Lidia Gauss is the second woman to win the tournament.
The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2024, of which Excellence Magazine was again a media partner, proved to be a thrilling spectacle, culminating in Team Mackage’s triumph and Lidia Gauss making history as the second lady to win the tournament in 39 years. The event showcased not only world-class polo but also the glamorous and exclusive atmosphere that surrounded it.
After a night of spectacular events across the über chic resort of St. Moritz, where VIPs enjoyed the Gala Dinner at the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel and danced until dawn in the King’s Club with polo friends, the finals day unfolded as the sporting pinnacle of this truly unique event.
The event attracted 25,000 spectators who soaked up the sun, VIPs sipped Champagne Perrier-Jouët, and witnessed the most glamorous snow polo event in the world.
CEO and founder Reto Gaudenzi introduced a unique penalty shootout format due to recent warm weather affecting the playing surface. Each player had to take four penalties, testing their nerve and skill under close scrutiny. The decision added a new level of excitement and challenge to the elite high goal polo tournament.
The tournament featured intense battles, including an all-American clash between Melissa and Marc Ganzi, with World Polo League emerging victorious. The subsidiary final saw St. Moritz – Top of The World securing third place and The Mackage Trophy. The hotly anticipated final showcased Lidia Gauss leading Team Mackage to a close 10:9 victory over The Kusnacht Practice.
Lidia Gauss, the captain of Team Mackage, not only led her team to victory but also started the scoring account for Mackage. Her remarkable performance made her the second woman in history to win this prestigious tournament. Reto Gaudenzi acknowledged Lidia’s “girl power”, emphasizing the tournament’s commitment to increasing female participation.
Lidia Gauss was awarded The Best Playing Patron, winning a five-night stay at the exclusive Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort. Jack Hyde received the Most Valuable Player Award along with a shopping spree voucher. The “Polo Times Best Looking Pony” was awarded to Ginny, ridden by Nicolas San Roman, showcasing the importance of the equine athletes. The Kusnacht Practice received exclusive designer watches presented by Bucherer 1888.
The three days of polo action on the frozen lake concluded with a complete sell-out and 25,000 spectators bidding farewell to polo friends. The event’s success was attributed to the hard work of the team of 150, players from around the world, and the enthusiastic public. Plans for next year’s 40th-anniversary celebration from January 24 to 26, 2025, are already in motion, promising an even more exceptional experience.
All the matches can be viewed live in streaming at www.pololine.tv.
