Monte-Carlo Polo Team Seeks to Establish Tournament in Monaco
The team aims to organize Monaco's first polo tournament by 2026, following its participation in upcoming regional competitions.
The Monte-Carlo Polo Team, the official polo team of Monaco, has commenced its season at the Polo Club of Saint-Tropez, France, with the opening tournament taking place from May 9 to May 18, 2025. This event will feature nine teams from countries including Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, and the United States.
Following this tournament, the Monte-Carlo Polo Team will participate in a second tournament in Sotogrande, Spain, from June 5 to June 15, 2025, which is renowned for hosting some of Europe's highest-level polo matches.
The team captain, Rommy Gianni, shared insights into their aspirations as they resume play after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted their activities.
Gianni noted that the team had intended to restart with events in Monaco, particularly following the annual international jumping competition that occurs each June.
However, they encountered organizational issues that prevented their participation last season.
Gianni, who also manages real estate ventures, expressed challenges in balancing his professional commitments with the return to polo, which had been dormant for an extended period.
The Monte-Carlo Polo Team will comprise four players per match, integrating two to three professional players within its lineup.
This season, Gianni will team up with Francesco Caroli and two Argentine professionals: Juan Pedro Girou, aged 22, and Joaquin Maiquez, aged 28. Gianni expects a strong attacking formation, particularly with himself and Girou, while Caroli and Maiquez will strengthen the defense.
Despite having limited time to train together, the team anticipates building cohesion through their early matches.
Gianni emphasized the increasing democratization of polo, which historically catered to elite audiences but is now attracting a broader participant base, including women and younger players.
Events like the Cup of the World held in Saint-Moritz witnessed significant spectator turnout, highlighting the sport's growing appeal.
The dream for the team is to establish Monaco's first official polo tournament by the summer of 2026, ideally situated in the Port Hercule area, near the jumping event.
This arena polo event would operate with fewer players per team due to space constraints, utilizing a smaller court.
Discussions have already begun with event organizers to assess the feasibility of this initiative.
The Monte-Carlo Polo Team is supported by various sponsors, including the Caroli Group and Syntrust Capital, which operates in the food and beverage sector, alongside partnerships with luxury brands and the Monaco Ambassadors Club.
Looking toward the future, if successful in launching the tournament in Monaco, the team hopes to establish a series of polo events similar to the Formula 1 calendar, with potential locations including Saint-Moritz, Miami, and Capri, Italy.
Such developments would aim to enhance polo's international profile and attract substantial sponsorship investments.
Following this tournament, the Monte-Carlo Polo Team will participate in a second tournament in Sotogrande, Spain, from June 5 to June 15, 2025, which is renowned for hosting some of Europe's highest-level polo matches.
The team captain, Rommy Gianni, shared insights into their aspirations as they resume play after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted their activities.
Gianni noted that the team had intended to restart with events in Monaco, particularly following the annual international jumping competition that occurs each June.
However, they encountered organizational issues that prevented their participation last season.
Gianni, who also manages real estate ventures, expressed challenges in balancing his professional commitments with the return to polo, which had been dormant for an extended period.
The Monte-Carlo Polo Team will comprise four players per match, integrating two to three professional players within its lineup.
This season, Gianni will team up with Francesco Caroli and two Argentine professionals: Juan Pedro Girou, aged 22, and Joaquin Maiquez, aged 28. Gianni expects a strong attacking formation, particularly with himself and Girou, while Caroli and Maiquez will strengthen the defense.
Despite having limited time to train together, the team anticipates building cohesion through their early matches.
Gianni emphasized the increasing democratization of polo, which historically catered to elite audiences but is now attracting a broader participant base, including women and younger players.
Events like the Cup of the World held in Saint-Moritz witnessed significant spectator turnout, highlighting the sport's growing appeal.
The dream for the team is to establish Monaco's first official polo tournament by the summer of 2026, ideally situated in the Port Hercule area, near the jumping event.
This arena polo event would operate with fewer players per team due to space constraints, utilizing a smaller court.
Discussions have already begun with event organizers to assess the feasibility of this initiative.
The Monte-Carlo Polo Team is supported by various sponsors, including the Caroli Group and Syntrust Capital, which operates in the food and beverage sector, alongside partnerships with luxury brands and the Monaco Ambassadors Club.
Looking toward the future, if successful in launching the tournament in Monaco, the team hopes to establish a series of polo events similar to the Formula 1 calendar, with potential locations including Saint-Moritz, Miami, and Capri, Italy.
Such developments would aim to enhance polo's international profile and attract substantial sponsorship investments.
