WELLINGTON, Fla. – One of the most important matches in the sport of polo, the Westchester Cup, returns this week.
Held at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Fla., on Friday, March 31, 2023, the United States will host England in this international competition.
The illustrious Westchester Cup has a 137-year-old history where the United States and England have challenged each other a total of 19 times, with the last match played in 2019. Luxury designer Tiffany & Co. created the sterling silver Westchester Cup trophy for the first game dating back to 1886, and the trophy is currently held by the USA Team.
“Bringing the Westchester Cup rivalry, with its great athleticism and sportsmanship, back to United States soil for the first time since 2019 is going to be a memorable experience for players and sports fans alike,” says Stewart Armstrong, Chairman of the USPA. “We’ve seen so much growth across the sport of polo in recent years so it’s thrilling to have this highly competitive and exciting event at the new NPC, plus airing on ESPN for the first time in polo’s history.”
Played on the U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field 1, fans can watch the competition up close from either the stadium, private boxes, field side tailgates, or reservable hospitality tents. For those unable to attend, ESPN is airing the action of the 2023 Westchester Cup for the first time ever on its family of brands. Check your local listings for air times and channels.
A victory in 2019 marked the first win for the United States after four consecutive losses to England. The USA Team has emerged victorious on 12 occasions in the competition’s history and is currently defending the winning title in the upcoming 2023 Westchester Cup.
Team captain and newly inducted Polo Hall of Famer Jeff Hall, returns to compete for Team USA, alongside Jared Zenni, who is the only U.S. player returning from the victorious 2019 squad. The two remaining players, Nico Escobar, who just last year helped USA Team win Silver in the XII FIP World Polo Championship, and Matt Coppola, are both making their Westchester Cup debut. The England Team consists of team captain Tomas Beresford, James Beim, Max Charlton, and Mark Tomlinson.
“It’s an honor to be competing for the third time in the Westchester Cup alongside other high-goal polo players and teammates,” says Hall. “Together with my team, we are honored to represent the United States in such a historic and patriotic game and hope to again bring home a USA victory.”
