The Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo, universally known as the Palermo Open, is the most important polo tournament in the world. Played at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Buenos Aires, the “Cathedral of Polo,” the 2026 edition begins October 31 and runs through an estimated final on December 6. It is the third and final leg of the Argentine Triple Crown, and winning it is the single greatest achievement in the sport.
The Argentine Open operates at the 40-goal handicap with 8-chukker matches, a standard unmatched anywhere else. The 2026 field includes La Natividad La Dolfina at a perfect 40 goals: Adolfo Cambiaso, Poroto Cambiaso, Camilo Castagnola, and Barto Castagnola. They face Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufu (36 goals) led by Facundo Pieres and Gonzalito Pieres, Las Monjitas (35 goals) with Juan Martin Nero and David Stirling, La Irenita (34 goals) anchored by Pablo Mac Donough, and La Hache (34 goals) captained by Hilario Ulloa.
Buenos Aires is at UTC-3 year-round, with no daylight saving adjustments. The estimated final on December 6 at 16:30 is 19:30 in London, 20:30 in Central Europe, 14:30 in New York, and 04:30 the following day in Tokyo. Campo Argentino de Polo holds 30,000 spectators, and the Argentine Open final regularly fills it to capacity. Check whatisthetime.now/buenos-aires for current local time in Argentina.
The Argentine Open final is one of the great events in world sport. The atmosphere at Palermo on final day, with 30,000 spectators packed into the Cathedral and the Buenos Aires spring in full bloom, creates a setting that no other polo venue approaches. Juan Martin Nero, with 12 titles, and Adolfo Cambiaso, with 9 or more, are the tournament’s most decorated champions. The rivalry between the leading organizations, La Dolfina, Ellerstina, La Natividad, and their various combinations over the decades, has produced some of the greatest matches in the sport’s history.
Exact semi-final and final dates are typically confirmed mid-season. The schedule above is based on the 132nd edition (2025) timeline. Following the Hurlingham Open in September-October and the Tortugas Open in October, the Argentine Open is where the season, and possibly the Triple Crown, is decided.