Nacho Figueras says polo could go mainstream after World Cup buzz

Argentine polo legend Nacho Figueras told reporters at the St. Regis British Open Polo Championship, the Cowdray Gold Cup in West Sussex, England, that the recent excitement surrounding the World Cup has created “all the ingredients” for polo to reach a wider audience. He pointed to the surge in fan engagement and cited other sports successes, such as the New York Knicks’ NBA championship, as evidence that audiences are eager for well‑produced events.

Figueras said he is developing a new city‑based polo format he described as “Formula 1 meets Sail GP meets Longines,” likening it to a “Drive‑to‑Survive‑type” series that would bring viewers closer to the athletes and their horses. While attending the event as the official St. Regis Connoisseur, he mingled with celebrities including Andrew Scott, Gwendoline Christie, designer Giles Deacon and writer Jack Guinness, and guests were shown a preview of the forthcoming St. Regis London hotel.

He emphasized that polo’s combination of horses, athleticism and glamorous venues could attract new fans if presented in a compelling, media‑savvy package.