Fueled by talent, charisma, and passion, Nic Roldan is the leading American polo player with an impressive 8-goal handicap rating. He is the youngest polo player in the world to win the prestigious U.S. Open Polo title at 15 and has captained Team USA, winning victoriously on all five continents at every level; Nic attracts worldwide acclaim. His commitment to increasing awareness and participation in the sport he loves with a broader audience of players and new spectators reflects his passionate dedication to Polo.
Nic will return and headline the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships on November 5th at West World of Scottsdale.
Nic Roldan is a licensed REALTOR®; see NicRoldan.com with Equestrian Sotheby’s International Realty in Wellington, Florida. He also develops, flips, and constructs properties, having personally created eight properties.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty had the opportunity to sit down with this America Polo Star to get his take on playing polo in the desert and how his journey began.
Tell us how you were first introduced to the sport of polo.
It runs in the family; I’m a 4th generation polo player.
Is polo your first love, or is there another sport you love equally?
I love sports, and that competitive spirit gets translated into all areas. Off the polo field, I’m an avid golfer. When I was a kid, I played junior golf and got into the Junior Olympics with roller hockey.
For those who have never played polo, what makes the sport so fascinating to watch and play?
The athleticism of the horses and athletes is a perfect mix of beauty and power, the symbiosis between man and horse. The adrenaline.
Do you have any goals you hope to still achieve in the sport?
Yes, always! To win another U.S. Open Polo Championships and to play in Argentina again at the game’s highest level. Likewise, I’m passionate about continuing to grow the sport of polo and highlighting the horses in it.
What are you looking forward to when coming to the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships on November 5th?
The energy, the fans, the support, and the infectious excitement that the event generates.
You have played all over the world, including Scottsdale, several times. How does the Valley of the Sun and Scottsdale, in particular, compare to some of the other polo destinations you regularly play?
For the most part, Polo is played in warm climates, and during that time, Scottsdale’s climate is perfect. It’s a showcase event truly bringing polo to a whole new and fresh demographic, and the vibe is fantastic.
Any advice for those looking to get into Polo?
Don’t stress about the rules too much, as often that inhibits you from enjoying the game’s fluidity. The most critical factor for anyone getting into the sport is the actual riding, that is, the belt and braces of our sport; if you can master riding, you are 70% there.
