Masters Capture the Veuve Clicquot Cup in a Commanding Victory
Sunshine and sophistication set the tone at the Newport International Polo Grounds this past Saturday as fans gathered for the highly anticipated Veuve Clicquot Cup, one of the season’s sparkling highlights. Under the glamorous theme of “Golden Moments,” guests arrived in radiant garden party attire to sip champagne and cheer on the action, a fitting tribute to the elegance of Veuve Clicquot Champaign.
Taking the field in red were the Masters, made up of Touba Ghadessi (#1), Rodger Souto (#2), Stuart Odell (#3), and Oscar Monzon (#4). Their challengers, the Hotshots, suited up in white with Luke Howe (#2), Anna Dwyer (#3), Jair Zenteno (#1), and Caleb Bryden (#4). The match kicked off with an explosive pace, as Oscar Monzon opened scoring for the Masters. Caleb Bryden responded with two quick goals for the Hotshots, but Monzon closed the first chukker with another goal to reclaim the lead.
Momentum fully shifted in the second chukker. Stuart Odell struck first for the Masters, followed by a goal from Jair Zenteno for the Hotshots, their last goal before a long dry spell. Monzon answered back with two more goals, ending the chukker with the Masters pulling ahead.
The Masters continued their offensive surge into the third chukker with penalty conversions by Stuart Odell and Rodger Souto, plus another field goal from Monzon, widening the lead. By halftime, the score stood at 13–4, with the Masters firmly in control. Spectators took to the field for the traditional divot stomp, flutes of bubbly in hand, while others explored the festive vendor village featuring Newport Sushi Co., Brie & Honey, Sweet B’s Donuts, Ben & Jerry’s, and more.
In the fourth chukker, Touba Ghadessi put on a show, netting three goals, while Souto added another from the penalty line. The Masters’ defense shut out the Hotshots again in both the 4th and 5th chukkers, demonstrating total control on both ends of the field. The final chukker saw two more goals from the Masters, while the Hotshots made a final push, scoring one field goal and converting three penalties, but the gap was too wide to close.
With a final score of 17–8, the Masters were crowned champions of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot CupPlayers took their traditional victory lap, greeting fans and signing autographs as the Après Polo celebration continued at Dillon’s Patio Bar, where The Cocktail Guru served celebratory pours.
The trophy presentation was led by Malissa Hughes, VP of Brand & Communications at Foxwoods Resort Casino, celebrating a milestone 10 seasons of partnership between Veuve Clicquot and Newport Polo.
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed premium experiences like the sold-out Clicquot Terrasse, open to the public for one weekend only, and captured glamorous memories with photo ops from Cocoa & Co., Simply Chickie, Newport Fine Linens, Out East Eyewear, and the Newport Polo Pro Shop. Tailgaters embraced the theme, competing for the Stella Artois Best in Show, with a sea of golden decor paying tribute to the day’s luminous theme.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests departed with champagne smiles and golden memories, marking another unforgettable chapter in the Newport International Polo Series.