Philippine polo is set for another milestone as GlobalPort debuts in the prestigious US Open Polo Championship on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), taking on some of the sport’s biggest names.

Led by Mikee Romero, GlobalPort becomes the first Philippine-based team to compete at Wellington’s hallowed grounds, facing an uphill battle after being drawn into a highly competitive Bracket I, alongside Clearwater and La Dolfina Catamount.

The challenge intensifies with Bracket II, home to two former US Open champions—La Dolfina Tamera and Park Place. GlobalPort’s campaign opens against La Dolfina Tamera, spearheaded by the sport’s world No. 1, Adolfo Cambiaso Jr., fresh off a title win at the C.V. Whitney Cup.

“Luck of the draw. We’re in the bracket of death—two champion teams. Our first game is against La Dolfina Tamera, led by Cambiaso, the Michael Jordan of polo,” said Romero, who also made history as the first Filipino to play in the US Open.

GlobalPort continues its group stage against BTA on Sunday, March 30, before wrapping up against another formidable opponent, Park Place, on April 5. Park Place, helmed by world No. 6 Hilario Ulloa, recently clinched the US Gold Cup title and is among the favorites.

Yet, GlobalPort is no dark horse. The squad boasts world No. 4 Bartolome Castagnola, Beltran Laulhe, Lucas Diaz Alberdi, with Nico Escobar and Santos Merlos as substitutes.