The International Polo Tour® and the Hotels at Sea® Polo Team concluded their Virginia campaign in a powerful fashion, capturing an electrifying 13–10 closing-night victory at the Morven Park International Equestrian Center.
The victory over Bank of Clarke capped an exceptional Mid-Atlantic capital-region season for IPT and Hotels at Sea®, securing the team’s position as champions in this year’s market.
Leading the offensive charge was rising Argentine polo talent Artemio Figueras, son of international polo icon Nacho Figueras, who delivered a spectacular five-goal performance for the IPT Hotels at Sea® team. Fellow Argentine player Jonas Ligeria added four goals, while IPT Chairman and team captain Tareq Salahi contributed the remaining decisive scoring to complete the ultimate victory.
“Closing out this year’s Virginia polo season with a stunning win, and doing so alongside two talented young USA borne Argentine talents, made this a truly unforgettable night,” said Salahi. “Artemio Figueras played brilliantly and demonstrated precisely why he represents such an exciting new generation of international polo. Jonas, our long time IPT Team Coach & teammate, was equally tremendous, and our entire team delivered when and where it mattered most.”
The victory concluded the IPTs memorable season of regularly scheduled arena polo beneath the lights at Morven Park, combining fast-paced competition with luxury hospitality, community engagement and the lively social atmosphere for which Morvens Polo in the Park has become known.
With the Virginia season championship secured, International Polo Tour® is now turning its complete focus and energy toward its premier signature Mid-Atlantic event of the year: the IPT Sunset Polo™ White Lotus 250th Anniversary Polo Cup set for Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 4:00–9:00 p.m. at the Morven Park International Equestrian Center in Leesburg, Virginia.
Presented during America’s historic 250th anniversary, the event will unite international polo, American and Thai culture, luxury hospitality, music, cuisine and philanthropy in support of We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC), an organization devoted to helping families struggling with cancer diagnoses by providing childcare, transportation, counseling, and household assistance. Proceeds from this year’s event will go directly to WWSC, aiding their national and even global work building resilience in under-supported communities.
This year’s Sunset Polo will also welcome His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States, with the event festivities including a Celebrity All Star Polo Match (including icons like the NFL’s Tim Johnson and Josh Norman (also a finalist on ABCs Dancing with the Stars), NFLs Tim Johnson and Team USA vs Thailand, and the now-annual International Polo Tour Crypto Cup held in association with FAIM.WORLD, a web3 developer specializing in the creation of digital collectibles for fans to enjoy for life. The final game will also be held in memory of Stuart Allen Weinstein-Bacal, an avid polo supporter and friend to the greater DC area who succumbed to cancer this February.
“This will be far more than a polo match,” added Salahi. “It will be a celebration of friendship between the United States and Thailand, an important moment during our nation’s amazing milestone and an opportunity to support families whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer. We are taking everything guests loved about our Virginia season and elevating it for one extraordinary finale.”
The IPT has also launched new tailgate spaces for Sunset Polo, offering what organizers describe as one of the event’s best values and most social ways to experience the event. Tailgate guests will enjoy their own designated entertaining space adjacent to the action and may bring personal pop-up tents, décor, food and refreshments. Friends, families, neighbors and corporate groups may also reserve adjoining spaces to create larger shared hospitality areas.
Event and Ticket Information:
