USA Triumphs at 2024 Paris Games Polo Challenge: A Centennial Celebration
USA Triumphs at 2024 Paris Games Polo Challenge: A Centennial Celebration
The 2024 Paris Games Polo Challenge, hosted by the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly in Apremont, France, was more than just a polo match—it was a celebration of legacy, athleticism, and international friendship. Held just 40 minutes from Paris on August 7, 2024, this commemorative match marked the centennial of the 1924 Paris Olympic Games, where polo last held its Olympic spotlight.
The event was not only a symbolic tribute to the 1924 Olympic tournament—where the USA triumphed 15-1 in the opening match against France—but also a demonstration of polo’s growth, relevance, and enduring spirit in the modern sporting landscape.
A Legacy Renewed: Honoring 1924
The 1924 Olympic polo match saw Team USA claim a decisive win over France. That American squad, which included names like Tommy Hitchcock and Rodman Wanamaker, later earned a silver medal after narrowly losing to Argentina. A hundred years later, the stage was set once again for these two nations to meet, this time not in Olympic competition, but in honor of it.
Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly, with its lush pastures and elite standing, was the ideal location. Created through a vision realized in 1995 and directed since inception by Philippe Perrier, Chantilly has evolved into the largest polo school in France and a pillar of European polo.
The Teams: Young Talent, Rich Traditions
Team USA:
Hope Arellano — Active Member of Team USPA
Nicolas “Nico” Escobar (MVP) — Graduating Member of Team USPA
Cody Ellis — Team USPA alumnus
Quinn Evans
Team France:
Elena Venot
Dorian Bulteau
Clément Delfosse
Julien Reynes
The event reflected Team USPA’s success in nurturing a new generation of polo stars. The program is dedicated to identifying young American talent and supporting their development through mentorship and international competition.
The Match: Strategy, Skill & A Star Performance
The match opened with France’s Clément Delfosse scoring the first goal, but the USA’s Quinn Evans responded quickly. A fierce exchange followed: France’s Dorian Bulteau and Julien Reynes each scored, countered by a relentless Nico Escobar who tallied 9 goals in total (4 from the field and 5 from penalties).
By halftime, the score was deadlocked at 5-5. The fourth chukker proved decisive: Escobar, with calm precision, pushed Team USA ahead with multiple goals, setting the pace for a final score of 10-7 in favor of the United States.
MVP & Best Playing Pony
Most Valuable Player: Nicolas "Nico" Escobar (USA)
Top Scorer: 9 Goals (4 Field Goals, 5 Penalty Goals)
Best Playing Pony: Open Amapola (played by Escobar, owned by Jota Chavanne)
Celebration, Fashion & Legacy
As Title and Apparel Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. elevated the event with custom-designed jerseys, team kits, USPA Pro whites, and stylish country-themed apparel. VIP guests received commemorative gifts including limited edition caps, scarves, and duffle bags.
The match wasn’t just a celebration of athleticism but a vibrant cultural moment. Attendees enjoyed festivities blending sport with heritage, marking a full-circle moment for polo’s Olympic past.
Conclusion: A Symbolic Win for Polo
With their 10-7 victory, Team USA honored a century-old tradition while reinforcing their vision for polo’s future. More than just a game, the Paris Games Polo Challenge proved that history, sport, and cultural unity can ride together into the future.
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