La Natividad, driven by a stellar performance from Pablo Mac Donough and a seamless display of teamwork, clinched the title in a thrilling 13-10 victory over La Dolfina on Sunday to become the champions of the 130th Campeonato Argentino de Polo.
This win marked a triumphant return to the top for La Natividad, who last held the title in 2021.
Key to La Natividad’s victory was the impressive effort from Mac Donough, alongside an outstanding season for Camilo Castagnola. In the final match, Castagnola scored four goals, which not only contributed to the team’s victory but also secured his spot as the top scorer of the tournament with a total of 38 goals. This achievement added to his remarkable record, as he was also the leading scorer in the Hurlingham Open (with 28 goals) and the Tortugas Open (also with 28 goals). Altogether, Castagnola’s 94 goals across these tournaments crowned him the top scorer of the 2023 Triple Crown.
Notable Achievements
For La Natividad, this victory represents their second title in the Argentine Open in the last three years, having won in 2021 and 2023 while narrowly missing out in 2022. The Castagnola brothers, Jeta and Barto, have similarly added their second titles to their growing careers. For Pablo Mac Donough, this championship marks his 12th Argentine Open title out of 16 finals played at Palermo, underscoring his extensive experience and success in the sport. Facundo Pieres, another key player for La Natividad, celebrated his fourth title in the Argentine Open after an 11-year gap from his last victory with Ellerstina in 2012. This win, achieved in his 14th final, is a testament to his long-standing skill and resilience.
On the other side, La Dolfina appeared in their 23rd Argentine Open final since the club’s inception in 2000. Out of 24 Argentine Opens, La Dolfina has reached the final an astounding 23 times, winning 15 titles and losing 8 finals. Their only absence from the final was in 2004, demonstrating their enduring dominance in Argentine polo. Individually, the four players on La Dolfina’s team collectively hold 41 Argentine Open titles between them: Adolfo Cambiaso with 18 titles across 27 finals, Juan M. Nero with 12 titles out of 16 finals, David Stirling with 10 out of 14 finals, and Poroto Cambiaso with 1 title from 2 finals.
Match Details
Teams:
• La Dolfina: Adolfo Cambiaso (h) (10-goal handicap), David Stirling (h) (10), Adolfo Cambiaso (n) (10), and Juan M. Nero (10). Total team handicap: 40.
• La Natividad: Facundo Pieres (9), Camilo Castagnola (10), Pablo Mac Donough (10), and Bartolomé Castagnola (h) (10). Total team handicap: 39.
Score Progression:
1-2, 3-2, 4-5, 7-6, 8-7, 10-7, 10-10, and final score 13-10 in favor of La Natividad.
Officiating:
• Judges: Gastón Lucero and Guillermo Villanueva (h).
• Referee: José I. Araya.
The 130th edition of the Argentine Open will be remembered as a high-stakes clash between two powerhouse teams, showcasing skill, dedication, and the rich legacy of Argentine polo.