CAP CANA – The sun-drenched polo fields of Cap Cana drew the curtain on the 2024 summer equestrian season on a high note, as the annual Imperial Polo Cup brought together top-ranked players, distinguished guests and passionate equestrian sports fans for an afternoon that blended elite athletic competition, luxury hospitality and world-class leisure experiences. What began as a routine seasonal finale quickly transformed into a memorable showcase of Cap Cana’s growing reputation as a premium destination for high-end lifestyle and sporting events, with every element of the day tailored to combine competitive edge with relaxed, elegant social connection.
From the first throw-in to the final whistle, the atmosphere on and off the field crackled with energy. Two elite teams, sponsored by co-hosts The St. Regis Cap Cana and Ron Barceló’s Barceló Imperial, faced off in what would become one of the most tightly contested matches of the entire summer season. The St. Regis roster was anchored by captain Roberto García Bisonó, alongside teammates Pedro Castillo (Jr.), José Cedano and José Calazans, while Barceló Imperial countered with a lineup led by captain Robbie García, featuring Ricardo Tirado, Mauricio Bogaert and Rafa García. For nearly the entire match, neither side could gain a decisive upper hand; the score remained deadlocked through the final minutes of regulation, and when the final horn sounded, the two teams finished all square at eight goals apiece.
Off the pitch, the event offered far more than just athletic competition, leaning into polo’s longstanding reputation as a hub for luxury social gathering. Guests spread out along the edge of the field, soaking in the warm coastal breeze while admiring the power of competing horses and the precise skill of the professional players. Complementing the on-field action was a curated lineup of culinary and hospitality experiences, highlighted by a standout ceremonial moment that became the talking point of the afternoon: a traditional Perrier-Jouët champagne sabrage demonstration performed by The St. Regis Cap Cana’s team of hospitality experts. The centuries-old bottle-opening technique, which uses a saber to cleanly sever the neck of a champagne bottle, added a dramatic, elegant flourish to the celebration, fitting seamlessly into the festive, refined tone of the day. Guests mingled between chukkers, sampling champagne, catching up with friends and enjoying the world-class hospitality that Cap Cana has become known for.
Organized by event producer Pedro Castillo Jiménez and co-sponsored by Ron Barceló and The St. Regis Cap Cana, the 2024 Imperial Polo Cup officially closed out the destination’s summer polo calendar. Beyond the match itself, the event solidified polo’s central role in Cap Cana’s lineup of recreational, social and lifestyle experiences, reinforcing the region’s standing as a leading destination for elite equestrian sports and luxury leisure for visitors from around the globe.