Alfonso Pieres

Biography

Alfonso Pieres is the patriarch of the Pieres polo dynasty, one of the most influential figures in the history of world polo, and the man who helped build Ellerstina into one of Argentina's most successful and enduring polo franchises. A product of Argentina's extraordinary polo culture, Alfonso emerged as a world-class professional in the 1980s and maintained elite-level performance across multiple decades, demonstrating a longevity and sustained excellence that speaks to exceptional horsemanship, physical conditioning, and technical mastery. As a player, Alfonso competed at the very highest level of Argentine polo — the Argentine Open — and was a fixture in the world's most prestigious tournaments across the Americas and Europe. His 10-goal peak handicap placed him among the greatest players of his generation, competing at the same level as the other legends who defined polo's golden age. His brother Gonzalo Pieres Sr. was an equally distinguished contemporary, and their combined playing careers represent the fullest expression of what the Pieres family has contributed to polo. Beyond his personal playing achievements, Alfonso's greatest legacy may be the institution he built and the next generation he mentored. Ellerstina became synonymous with elegant, intelligent polo — a team that competed on technical merit and tactical sophistication rather than simply assembling the highest-rated professionals available. His sons, including Tomas Pieres, have inherited not just a surname but a philosophy of polo that continues to produce players of the highest international calibre.

Career Highlights

Peak 10-goal handicap; multiple Argentine Open finalist and champion; co-founder of Ellerstina polo dynasty; brother of Gonzalo Pieres Sr.; father and mentor of Tomas Pieres; one of Argentina's most influential polo figures across playing and administrative domains

Clubs & Teams