British Open 2026: What to Expect at Cowdray
Preview of the 2026 British Open Polo Championship at Cowdray Park, featuring new format and record prize fund.
The British Open Polo Championship at Cowdray Park remains the highlight of the English summer season, and 2026 promises to be exceptional. Organizers have announced a £500,000 prize fund – the largest in British polo history.\n\nThe 22-goal tournament will feature 8 teams competing across three weeks in July, with the final scheduled for the traditional Gold Cup Sunday. Several Argentine 10-goalers have confirmed participation, ensuring the highest standard of play.\n\nChanges for 2026 include an expanded VIP hospitality program and improved public access areas. "We want everyone to experience the magic of Cowdray," said venue manager Victoria Smithson. "Whether you're in a box or on the lawns, the polo will be spectacular."\n\nSpectator attendance exceeded 25,000 in 2025, and similar numbers are expected as the tournament cements its position as one of the world's premier polo events.