A landmark week for arena polo and for California Polo Club

In December 2025, the California Polo Club was proud to host the most prestigious arena polo event in the United States, the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship. At the same event, CPC hosted the U.S. Arena Handicap tournament. Both were presented by the U.S. Polo Assn. and held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center’s iconic Equidome.

The California Polo Club has now hosted this premier arena tournament seven times. It is the second time that California Polo Club has awarded $100,000 in prize money, the largest amount in the history of arena polo.

Hosting the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship reflects both the club’s standing within the polo community and its ability to deliver a championship-caliber experience at a national level.

The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship represents the highest level of arena polo competition in the country. Winning an Open title places players among a small and distinguished group whose achievements are permanently woven into the history of the sport.

This year’s Open underscored that stature:

For context, even prominent grass tournaments often award $10,000 to $15,000 to winners. The prize money at this year’s Open reflected the growing stature of arena polo and the seriousness with which this championship is regarded.

All teams played two qualifying matches within their respective brackets.

This format ensured that both the Open and Handicap finals featured teams that had demonstrated consistent performance across multiple matches.

Featuring Jared Sheldon (8), Ian Schnoebelen (4), and Rémy du Celliee Müller (4), Stahl Polo combined world-class experience with championship-winning form. Sheldon entered the Open as a newly crowned 2025 FIP Arena World Champion with Team USA, while Schnoebelen returned as a defending U.S. Arena Open Champion following his 2024 title with Fawkes Polo. Du Celliee Müller added strength and consistency to the lineup, having previously reached the 2023 U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship Final with KCrush. Together, the trio delivered a composed and disciplined performance, completing an undefeated run to claim the 2025 U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship title.

Bush League brought both history and horsepower to the Open, featuring Pelon Escapite (8), Quinn Kyle (1), and veteran Jason Crowder (7). Escapite previously competed in the Open in 2023, alongside Quinn Kyle’s father, making Kyle’s appearance in the 2025 final a notable continuation of that legacy. During bracket play, Oscar Colin Valadez (0) played in place of Kyle, who was completing college exams. Kyle returned to compete in the Open Final. Known for their speed, spirited play, and arena instincts, Bush League entered the final undefeated in bracket play and pushed the eventual champions through the final whistle.

Mars Equestrian x Work to Ride featured brothers Kareem Rosser (4) and Daymar Rosser (4), alongside Patrick Uretz (7). Kareem Rosser and Uretz entered the tournament fresh off capturing the 2025 FIP Arena World Championship title with Team USA, bringing international experience and winning form to Los Angeles. Rooted in Philadelphia’s Work to Ride program and supported by Mars Equestrian, the team embodied grit, talent, and the next generation of American polo, a combination that culminated in an overtime victory to claim the United States Arena Handicap Championship.

Buchalter Polo featured Zak Coleman (5), Devon Dailey (4), and Ignacio Deltour (4). Coleman entered as the 2025 Division I Men’s National Intercollegiate Champion with Texas A&M, the 2022 United States Arena Handicap Champion with Liberty Hall, and the recipient of the Stephen A. Orthwein Intercollegiate Player of the Year award. Dailey serves as General Manager of the Hawaii Polo Club, while Deltour rounded out the lineup during bracket play. Tony Uretz (4) replaced Deltour for the Consolation Final, as Buchalter closed out their Open campaign.

Houston Polo featured Shane Rice (8), Maddie Grant (3), and Chad Bowman (5), forming a high-powered trio with deep arena credentials. Rice entered as the 2023 and 2024 National Arena Delegate’s Cup Champion with Roxstars. Grant added elite firepower as a Top Performer in the 2025 USPA Women’s Gold Cup Final and a three-time USPA Women’s Arena Handicap Champion. Bowman arrived with significant momentum as the 2025 National Arena Delegate’s Cup Champion with Bar-Spur. Houston Polo advanced to the United States Arena Handicap Final and delivered a strong, competitive showing throughout the tournament.

Beverly Hills Pony Express featured Benji Daniels (3), Will Walton (6), and Edward Banner-Eve (7), a lineup combining international experience, championship wins, and strong competitive pedigree. Daniels entered with momentum as the 2025 Chairman’s Cup Champion, while Walton, a third-generation polo player, brought depth as the 2018 National Youth Tournament Series Champion and a 2021 U.S. Open Arena Polo Champion. They were joined by Banner-Eve, a British talent who won the 2025 Golden Jubilee against Team USA at Beaufort Polo Club and competes internationally. Beverly Hills Pony Express concluded their tournament run with a victory in the Consolation match.

The Consolation match of the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship provided a strong closing opportunity for two competitive teams, as Buchalter faced Beverly Hills Pony Express in a hard-fought contest.

Both teams entered the match determined to finish the tournament on a positive note, and the game reflected a high level of effort and engagement throughout. Beverly Hills Pony Express ultimately emerged with the, closing out their tournament run with a composed, confident and decisive performance, winning 24-10.

The Consolation match highlighted the overall depth of the field at this year’s Open. With six teams competing at a high level, every match throughout the tournament carried significance, and the Consolation game served as a reminder of the quality and competitiveness present across the entire bracket.

The United States Arena Handicap Final proved to be one of the most compelling matches of the week, delivering a tightly contested game that remained undecided until overtime. From the opening throw-in, both teams demonstrated disciplined defense, strong riding, and consistent execution, resulting in an evenly matched contest throughout regulation play.

