Netflix’s upcoming docuseries Polo, executive produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, aims to bring the glamorous world of polo into the spotlight, much like Drive to Survive did for Formula 1 and Full Swing for professional golf. These earlier docuseries helped rejuvenate interest in their respective sports by attracting younger audiences and creating new revenue opportunities. With Polo, the goal is to elevate the sport of polo by giving fans an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of the sport’s elite players.
Inside the U.S. Open Polo Championship
Premiering on December 10, Polo offers viewers a fly-on-the-wall look at top global polo players as they compete at the prestigious U.S. Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. Over the course of five episodes, the docuseries will follow the personal and professional lives of the players, showcasing both their determination and the glamorous allure of the sport.
A trailer for the series highlights some of the excitement, with one scene featuring the mother of Timmy Dutta, a young player with Dutta Corp, describing polo as "for sure glamorous. It’s a sexy sport too. Dirty, sweaty boys, riding." This type of candid insight into the world of polo is part of the docuseries’ appeal as it strives to show the grit behind the glamour.
Prince Harry Speaks on the Passion of Polo Players
In a statement released on Netflix's Tudum blog, Prince Harry expressed his excitement about the series, saying, “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour. We’re proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport — and the intensity of its high-stakes moments.”
The docuseries also features renowned players such as Adolfo Cambiaso of Team Valiente, one of the sport’s legends, and his son, 17-year-old Poroto Cambiaso of Team La Dolfina. In the trailer, Adolfo shares his pride in his son's accomplishments, stating, “I’m very proud of my son. But I try to beat him.” Their father-son rivalry will surely be a key storyline in the series as they compete for the coveted championship title.
Featured Players and Dramatic Moments
Other notable players appearing in Polo include Nacho Figueras, a close friend of Prince Harry and a well-known figure in the polo community. In the trailer, Figueras explains the extreme nature of the sport, saying, “Imagine going on a horse at 35mph with someone coming at you at full speed.” The series also features interviews with players like Louis Devaleix, Timmy Dutta, and the Cambiaso father-son duo, offering viewers a closer look at their personal motivations and the challenges they face on the field.
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle served as executive producers, they do not appear in the documentary. Instead, the series focuses entirely on the players and their dedication to the sport.
Mixed Reactions to the Docuseries Trailer
Despite the excitement surrounding the release of the trailer, not all reactions have been positive. A former polo-playing friend of Prince Harry criticized the series, telling The Daily Beast, “It’s hilarious, but not in a good way. It’s so tacky and cringey, it is literally all the worst things about polo.” This critic found the trailer to be off-putting and felt it failed to capture the true spirit of the sport.
Another individual on Social media voiced concerns that the docuseries overlooked polo’s inclusivity, saying, “The irony is that polo is actually a surprisingly inclusive sport these days. You do see plenty of rich kids, but there are also fantastic riders from less privileged backgrounds. It doesn’t look like this show is going to highlight that, which is a real missed opportunity.” This critique points to a potential missed chance to portray a more diverse, multifaceted view of the sport.
Looking Ahead to the Full Release
Despite the mixed reactions, Polo offers a unique opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to experience the drama and intensity of one of the world’s most glamorous sports. With its mix of high-octane competition and personal stories, the docuseries promises to bring polo to the forefront of global entertainment. As the U.S. Open Polo Championship approaches, viewers will get an exclusive look at the lives of the players and the world of polo on December 10.
