The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
Nic Roldan: Polo’s American Star
Photograph by Nick Mele
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​The Championships drew polo enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike to America’s most attended polo event. The 13th annual celebration promised a day packed with star-studded polo matches, new and exciting experiences, and among the new elements for Scottsdale’s 2024 Polo Party, were five thrilling polo matches, an event record with two of them being played under the new lights recently installed on the polo fields at WestWorld, thanks to the City of Scottsdale, which was also a sponsor for event.
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Among the matches -- Wales Polo Team smashed the Arizona Polo Club (14-0) led by Pete Webb. Jared Sheldon carried his Texas Garland Polo Club to victory against the Sonoma Polo Club (8-7). In the day’s featured match, it was a nail bitter as The Wine Country Polo Club’s Manuel Crespo clenched a victory against the defending champions of the Aspen Valley Polo Team (4-3) which was led by USA’s top ranked polo star Nic Roldan. New Orleans’ Max Segunda stole the show beating Cave Creek (6-4) and Nashville’s Wes Finlayson led his team to victory over The World Pride Polo Team (8-6).
Throughout the day, spectators enjoyed a variety of unique experiences. Highlights included the Canine Couture Fashion Show by Lugari Pet Salon, the World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show, and exotic car displays by Barrett-Jackson and Bentley Scottsdale. Additionally, VIP guests were treated to exclusive lounges and luxury experiences.
Nic Roldan, a standout player at the event, is not only a celebrated athlete but also an ambassador for the sport of polo. Born in Argentina and raised in the United States, Roldan’s polo journey is deeply rooted in family tradition. “My father was a professional polo player, and I’m a fourth-generation player,” Roldan shared. “I grew up on horses, and it’s just been a part of my life from a very young age.”
Roldan’s career took off when he won the US Open at just 15 years old, a feat that catapulted him into the international polo spotlight. Reflecting on that experience, he said, “Winning the US Open at 15 was surreal. At that age, you don’t fully grasp the magnitude of such an achievement. It’s still a dream of mine to win it again.”​​
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When asked about his involvement with the Scottsdale event, Roldan praised its unique energy and atmosphere. “The magnitude of the event and the enthusiasm of the fans make it special. Scottsdale really knows how to put on a great show,” he remarked.
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Photo by Michele Cardamon
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Inside the Casa Amigos Day Club new event partner Relentless Beats hosted D.J.’s for a non-stop afternoon of entertainment and following the fourth match of the day, DJ Jai Wolf provided a event’s first sunset concert under the lights. Wolf has performed at Red Rocks and Coachella, among other places around the world.
But perhaps one of the most memorable moments of the day came when internationally acclaimed opera singer James Valenti partnered with Arizona rock band Whiskey’s Quicker for a special opera rock rendition of Metallica’s Enter Sandman and Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine.
With its blend of thrilling polo action, luxury experiences, and unique entertainment, the event continues to solidify its reputation as a must-attend spectacle in the world of polo.
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​Photo by: Nick Mele
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The event benefits a range of charities including Polo Cares. For more information visit THEPOLOPARTY.COM.
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