Mars Equestrian x Work to Ride ultimately secured the victory over Houston Polo, edging ahead in overtime to claim a 13 to 12 win. The match was marked by momentum shifts on both sides, with neither team able to establish a decisive lead during regulation.

Patrick Uretz was named Most Valuable Player for his composed and impactful performance, riding Best Playing Pony Tota, owned by George Dill. Tota’s athleticism and responsiveness were evident throughout the match, contributing significantly to the team’s success in key moments.

Offensively, Kareem Rosser led Mars Equestrian x Work to Ride with five goals, providing consistent scoring pressure across chukkers. For Houston Polo, Maddie Grant stood out as the top scorer with four goals, anchoring her team’s offensive effort and keeping the match within reach until the final play.

The game served as a fitting showcase of high-level arena polo and set the tone for the championship final that followed.

The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship Final brought together two undefeated teams following bracket play, setting the stage for a championship match that reflected the highest level of arena polo in the United States.

Stahl Polo and Bush League entered the final having each demonstrated consistency, discipline, and strong execution throughout the tournament. From the opening chukker, the match unfolded at a fast pace, with both teams trading goals and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Defensive pressure and tactical play kept the contest tightly contested through the early stages, underscoring the depth of talent on both sides.

Stahl Polo ultimately pulled ahead to secure a 15 to 12 victory, completing an undefeated run across the tournament. The team’s ability to maintain composure under pressure and convert key opportunities proved decisive in the closing chukkers.

Returning to the top of the podium for a second consecutive year, Jared Sheldon earned his fourth U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship title in 2016, 2017, 2024, and 2025. Fellow defending champion Ian Schnoebelen collected back-to-back Open victories in 2024 and 2025, while Remy du Celliee Muller claimed his first U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship title.

Schnoebelen was named Most Valuable Player, scoring seven goals in the final and playing a central role in Stahl Polo’s championship performance. Best Playing Pony honors were awarded to Irenita Tanta Luna (Irenita Lunatico x Tapada), a 17-year-old mare played in the second and fourth chukkers, whose athleticism and consistency stood out on the championship stage.

For Bush League, Pelon Escapite delivered an exceptional performance, matching Schnoebelen with seven goals, including four penalty goals and two two-pointers. His play anchored Bush League’s offensive effort and kept the match competitive through the final whistle.

CPC approached the 2025 U.S. Open Arena Polo Championships with a focus on delivering a premium spectator experience for both seasoned polo fans and those new to the sport.

On finals day, the Equidome welcomed over 1,000 spectators. From check-in beneath the Indigo Shade & Canopy tent to onsite food and bar service, clear sightlines, and a prominent jumbotron displaying the live stream and score, the event was produced with polish and accessibility in mind. CPC also created How to Spectate Polo brochures for the event, offering clear guidance on rules, scoring, and game flow to help spectators engage more fully with the matches.

Spectators enjoyed a dynamic pre-game program, including a cavalry-style drill performance by the Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team and a national anthem performed by recording artist Piper Leone. Matches were called by polo legend Tom Goodspeed alongside Claudia Uretz, whose commentary helped guide spectators through the action.

We were also proud to host community groups including the Compton Cowboys, Compton Junior Equestrians, and the Boys & Girls Club, reinforcing CPC’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement.

The day was capped off with a lively afterparty in support of the Polo Players Support Group, bringing players, spectators, and the broader polo community together to celebrate the conclusion of the Championships. Guests enjoyed live music and a DJ, a generous charcuterie grazing table, and a variety of thoughtfully prepared bites, closing finals day on a festive and communal note while supporting an important cause within the sport.

The 2025 U.S. Open Arena Polo Championships were made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, whose involvement was instrumental in delivering a championship experience befitting the nation’s premier arena polo tournament.

We extend our deepest thanks to U.S. Polo Assn., the Title Sponsor and Official Apparel Sponsor of the tournament. Their leadership and longstanding commitment to the sport played a central role in elevating the event, from the presentation of the competition to the overall professionalism and visibility of the Championships. U.S. Polo Assn.’s support continues to strengthen arena polo’s national profile and reinforces the importance of this tournament within the broader polo community.

We extend our sincere thanks to Deldar, Buchalter, Dr. Madison Richardson, Stellar Sidewalks and Boom Cult for their generous contributions in support of the 2025 U.S. Open Arena Polo Championships. Their involvement played an important role in enabling California Polo Club to deliver an event of this scale and caliber and contributed meaningfully to the overall experience for players, spectators, and the broader polo community.

We are grateful to Indigo Canopy & Shade for providing the event check-in tent, which served as the first point of contact for spectators, players, and guests throughout the week.

In addition, we extend our appreciation to the prize sponsors who helped recognize excellence on the field and honor the achievements of both players and horses:

The generosity and partnership of our sponsors enable California Polo Club to continue hosting arena polo at the highest level. We are sincerely thankful for their support and for the role they play in advancing the sport.

A special thank you to Dr. Madison Richardson, who curated an exhibit highlighting the history of arena polo, with a particular emphasis on its roots and evolution in Los Angeles.

The exhibit provided valuable context and depth, connecting today’s championship competition to the legacy that helped shape the sport. We are grateful for Dr. Richardson’s contribution to making the event both educational and historically meaningful.

Hosting the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championships is both a distinction and a responsibility. This year’s event reflected months of planning, collaboration, and dedication, and further solidified California Polo Club’s role as a premier host of championship-level arena polo in the United States.

Thank you to the players, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and supporters who made the 2025 U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship presented by U.S. Polo Assn. a success.