NEWS

At the age of 19, Mackenzie Weisz is already one of America’s top players. The Florida-born polo player is experiencing one of the best seasons in his rising career after winning the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open Polo Championship, the two most important tournaments in the American calendar. Back in 2020, Weisz was also able to place the C.V. Whitney Cup trophy on his shelf after triumphing with Las Monjitas. After experiencing success in his home country these past few years, Mackenzie recently traveled to England to participate in his second British high-goal season. Playing for both King Power and Monterosso, he is one of a handful of players representing the United States across the pond.

All of these achievements were clearly noticed, as Wiesz was recently promoted to a 6-goals handicap in the United States, England and Argentina. After reaching the Queen’s Cup quarterfinals with King Power earlier this summer, Weisz has continued playing in England in the Prince of Wales Championship with Monterosso.

While playing in England, Weisz was also welcomed as one of the four new members of Team USPA, a program which focuses on the development of higher-rated American players. Weisz spoke with CLICKPOLOUSA about his accomplishments, plans for next year and his goals for the future.

How have you enjoyed playing in England?
"This is my second year playing in the U.K. Last year, I played for Monterosso. This year, I played for King Power. I am very lucky to have played with both amazing organizations. In both organizations, I met terrific people and played on five-star horses. These past few months, I’ve learned many things and I am very grateful to have played the high-goal here for another year."

This year, you experienced a lot of success in the United States. What are your goals in the U.S. now?
"Winning the USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship this year in the United States was incredible. My future objectives are to win every single tournament or even game I can. Also, to try and be the best version of myself possible. You always have to aim as high as you can and go for it."

Being rated 6 goals, is it more complex to find teams and organize yourself?
“Of course every professional polo player’s dream is to attain 10 goals. Having been raised to 6 goals motivates me to play seven or even eight goals if I can. It pushes me to improve and reach my dream of 10 goals.”

Do you already have plans for next year in the United States?
“At the moment, I don’t have anything confirmed for next year. Everything is a bit up in the air for me job-wise. The only thing I can do is work harder and focus on myself. Everything will work itself out and God has a plan!”

You’ve recently been named as a new member of Team USPA. What does this mean to you?
“It’s a huge honor to be one of the four new members of Team USPA this year. I am very grateful to be a part of this astounding program. What they do for young American polo players is amazing. It will definitely help me and other American polo players reach our goals in polo."

Do you have any goals for building your string of horses as you advance in the sport?
"If you want to grow in the sport of polo, a key factor is having a good string of horses, as they are 70% of the game. You have to invest a lot of money in horses. I always try to buy a horse that is better than the best horse in my string, no matter the cost."

How will your season continue?
"I’m currently playing the last 22-goal tournament in the U.K., which ends on August 14. My plans are to head back home to Wellington, Florida. I’m going to visit my family for about three weeks. Then I will travel to Argentina to compete in the season over there."

What tournaments are you going to play in Argentina?
"I will arrive in Argentina during the first or second week of September. I will play in the Copa Pilar and, if we do well in that tournament, we will hopefully qualify for the Copa Camara De Diputados. My team includes Juancho Uribe, Bauti Begeuri and Felipe Martinez Ferrario. I will try to play many more tournaments in Argentina, but that one is the main focus as of now. I am excited to compete in Argentina, so I’m looking forward to it very much."

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.