This December, the sport of kings claimed a bold new frontier. At the breathtaking waterfront of Old Doha Port in Qatar, the world witnessed the first-ever polo tournament played in Qatar, a landmark moment for the global polo community and a proud new chapter for equestrian sport in the Middle East.
What unfolded was far more than a tournament. It was the realization of a vision that began years ago.
For the past 10 years, Polo Valley’s Founder & CEO Christian Byrne has worked tirelessly to champion the growth of polo in Qatar. From flights and in-person pitches to building relationships with ambassadors, dignitaries, and local stakeholders, Christian and an exceptional behind-the-scenes team have patiently laid the groundwork for this milestone.
Polo AlMarsa was not an isolated event, it was the culmination of a decade of devotion, belief, grit, and collaboration.
The Birth of the Qatari National Polo Team
This journey accelerated earlier this year when Polo Valley proudly hosted the first-ever Qatari National Polo Team in April 2025. Four riders from diverse equestrian backgrounds came together to learn polo from the ground up, embracing a new discipline with determination and enthusiasm.
From those first training sessions in Sotogrande, we watched the team grow and evolve; from Polo in the Park in London to competing in Argentina, and across multiple international stages, each experience shaping their journey and strengthening their identity as a team.
Their growth has been extraordinary, and seeing their evolution on the field in Doha was a deeply rewarding moment for everyone involved.
Polo AlMarsa: A Defining Moment on the Waterfront
And then came the tournament itself; Polo AlMarsa. A spectacular setting.
A global audience.
A celebration of culture, community, and sporting excellence.
We were profoundly honored to stand alongside Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who personally presented the Championship Cup. Her presence symbolised Qatar’s embrace of polo’s heritage and its bright future within the region.
During Polo AlMarsa, we were honoured to meet with several distinguished ambassadors whose presence celebrated not only the sport but the cultural bridges polo continues to build internationally: His Excellency Guillermo Nicolás, Ambassador of Argentina to Qatar, His Excellency Álvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of Spain to Qatar and His Excellency Ambassador, Neerav Patel, Ambassador of the United Kingdom.
We also had the chance to connect two of the greatest Richard Mille ambassadors; Pablo MacDonough and Mutaz Barshim.
These moments of connection underlined the shared passion for polo, cultural exchange, and international partnership that the tournament embodied.
Among the standout moments of the tournament was seeing Polo Valley’s own Lucia Mier Portillo take to the field. Lucia competed:
- As the first and only Spanish national representative in the event
- Alongside world-renowned players like Nina Clarkin
Their team ultimately won the tournament, a victory that echoed far beyond the final whistle. Lucia’s participation is not only a personal achievement, it reflects the growing influence and global footprint of Polo Valley.
This historic event was made possible thanks to a remarkable network of individuals who worked tirelessly to bring Polo AlMarsa to life.
Our sincere appreciation goes to: Ashraf Abuissa, Chairman of the Qatar Polo Club, Zeid Abuissa, Fuad Almudahka, Sebastian de Groot van Embden, Josh Tuthill, Rory Heron and Sophie Kyriazi.
And to all partners, supporters, staff, and friends whose dedication shaped this unforgettable milestone.
Because of the exceptional people behind this project, and an unwavering pursuit of progress, polo’s story in Qatar has transformed from vision to legacy.
What was once imagined is now real.
What once felt aspirational is now historical. And this is only the beginning.
Polo AlMarsa Qatar 2025 is etched in time, echoing into the future, a foundation for what comes next.