Argentine Open 2026: La Dolfina vs Ellerstina — The Battle for Palermo
The 133rd Argentine Open promises to be the most competitive in a decade as Ellerstina's rebuilt roster threatens La Dolfina's four-year dominance at Palermo.
The Argentine Open — the sport's most prestigious title — returns to the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo this November with an unprecedented level of competition. La Dolfina, led by the incomparable Adolfo Cambiaso and now bolstered by his son Poroto, enters the tournament defending four consecutive titles. However, the polo world is watching Ellerstina with renewed attention after a dramatic roster overhaul that has brought in some of the highest-rated players in the world.\n\nEllerstina's new lineup, anchored by Facundo Pieres and recently joined by Uruguayan sensation Martín Ferrario, has shown devastating form in the pre-season Tortugas and Hurlingham Opens. Their combination of disciplined team polo and individual brilliance at 10-goal level marks a genuine challenge to the La Dolfina dynasty.\n\nThe format remains the traditional 40-goal high handicap structure, with qualifying rounds beginning in October across Buenos Aires's premier clubs. The AAP (Asociación Argentina de Polo) has confirmed a prize fund increase of 18% from 2025, reflecting growing international sponsorship interest.\n\nFor international players and spectators, access to Palermo's main stadium has expanded significantly. The AAP has introduced an online ticketing system for the first time, with international visitors able to book reserved grandstand seats directly. The November final is expected to draw over 12,000 spectators, with live streaming confirmed across multiple platforms in over 40 countries.\n\nWeather, always a wildcard in Buenos Aires spring, has been predicted as cooperative by the Argentine meteorological service, with the typical afternoon thunderstorm risk lower than in recent years. Groundstaff have also invested in improved field drainage since 2024.\n\nBeyond the marquee matchup, the 2026 Open introduces a new under-21 exhibition match on final day — a showcase of Argentine polo's extraordinary youth pipeline that produced the likes of Cambiaso himself over two decades ago.