Royal Rumble
Wales Polo Team Returns to Desert Championship
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
When Ricky Cooper declared the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships “the best polo event in the world,” he wasn’t merely offering diplomatic pleasantries. As captain of the Wales National Polo Team — founded in 2008 under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Charles, now King Charles III — Cooper understands exceptional polo. This November, he and his internationally acclaimed squad return to WestWorld of Scottsdale for what promises to be the most thrilling edition yet of America’s most attended polo weekend.
The 14th annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships spans four record-breaking days, Nov. 8-9, transforming Scottsdale into the epicenter of American polo. Six electrifying matches pit global powerhouses against each other, while the concurrent WestWorld Art & Wine Experience adds unprecedented cultural depth to an already sophisticated celebration.
“The Best Polo Event in the World” distinction isn’t hyperbole — it’s recognition of an event that has masterfully evolved from a local tournament to an international destination. This year’s signature match pits Cooper’s Wales team against the defending champions, Wine Country Polo Club, in a 2 p.m. Saturday showdown that embodies everything compelling about modern polo: royal pedigree meeting California innovation, tradition facing contemporary challengers.
Cooper’s Wales roster reads like polo’s greatest hits. Argentine standout Matias Amaya brings third-generation professional expertise from his Warwickshire stud farm, while Mikey Henderson arrives fresh from gold-medal glory with Team Ireland at the Federation of International Polo European Championships. Cooper himself earned top honors at England’s Victor Ludorum Awards after dominating the arena polo season — credentials that underscore Wales’ formidable championship credentials.
Yet the Wales-Wine Country clash represents just one jewel in a weekend crown studded with compelling narratives. The inaugural Army vs. Navy match honors Veterans Day weekend with patriotic fervor, while Sunday’s Battle of the Sexes and International All-Stars matches showcase polo’s inclusive evolution. Each contest delivers the sport’s signature blend of athletic prowess and strategic sophistication that has captivated global audiences for centuries.
“While the polo matches are undoubtedly the main event, the energy, atmosphere and overall experience surrounding them is a big part of what keeps people coming back year after year,” explains Beli Merdovic, general manager of title sponsor Bentley Scottsdale. The observation captures why this championship transcends sport to become a cultural phenomenon.
This transformation is evident throughout the event experience. The reimagined Barrett-Jackson Champagne & Jazz Lounge epitomizes this evolution, adopting an open-air format that celebrates November’s ideal desert temperatures. Guests can now savor premium champagne while watching world-class polo unfold against Scottsdale’s dramatic mountain backdrop — a uniquely Arizona luxury that international visitors consistently cite as unforgettable.
Fashion takes center stage alongside sport, with Phoenix Fashion Week’s World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show and Canine Couture by Lugari Pet Salon providing runway glamour between matches. The beloved Casa Amigos Dayclub returns, offering sophisticated socializing that has become synonymous with Scottsdale’s high-style reputation.
Beyond these signature attractions, this year’s concurrent WestWorld Art & Wine Experience elevates the cultural quotient dramatically. One hundred artists and craftsmen join 20 acclaimed Arizona wineries, creating an immersive celebration of creativity that positions the championship as more than a sporting spectacle — it’s a comprehensive cultural festival worthy of the Valley’s discriminating tastes.
For newcomers to polo, the sport’s appeal lies in its unique combination of equestrian skill, strategic thinking and social atmosphere. Each six-chukker match unfolds like high-speed chess, with players demonstrating remarkable horsemanship while executing complex team strategies. The intimate WestWorld setting allows spectators unprecedented access to both action and athletes, creating engagement impossible at larger venues.
As Cooper and his Wales teammates prepare for desert combat, they carry more than royal patronage — they represent polo’s highest traditions meeting Arizona’s innovative spirit. Whether defending championship honor or claiming new glory, each team arrives understanding they’re participating in something truly special: polo at its most refined, in a setting that captures both the sport’s timeless appeal and Scottsdale’s contemporary elegance.
