The world of polo extends far beyond traditional grass fields, and Tito Gaudenzi stands at the forefront of this evolution. Born into polo royalty as the son of Reto Gaudenzi (the inventor of snow polo), Tito has carved his own path as both a professional player and a visionary event producer who's reimagining where and how polo can thrive.
Our conversation takes us from the frozen lake of St. Moritz to the beaches of Miami as Tito reveals the extraordinary logistics behind creating polo events in these unconventional settings. You'll discover why his beach polo events don't actually use beach sand (they truck in specialized jumper track footing), how horses navigate on just nine inches of frozen lake ice, and the meticulous planning required to transform public spaces into world-class polo venues.
What makes Tito's perspective particularly valuable is his dual identity as both player and producer. He approaches the sport with a refreshing philosophy: "We bring polo to the people, which in the long run brings more people to polo." This approach has allowed him to create events that attract not just traditional polo enthusiasts but celebrities, global brands, and curious first-timers—all while maintaining the sport's inherent elegance and excitement.
The commercial side of polo features prominently in our discussion, with Tito sharing insights on how he's secured unprecedented sponsorship longevity (including a 25-year title sponsor deal) and developed a multi-tier approach that balances luxury experiences with accessibility. He describes polo as a "mass niche market sport" with enormous untapped potential, comparing its current state to soccer in America before its commercial explosion.
Whether you're a polo aficionado or simply curious about the intersection of sport, business, and entertainment, Tito's story offers valuable lessons in innovation, quality, and the delicate balance of tradition and progress. Join us for this fascinating conversation with one of polo's most forward-thinking voices.
Ready to see polo in a whole new light? Subscribe now and follow Tito's journey as he continues to expand the boundaries of this ancient sport.
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About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication. Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.
Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.
About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity...