AlUla, Saudi Arabia, January 19, 2025 – In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, the Richard Mille Polo Team triumphed over the Ikmah Team, securing a hard-fought victory in the final match of the 2025 Desert Polo Championship, with a final score of 8–6. The event took place at the stunning Al-Fursan Village in AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia's most iconic cultural landmarks, which once again served as the perfect backdrop for world-class polo action.
The atmosphere at the Al-Fursan Village was electric, as spectators witnessed a closely contested final match. The score remained tightly knit throughout, with both teams showing incredible resilience and skill. As the match neared its conclusion, the Richard Mille team—led by Argentinian polo star Pablo Mac Donough—managed to clinch the win with two decisive goals in the dying moments, ensuring their victory and the coveted championship title.
The prestigious trophy was awarded to the Richard Mille Polo Team by prominent figures in the polo world: Amr Zedan, Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation, and Abeer AlAkel, Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla. The presentation ceremony was graced by the presence of Piero Delier, President of the International Polo Federation, underscoring the significance of this international event for Saudi Arabia's growing role in global polo.
The Richard Mille Polo Team was led by Mac Donough, who brought his immense talent and experience to the match. He was joined by Clare Mountbatten, Marchioness of Milford Haven, who proved invaluable to the team, and Mohammed Al-Suwaidi, whose performance further solidified the team’s triumph. The Ikmah Team, which was composed of some of the sport's finest players, including renowned Argentine polo star Nacho Figueras, HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas, and Chinese polo talent Blouy Bingxing, fought valiantly but were unable to overcome the Richard Mille team in the final moments.
As the championship concluded, recognition was given to outstanding individual performances. Prince Hamza bin Abbas, a key figure for the Ikmah Team, was honored with the award for Best Player of the Tournament. Clare Mountbatten received the Best Female Player Award for her exceptional performance throughout the competition. Meanwhile, Nacho Figueras was named the tournament's top scorer, showcasing his undeniable prowess on the field. The horse Obsolete was also recognized with the Best Horse of the Tournament award, a testament to the incredible bond between player and steed.
The two-day championship featured intense competition among six elite teams, with the Dadan Team claiming victory over the Budget Team in the last-place playoff with a narrow 7–6 scoreline. In the Subsidiary Cup final, the Bentley Team emerged victorious over the AlUla Team, winning 6–5 in another thrilling contest.
Chairman Amr Zedan offered his congratulations to the Richard Mille Polo Team for their victory, emphasizing the Saudi Polo Federation's ongoing commitment to growing the sport in the Kingdom. Zedan acknowledged the invaluable support from the Kingdom’s leadership and noted the collaborative efforts with the Royal Commission for AlUla to ensure the success of the Desert Polo Championship. He also highlighted the active involvement of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports, all of which have contributed to Saudi Arabia's increasing role as a host for prestigious global sporting events.
With its exceptional venues and passionate commitment to polo, Saudi Arabia is steadily becoming a central hub for the sport, drawing attention from top international players and fans alike. The success of the 2025 Desert Polo Championship marks another significant milestone in the Kingdom’s ambitions to establish itself as a key destination for world-class sporting events.
