The La Estancia Polo Cup 2026 once again proved to be one of the leading sporting and social highlights of Hungary’s polo season. Held over three days last weekend, the tournament brought together six teams, players from nine countries, around 550 invited guests and 28 ambassadors.
The La Estancia Polo Cup has become the largest polo tournament not only in Hungary but also in Central Europe. The event combined high-level sport with diplomacy, hospitality, fashion, gastronomy and luxury brands, reflecting the increasingly international profile of polo in Hungary.
La Estancia Polo Cup 2026 brings nine countries to Hungary
This year’s tournament featured players from Hungary, Germany, Slovakia, the Netherlands, the United States, Czechia, Austria, Argentina and India. Nearly 70 polo horses were transported to Budapest to ensure that all teams could compete under suitable conditions.
The matches were played in a spirit of fairness throughout the three-day event. The tournament also welcomed four female players, adding further colour to an already diverse international field.
For foreign readers, polo is often associated with both elite sport and high-profile social occasions. The La Estancia event follows this tradition, offering not only competitive matches, but also a broader programme built around hospitality, culture and international networking.
Indian team Muntoda Palace takes first place
The sporting highlight of the weekend came with the victory of the Indian team Muntoda Palace, connected to Jaipur and the 61st Cavalry in Delhi. The Indian side finished first after three days of competitive matches.
The Autopoint Brabus–BPL Yacht team took second place, while Motorclassic–Falconeri and Ganz KK–Areus shared third place. Hublot finished fifth, followed by Gundel–Unicum in sixth place.
The result gave the tournament a strong Indian focus, further strengthened by the involvement of India’s ambassador to Hungary. The organisers expressed special thanks to H.E. Ambassador Gaur of India, who supported the event and accepted its patronage.
If you missed it: India’s polo tradition comes to Hungary for La Estancia Polo Cup 2026 – interview with Ambassador Gaur
Luxury brands, diplomacy and Budapest venues
The La Estancia Equestrian Polo Cup 2026 was supported by a wide range of international brands and partners. Team sponsors included Hublot, Falconeri–Motorclassic, Autopoint–Brabus, BPL Yachts, Gundel–Unicum and Ganz KK–Areus. Supporting sponsors included Turkish Airlines, Neft, Marriott, Veuve Clicquot, Coninvest–Berkel, Peroni, Franui, Fishmonger, Herz Coffee and several others.
The programme began with a press conference at the Kimpton BEM Hotel in central Budapest. Guests were also offered Pisco Sour cocktails by the Embassy of Peru. Another major event was held at India House, the residence of the Indian ambassador to Hungary, followed by a gala dinner at the historic Gundel restaurant in Budapest.
The Zimmermann family, hosts of the event and representatives of La Estancia Polo Club, prepared a programme that combined culinary experiences, entertainment and premium hospitality. Guests were able to enjoy food, drinks, fashion, cars, art, real estate presentations, cosmetics, horse equipment and haute couture.
A major social event in Hungary’s polo calendar
Beyond the matches, the La Estancia Equestrian Polo Cup 2026 was designed as a high-end social gathering. The final day attracted guests from around the world, who gathered at a carefully designed venue to watch the games and take part in the accompanying programme.
The event’s concept, described by the organisers as “The Art of Polo in Style in Hungary”, reflects the club’s ambition to position the tournament as a benchmark for polo events in the region. With its mix of international teams, ambassadors, sponsors and luxury partners, the cup has become one of the most visible polo-related events in Central Europe.
New Losinj Polo Cup announced for 2027
During the tournament, the organisers and their partners from Losinj Hotels & Villas also announced a new event: the first Losinj Polo Cup, planned for May 2027 on the island of Lošinj in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.
The announcement suggests that the La Estancia Polo Club’s network may expand further beyond Hungary in the coming years. For now, the 2026 edition has confirmed the Budapest-area tournament’s role as a major meeting point for sport, diplomacy and luxury lifestyle in the region.
The Zimmermann family thanked all players, sponsors, partners and contributors for helping to make the La Estancia Equestrian Polo Cup 2026 a success.
Daily News Hungary was the official media partner of the 2026 La Estancia Polo Cup.
What’s next? La Estancia Polo Cup 2025 – Three unforgettable days of style, sport, and elegance
