U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship®
Tournament History
The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship®, a 12- to 18-goal tournament, serves as one of the highest levels of arena polo competition currently played in the United States. The tournament has a rich history dating back to 1926. In its inaugural year, it was won by the Yale University team made up of Reddington Barret, Winston Guest and William Muir. However, their champion status was quickly overtaken by Brooklyn Riding & Driving Club the following three years (1927-1929).
Over the past 35 years, the tournament has been played alternately on the East Coast and West Coast at venues such as Shallowbrook Polo Club (New York), the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (California), Empire Polo Club (California), Great Meadow Polo Club (Virginia), West Hills Polo Club (New York), California Polo Club (California), and most recently for the last five years, Country Farms Polo Club.
In contemporary U.S. Open Arena polo competition, Cedar Croft Farms has garnered the prestigious title from 2013-2015. A significant feat, as only the second team in the history of the tournament to achieve three consecutive wins with the same team members. The young team consisted of Kris Kampsen, Felipe Viana* and Robert Ceparano. Last year NYC Polo including arena veteran Matias Magrini, Jared Sheldon* and Samuel Ramirez Jr. narrowly defeated Cedar Croft Farms in the final 17-15.
*Felipe Viana and Jared Sheldon are members of Team USPA. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.
