Now in its 41st edition, the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz continues to reign as the world’s only high-goal polo tournament played on snow, blending elite sport, alpine glamour and unmistakable Swiss precision. Set on the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz, the 2026 tournament came to life on 23 January atop a meticulously prepared 55cm ice base, providing ideal playing conditions for six of the sport’s top teams as they contested three decisive opening-day matches, with the top four advancing directly to the Semi-Finals.
The first match of the tournament saw Team Flexjet take on Team Mackage in a closely fought encounter. After an evenly balanced contest through the early chukkas, Flexjet edged the final period, outscoring Mackage two goals to one to secure a 7–5½ victory and confirm their place in the Semi-Finals. The win set an early tone for the competition, highlighting both tactical discipline and composure under pressure.
Attention then turned to one of the day’s most anticipated fixtures, as Team St. Moritz – Top of the World faced Team Azerbaijan – Land of Fire, finalists in 2025 and champions in both 2022 and 2023. The match unfolded as a tense and strategic battle, with defensive structure and precision proving decisive. St. Moritz ultimately prevailed by a narrow 4–3½ margin, earning their Semi-Final spot and eliminating one of the tournament’s most decorated recent teams.
The final match of Day One saw Standing Rock face Investec, with Standing Rock establishing early control and building a commanding 4–1 lead by half-time. Despite a determined late response from Investec in the closing chukkas, the gap proved too great to overcome. Standing Rock closed out a confident 6–4 victory, securing their place among the Semi-Finalists.
Action continues on Friday, 24 January, beginning with the President’s Cup match between Mackage and Investec at 11:00, followed by the first Semi-Final for the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Trophy at 12:15 as Flexjet faces St. Moritz – Top of the World. The day concludes at 14:30 with the second Semi-Final for the U.S. Polo Assn. Cup, featuring Azerbaijan – Land of Fire against Standing Rock, as the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz moves into its decisive stages and further cements its reputation as one of winter sport’s most distinctive and prestigious spectacles.
