Switzerland returns to Newport for the first time since 2021, ready to renew its international rivalry with Team USA on Saturday, September 19. Bringing a dynamic combination of experience, skill and Swiss determination to BD Field, this year’s visiting lineup is prepared to make its mark on the 150th Diamond Jubilee season. Meet the players representing Switzerland in this highly anticipated international showdown.
Cedric Schweri
A lifelong horse enthusiast and globetrotter, Cedric began playing polo 15 years ago after deciding that show jumping had become too dangerous. Since then, he has competed in several international tournaments, with career highlights including two victories in Gstaad, two Italian championship titles and the Berenberg Trophy—recognition of his hard work and dedication to the sport. Cedric currently lives in Cape Town, where he is a wine producer at De Toren Private Cellar. He is very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this exciting tournament.
Philipp Müller
Before finding polo in 2015, Philipp Müller competed for the Swiss national skeleton team, bringing his appetite for adventure to the polo field. His fascination with the Native American culture began in childhood with a book about Buffalo Bill and eventually led him to visit reservations in South Dakota in 2024. Today, as founder and patron of Standing Rock, Philipp is passionate about promoting sportsmanship, horse welfare and giving back to the sport through initiatives such as the Standing Rock Fair Play Award and Foundation.
Thomas Wolfensberger
Swiss by passport, a polo player by passion, Thomas Wolfensberger has been playing polo for exactly half of his 54 years. Based at Polo Park Zürich, he has been fortunate enough to win the Swiss Championship three times and to compete in tournaments across Europe, Argentina and around the world. One of his most memorable polo adventures took him to East Africa, where he rode polo ponies through the Serengeti at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro—and played polo along the way. Away from the field, Thomas is a Swiss entrepreneur active in technology and real estate, but polo and horses have always remained an important part of his life. He is delighted to be playing in Newport for the first time and looks forward to experiencing this historic tournament.
Janik Noah Oertli
Horses came first and the sport followed, and both have held his attention ever since. Over the past four years he has built a solid foundation in the game, competing in tournaments while coaching and teaching players new to polo. He has represented Switzerland in Europe and, last year, won the Swiss Medium Goal Championship. Janik is based at Largovia Polo, where he works to make the sport more attractive in Switzerland. Off the field, he recently completed his studies in finance and economics at the University of Zurich, followed by an internship at an AI- and tech-driven recovery start-up. Newport will be Janik’s first trip to the United States, and he is grateful for this chance to play there and represent Switzerland alongside this great group.
With a talented roster and a shared passion for the sport, Team Switzerland is ready to make its highly anticipated return to Newport. As the players take on Team USA for the first time since 2021, spectators can look forward to an afternoon of international competition, sportsmanship and unforgettable polo on BD Field. Join us this Saturday to welcome Switzerland back and watch the rivalry unfold.