Each summer, some of the world’s finest polo players, horses and teams descend on Guards Polo Club for one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions – the Cartier Queen’s Cup. But what makes the tournament so special, and why is it considered one of the crown jewels of international polo?

Held annually at Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park, the Cartier Queen’s Cup is widely regarded as one of the most important high-goal polo tournaments in the world. Since its inception in 1960, the competition has attracted many of the sport’s biggest names, including legendary players such as Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo Pieres and Poroto Cambiaso.

Today, the tournament remains a highlight of the British sporting and social calendar, drawing spectators from around the globe to watch elite teams compete for one of polo’s most coveted trophies.

The Home of British High-Goal Polo

Guards Polo Club is situated within the grounds of Windsor Great Park, just a short distance from Windsor Castle. Established in 1955 by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, the club has grown to become one of the leading polo venues in the world.

The club hosts a packed annual calendar of tournaments, but none carries the prestige of the Cartier Queen’s Cup.

Its immaculate grounds, international reputation and proximity to the Royal Family have helped make Guards Polo Club a centrepiece of the British polo season.

Why Is It Called the Cartier Queen’s Cup?

The tournament was originally presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1960 and has evolved into one of the sport’s most recognisable competitions.

Luxury jeweller Cartier became title sponsor in 1984, creating the partnership that continues today. Over four decades later, the Cartier Queen’s Cup remains one of the longest-running and most successful sponsorships in international sport.

The final itself has become a celebrated occasion, combining world-class polo with the elegance and tradition for which both Cartier and Guards Polo Club are renowned.

A Tournament for the World’s Best

The Cartier Queen’s Cup attracts some of the highest-rated players in the sport and regularly features teams containing multiple 10-goal professionals – the highest handicap awarded in polo.

Competition is fierce, with teams battling through a series of qualifying matches before progressing to the knockout stages and ultimately the final.

Winning the Cartier Queen’s Cup is considered a career-defining achievement for players and team patrons alike.

Past champions include some of the most successful organisations in modern polo, while teams such as Dubai Polo Team, La Dolfina, King Power and Scone have all contributed to the tournament’s rich history.

The Horses Behind the Success

While the players often attract the headlines, polo ponies are central to every victory.

A single match can require several horse changes, with players typically riding multiple ponies throughout a game to maintain speed, agility and performance.

The Cartier Best Playing Pony Award, presented after major matches throughout the tournament, recognises the exceptional equine athletes that help shape the outcome of competition at the highest level.

Breeding, training and horse management have become increasingly sophisticated in recent decades, helping elevate standards across the sport.

The 2026 Final

This year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup Final promises another memorable chapter in the tournament’s history.

Following two dramatic extra-time semi-finals, Aureus and Balanz Capital secured their places in the championship match after overcoming La Dolfina/Marques de Riscal and Dubai Polo Team respectively.

Both teams demonstrated resilience under pressure to reach the final, setting the stage for a closely contested battle for one of polo’s most prestigious prizes.

Whatever the outcome, the 2026 Cartier Queen’s Cup Final will once again showcase why Guards Polo Club remains one of the world’s premier destinations for elite polo.