Photo by Jojo Korsh
Written by Anita Yardemian
There’s a certain art to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Los Angeles. The delicate balance of sport, style, and unabashed champagne-fueled revelry could only be pulled off by the finest purveyor of sparkling glamour, Veuve Clicquot, and its dashing captain, the ever-impeccable Nacho Figueras.
Polo transcends mere sport, evolving into a dynamic art form where athleticism, strategy, and equestrian grace converge. Each match is a choreographed performance of speed and precision, with riders and horses merging in a mesmerizing ballet. Wielding mallets, players direct their steeds with fluid skill, painting swift arcs reminiscent of brushstrokes on a canvas—forming a vibrant work of art.
Nacho Figueras stands as a vibrant brushstroke on the grand canvas of professional polo. Born in Argentina, he discovered his passion on the famed grassy fields, swiftly ascending to international acclaim. Renowned for his athletic grace, charismatic leadership, and striking presence, Figueras embodies the synergy between horse and rider, turning each match into a competitive masterpiece. Off the field, his philanthropic commitment complements his sporting achievements, championing causes that uplift communities worldwide. Figueras also represents the iconic Polo Ralph Lauren brand, blending sophistication with sportsmanship. His legacy resonates through each stroke, forever shaping polo’s evolving tapestry of artistry and tradition.
Photo by Jojo Korsh
The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic draws the bold and the beautiful to bask in the sun-drenched splendor of Will Rogers State Historic Park—not to mention the thrill of watching polo’s modern-day legend gallop across the field with the finesse of a Hollywood heartthrob. Ahead of the event, I had the pleasure of speaking with the Argentine athlete, ambassador, and icon, Nacho, who has become synonymous with polo’s modern glamour.
“I just got here from Argentina, where I played on Monday,” Figueras said, reflecting on the significance of the week as if straight from the saddle. “This week is special. It’s not just about preparing for the match, but promoting the event and the sport itself, which is very important to me.” And that, of course, is what makes the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic not just a sporting affair but a spectacle that transcends boundaries—a showcase of athleticism, fashion, and a little bit of glitz all wrapped up in the fine art of sabrage.
This year, the Classic took on a new hue, with the U.S. debut of Veuve Clicquot’s RICH and RICH Rosé, each cuvée designed to be sipped—naturally—on ice. A breath of fresh air on a balmy day, the vibrant blends and French Riviera-inspired décor turned Will Rogers Park into an open-air fête of unparalleled chicness. “It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase polo to a wider audience,” Figueras remarked, as the champagne sparkled as brightly as the well-heeled crowd.
Suki Waterhouse, Robert Pattinson, Nacho Figueras
Photo by Jojo Korsh
The crowd, elegantly dressed and effervescent, watched as Figueras had his sights set firmly on the field. The match itself was a tour de force, with Team Veuve Clicquot, led by Figueras and his equally glamorous wife, Delfina Blaquier, taking on Team Will Rogers. Delfina’s commanding presence on the field earned her the MVP title, a testament to the dedication and skill that both she and Figueras bring to the game, embodying the grace and elegance that make polo such a compelling sport.
With 15 years of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic under his belt, Figueras is no stranger to the growing admiration for polo in the U.S. “We’ve been doing this for years, and it’s amazing to see the growth—not just of this event but of polo itself,” he said. “It brings attention from places like New York and LA, which are key markets for introducing new audiences to polo.” This is more than just a game, after all; it’s a chance for Veuve Clicquot to remind the world why champagne and polo make for the perfect pairing, underscoring the brand’s role in elevating polo’s profile.
And as for the inevitable pressures of being the face of both polo and Veuve Clicquot? “I don’t see it as pressure,” Figueras said. “I’m grateful to be part of something that brings people together to enjoy polo.” His commitment to the sport extends far beyond the match itself, as he continues to act as a global ambassador and a beacon of what polo could be in the future.
Milan Blagojevic, Nina Seničar, Alessandra Ambrosio
Photo by Jason Sean Weiss
Chris Gabaldon, Nacho Figueras, Delfina Blaquier, Jean-Marc Gallot
Photo by Jason Sean Weiss
Nacho Figueras, Delfina Blaquier, Jean-Marc Gallot - CEO of Veuve Clicquot, Chris Gabaldon - President and CEO of Moët Hennessy North America
Photo by Jason Sean Weiss
Jean-Marc Gallot - CEO of Veuve Clicquot, Alessandra Ambrosio
Photo by Jojo Korsh
The sport of kings has long been associated with exclusivity, but Figueras and events like this are working to shift that perception. Polo is experiencing a resurgence, with younger players entering the field and more exposure through new media. When asked about the biggest challenges in popularizing polo to the heights of sports like tennis or Formula 1, Figueras was pragmatic. “It can be logistically complicated and expensive, but if a kid has the dream and the will, they can start from working with the horses and rise from there,” he explained. “It’s about consistency, effort, and putting in the work,” he added, underscoring the values that have shaped his own successful career. “If we can create the attention and the hunger for it, we can inspire a new generation of polo stars,” he said, highlighting his desire to inspire the next generation of talent. “I hope we see a thousand or a hundred thousand kids in America say they want to be the next polo superstar.”
Bruna Lirio, Gizele Oliveira
Photo by Jojo Korsh
This drive to open polo to new audiences was mirrored in the grandeur of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, delivering a masterclass in elegance and accessibility while laying the foundation for future revelry. As the sun set on the glimmering grounds of Will Rogers Park, Veuve Clicquot’s newest cuvées were a celebration—a toast to tradition and its unrivaled vision for the future—solidifying the brand’s leadership, with Figueras championing the sport of polo. -