MEET SOME OF OUR PLAYERS, EXECUTIVES & HOSPITALITY STAFF

Tareq Salahi is the  Chairman of the International Polo Tour® (IPT) and Team Captain of the IPT Team USA™ polo team. Tareq is also one of the visionary founding members of Great Meadow Polo. As the creator of both IPT Sunset Polo™ and Celestial Polo™, Salahi has been a driving force in introducing the sport of polo to new audiences around the world.

A decorated athlete, he has earned numerous U.S. Polo Association (USPA) National Championships and multiple World Cup titles, leading the IPT Polo Team USA™ with distinction and passion.

Beyond the field, Tareq is an award-winning entrepreneur, winery owner, and recognized television personality, celebrated for his leadership in luxury travel, hospitality, and tourism marketing.

He continues to champion international goodwill through sport, philanthropy, and global partnerships.
Tareq resides in Palm Beach County, Florida, where he remains deeply involved in advancing the polo community both locally and abroad.

Dr. Lisa Spoden serves as an Executive member of We Will Survive Cancer, the chosen charity of IPT for select polo events.

 A former hospital executive, her career blends high-level vision with practical management. 

Dr. Spoden brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, operations, and program development across a diverse range of service industries. Her career blends executive-level vision with practical management insight, guiding organizations toward growth and excellence.

Deeply rooted in hospitality and philanthropy, Lisa has chaired numerous high-profile galas and fundraising events, uniting purpose and prestige with a genuine commitment to community impact.

 Michelle Esposito serves as the VIP Hospitality, Sponsorships & Activations Executive for the International Polo Tour® (IPT), where she oversees partner relations, brand activations, and elite guest experiences at marquee polo and charity events worldwide. With a strong background in luxury event management and client engagement, Michelle is known for creating seamless, high-touch experiences that elevate the IPT’s global brand. Her expertise ensures every sponsor and guest enjoys the signature elegance and excitement that define the International Polo Tour®. 

This trio have won multiple USPA Arena National Championships including the coveted US Handicap Arena Championship & the USPA Chairmans Cup several times, historically part of the US Open. 

Marcos (Marquitos) Bignoli & Tolito OCampo are regular teammates for the Polo Tour.

Marcos Arena Handicap is 6 goals in arena

Tolito OCampo handicap is 8 goals in arena

(and destined for 10 goals in the near term)

 Undefeated in the arena and reigning North East Arena and National Champions, this powerhouse team continues to set the gold standard in competitive polo.

From left to right:
Fran Mera Rodriguez – 8-Goal Arena Professional
Tareq Salahi – Chairman, International Polo Tour®
Nizar Zakka – Founder of Hostage Aid and recent recipient of the U.S. Medal of Freedom

Together, they embody excellence, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of the International Polo Tour®.

 Undefeated in the arena and reigning Global & National Champions, just recently winning the IPT World Cup Invitational against South Africa.

From left to right:
Fran Mera Rodriguez – 8-Goal Arena Professional
Tareq Salahi – Team Captain
Marcos Bignoli – 6 Goal

 Their passion, discipline, and sportsmanship capture the very essence of the powerful arena team for the International Polo Tour® and our luxury sponsors

  Richard Varner, Pelon Escapite and the Miller brothers, our Texas polo athletes bring unmatched skill and passion to the field, proudly representing the International Polo Tour®, and our global luxury partners.
A powerhouse across the Texas & South west circuit, this dynamic team has consistently captured silver and top honors at every major cup, setting a standard of excellence that defines our brand. Together, they embody the strength, sportsmanship, and prestige of the International Polo Tour®. 

 Meet Your Hospitality “Suite” Team — Washington, D.C. | Capitol Region (DMV)

Step into the world of IPT Sunset Polo™ luxury with our dedicated hospitality team. From the glow of the arena lights to the sparkle of your glass, our team is here to ensure every moment feels effortless and unforgettable.

Join us in our VIP Box Suites for an evening of fine catering, thrilling polo, and exceptional company—or at select grass-side matches where signature hospitality is included.

Pictured above (left to right): Jazhiel, Sara & Kaya — your ambassadors of comfort, charm, and celebration.

(Access by invitation for existing and new International Polo Tour® Luxury Partners.)

 Meet your Hospitality "suite" team in both LA & NY & assists in Capitol Region, USA from time to time.   They look forward to welcoming you in our VIP Box seats on Saturday nights for SunSet Polo under the lights from 6pm in our catered box seats or select grass games where hospitality is included

Pictured above from left to right is Casey & Hong-Vu. Missing is Haley in our Los Angeles Unit. 

(Open by invitation to existing & new Suite guests of Hotels at Sea)

Every great team has a secret weapon… ours just happens to have four legs and a mane.
Napoleon, a stunning gray gelding, has taken the polo world by storm — undefeated and unstoppable since joining the International Polo Tour® string.

In just the past year, he’s claimed six “Best Playing Pony” awards, proving that while we adore all our horses, this one seems to think winning is a lifestyle choice.

Elegant, fast, and fiercely competitive, Napoleon plays every chukker like it’s a royal command — and yes, he knows he’s fabulous.

Named after the one and only Axl Rose, our polo horse Axel doesn’t just play — he performs.
With speed that hits like a guitar riff and attitude that says “welcome to the jungle,” Axel is pure energy wrapped in horsepower.

Part of the elite International Polo Tour® string & another best Playing Pony award winner, Axel brings arena-shaking charisma to every match — turning heads, winning hearts, and occasionally demanding an encore lap after victory.

He’s proof that legends aren’t only born on stage… some thunder across the field.

Meet Bentley, our beloved Doberman Pinscher and the real boss of the International Polo Tour®.
A proud rescue from Palm Beach County, Bentley now serves as our official team mascot — and occasional collections officer.

💌 Sponsors and players who fall behind on dues may receive a personal visit from Bentley… but don’t worry, he only accepts payments in treats, cuddles, and compliments.

XO — The IPT Family (and Bentley)