Polo Is More Than a Sport – It’s a Prestigious Social Event
Edited by Anna Popper
The Oktoberfest Polo Cup 2025 once again united sport, culture, and society at La Estancia Polo Club, transforming a golden autumn day into a celebration of friendship, hospitality, and joy. Held on the club’s picturesque estate in Etyek, near Budapest, founded by the German–Hungarian Zimmermann family, the event – with its Bavarian charm and vibrant polo spirit – marked the festive close of the Hungarian polo season.
La Estancia Polo Club – A Family Legacy Rooted in Tradition
Founded in 1998 by Uwe and Krisztina Zimmermann, La Estancia Polo Club began as a private family retreat and has since evolved into Hungary’s leading polo destination. The couple’s vision was to create a place inspired by Argentine flair and polo culture – where sport, nature, and tradition blend seamlessly.
The club features two professional polo fields, indoor and outdoor stables, paddocks for 30 Argentine polo ponies, and even a soccer field. Sustainability and respect for nature are central to the estate’s ethos: over the years, the Zimmermann family has planted more than 2,500 trees, creating a thriving natural habitat for birds, hedgehogs, fish, and even a resident tortoise. The estate also produces its own eggs, fruits, and vegetables, reflecting a dedication to authenticity and care.
“We established La Estancia as a green island of sport, style, and fun,” says Uwe Zimmermann. “It’s about living with nature, preserving tradition, and creating a place where people feel at home.”
Oktoberfest Á la Polo – Where Sport Meets Bavarian Spirit
At La Estancia, Oktoberfest is reinterpreted with open fields, exceptional horses, Bavarian traditions, and friendships that cross boundaries. This year’s event captured the joyful essence of Bavaria while celebrating the elegance of polo. More than 200 Hungarian and international guests attended, including ambassadors from Germany, Argentina, Portugal, Romania, Croatia, Finland, Russia, Thailand, Türkiye, Sudan, and Bulgaria.
The day featured fast-paced polo matches, fine dining, and a vibrant cultural program – all warmly enjoyed by the guests.
Urban Canteen presented a sophisticated take on Oktoberfest classics, including: Weisswurst with mustard and radish, Leberkäse with freshly baked Brezeln, Hungary’s beloved lángos with sour cream and cheese, and Berliner doughnuts and Argentine Franui for a sweet, cross-cultural finale.
Traditional Bavarian music and folk dance performed by the regional Saarer musicians and Tanzgruppe filled the estate with festive energy.
German artist Claudia Bias transformed the lush green venue into an open-air gallery with her unique and stylish animal sculptures – a striking visual highlight and a popular photo spot among guests.
The Family Behind the Tradition
The Zimmermann family – Uwe, Krisztina, and their sons – are all devoted polo players and often compete together as a team. Their unity, passion, sportsmanship, and heartfelt dedication to culture and society have shaped their reputation as inspiring and influential figures within Hungary’s polo community.
La Estancia proudly hosts three major annual events: The La Estancia Polo Cup (June) – the highlight of Hungary’s polo season, The Oktoberfest Polo Cup and The Hubertus Fox Hunt (November).
Beyond its home grounds, La Estancia has a long tradition of organising high-end international polo events abroad such as India, the USA, South Africa, Switzerland, Czechia, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Poland – thus strengthening Hungary’s presence on the global polo scene.
The club also offers polo lessons for all levels and holds private events for up to 500 guests, establishing the estate as a cultural and social centre throughout the year.
“To me and my family, polo is a statement of culture, sport, lifestyle, and a cosmopolitan mindset. We’re proud to share this little polo cosmos we have built and to contribute to Hungary’s sporting and social life,” said Uwe Zimmermann.
Polo – A Sport of Heritage, Elegance, and Teamwork
With a history spanning over 2,000 years, polo is known as “the sport of kings and the king of sports.” Originating in ancient Persia as cavalry training, it spread across Asia and later into Europe through British officers and tea planters in the 19th century. Today, polo represents finesse, teamwork, and cultural connection – values at the heart of La Estancia.
“Polo is not only about competition,” says Uwe Zimmermann. “It’s about respect – for the horse, your team, and tradition. It’s a dialogue between rider and horse, between elegance and courage.”
Friendly matches at the Oktoberfest Polo Cup were played in four 5-minute chukkas, demonstrating the sport’s inclusivity, where players of all ages share the field, bound by passion and friendship.
The day concluded with an award ceremony celebrating both the winners of the Oktoberfest Polo Cup 2025 and the lasting friendships forged on and off the field.
Brand Partners and Sponsors
The Oktoberfest Polo Cup 2025 was supported by distinguished partners and sponsors who contributed to the event’s elegant and international atmosphere. These included Land Rover Defender, Gössl Fashion, Divisibilis, Herz Coffee, Pécsi Sör, Claudia Bias Design, Urban Canteen, Franui, Continental Cigars, and Neft Vodka.
A Tradition That Connects Worlds
The great British statesman Sir Winston Churchill was a skilled lifelong polo player who famously called polo “the Emperor of Games,” noting that “a polo handicap is a passport to the world.” His words come alive at La Estancia, where the sport transcends borders and backgrounds. Here, guests and players from every walk of life are united by a shared appreciation for the artistry, tradition, and timeless elegance of polo – and by the enduring spirit that continues to define the game.
Source: La Estancia Polo Club
Photos from La Estancia Polo Club, Oktoberfest Polo Cup 2025, and DPA
