Inside the Argentine Open: What Makes It the Pinnacle of Polo
The Argentine Open Championship—or Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo—is the crown jewel of polo. Hosted at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Buenos Aires, known as the “Cathedral of Polo,” it’s where the sport’s elite collide in a blaze of skill, horsepower, and passion. For us at Krono Polo, this tournament holds a special place: it’s where we launched our brand in 2019, introducing our helmets, polo gloves, and trousers while sponsoring the Cria Yatay Polo Team. By 2020, we were backing La Natividad Polo Team with the Castagnola brothers, Jeta and Barto. The Argentine Open isn’t just a competition—it’s the heartbeat of our story and a constant reminder of why we craft gear for this incredible game. So, what makes it the pinnacle of polo? Let’s step into the action.
A Legacy Born in 1893
Since its first match in 1893, the Argentine Open has defined high-goal polo. As the climax of Argentina’s Triple Crown, its 40-goal handicap ensures only the world’s best teams compete on Palermo’s iconic turf. Argentina’s polo supremacy stems from its gaucho heritage and sprawling pampas, producing unmatched horses and players. For Krono Polo, launching here in 2019 with Cria Yatay—outfitting them in our helmets, gloves, and trousers—was like jumping into the deep end of a sport we adore. It set the tone for everything we’ve done since.
The Players: Legends in the Making
The Argentine Open is a stage for greatness. Legends like Adolfo Cambiaso have dominated its history, but new stars shine every year. In 2020, we watched Jeta and Barto Castagnola of La Natividad—wearing our gear—bring their explosive energy to Palermo, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. These players, often from dynasties like the Heguys and Pieres, train their whole lives for this moment. Every swing, every goal, is a testament to their craft—and seeing our helmets and gloves in the mix is a thrill that drives us at Krono Polo.
The Horses: The Heartbeat of the Game
Polo ponies are the soul of the Argentine Open. Bred for speed and agility from Thoroughbred and Criollo lines, these compact powerhouses carry riders through six relentless chukkers. Players might switch horses up to eight times per match, keeping the pace blistering. When we launched with Cria Yatay in 2019, we saw how these ponies turn chaos into artistry—protected by riders in our helmets, gripping reins with our gloves. It’s a partnership that inspires every piece of gear we make at Krono Polo, built to match their intensity.
The Atmosphere: Electric and Unmatched
Late November in Buenos Aires is electric. Under a blazing summer sun, 15,000 fans pack the stands or sprawl on the grass with mate, cheering as hooves thunder and mallets crack. We felt it in 2019 with Cria Yatay’s debut, outfitted in our new line, and again in 2020 as La Natividad charged the field. The final in early December is a citywide celebration—win or lose, the energy spills into Palermo’s streets. It’s raw, passionate, and uniquely Argentine, a vibe no other tournament can touch.
The Stakes: More Than a Trophy
With a 40-goal handicap—the highest in polo—the Argentine Open is unforgiving. Teams like La Dolfina, Ellerstina, and rising stars like La Natividad in 2020 battle at breakneck speed, where strategy and stamina are everything. Sponsoring Cria Yatay in 2019 showed us the grit it takes; backing Jeta and Barto the next year proved the rewards. The trophy, awarded since the 19th century, is more than silver—it’s immortality. For players wearing our helmets and gloves, it’s a shot at history—and for us, it’s a front-row seat to greatness.
Why It’s the Pinnacle
The Argentine Open is unrivaled because it’s the complete package: elite talent, world-class ponies, a historic venue, and a nation that lives polo. It’s where we launched Krono Polo in 2019, debuting our helmets, gloves, and trousers with Cria Yatay, and where we doubled down in 2020 with La Natividad and the Castagnola brothers. This tournament pushes everyone—players, ponies, even brands like ours—to their peak. It’s not just a game; it’s polo’s soul, distilled into every heart-pounding chukker.
Catch the Action—or Join It
Can’t get to Palermo? Streams and highlights often pop up on platforms like X, bringing the Open to you. Or grab some gear—maybe a Krono Polo helmet—and hit a local field. Our story started here, outfitting teams like Cria Yatay and La Natividad, and it’s shaped who we are. Whether you’re cheering Jeta and Barto from afar or riding into your own chukker, the Argentine Open proves polo’s magic. It’s the pinnacle for a reason—and it’s calling.