantage by half-time, Coca Cola seemingly unable to get their ducks in a row. Pilot’s attack was relentless and Coca Cola, usually such a dynamic and forward running team headlined by goal scoring machine, Polito Pieres, were on the defensive throughout the game, managing just a smattering of goals in the last chukka to bring the score to 15-5, but the deal was done. Pilot flew through to their second Final in this Gauntlet of Polo and will line-up against BTA on Sunday 26 April at 4pm (EST).
The U.S Open Polo Championship Final Teams:
Pilot (23): Curtis Pilot (0), Mackenzie Weisz (6), Lorenzo Chavanne (7) & Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola (10)
BTA (23): KC Krueger (1), Steve Krueger (5), Ignacio ‘Nachi’ Viana (7) & Tomas Panelo (10)
Photograph: Pilot will go for their second Gauntlet of Polo title on Sunday 26 April. By David Lominska
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