Photo credits : Bombo John Flores
Filipino businessman, congressman, and polo enthusiast Mikee Romero has stamped his name in polo history by climbing to No. 6 in the U.S. Polo Association’s player rankings for April 2025. This breakthrough places him among the elite of American polo—a first for any Filipino athlete.
Romero’s ascent is fueled by exceptional performances in the prestigious Gauntlet of Polo series. With semifinal and quarterfinal appearances, he not only elevated his personal ranking but also made history with the GlobalPort Polo Team as the highest-ranked Asia-based squad.
Why This Rise Matters
Unprecedented Achievement
First Filipino top-10 vibrance: Romero’s entry into the top six marks the strongest showing by any Filipino or Southeast Asian in U.S. men’s polo.
Elite peer group: Now alongside world-class players like Tomas Panelo, Juan Martín Nero, Adolfo Cambiaso, and Barto Castagnola, Romero is a recognized figure on U.S. turf.
Behind the Ranking: Romero’s Journey
Strategic Tournament Success
Romero’s ranking leap is no fluke—it’s the result of headlining in America’s top tournaments:
C.V. Whitney Cup: Advanced to semifinals
USPA Gold Cup & U.S. Open Polo Championship: Deep runs that boosted his national standing
Champion Pony ‘Niki’
Not only is Romero rising—so is his mount. His prized pony, Niki, tied for No. 1 national polo horse, showcasing elite athleticism and consistency across all major competitions.
Consistency Across Seasons
His April ranking is just the latest of sustained performance. In the January–May Winter Polo Season, Romero has maintained a high-level presence—earning 205 points and tying with elite players like Poroto Cambiaso.
Global Impact & Southeast Asian Ascendancy
Romero’s surge extends beyond U.S. borders:
In World Polo Tour (WPT) amateur rankings, he reached No. 24—the highest-ranked Southeast Asian on the amateur circuit
His journey places Philippine polo on the international stage, proving that athletes from emerging polo nations can compete at the top
What Sets Romero Apart
Versatile Athletic Background
A former arnis black-belt and jet-ski national champion, Romero also boasts experience in trap shooting and varsity basketball—demonstrating rare all-around athleticism that informs his on-field polo instincts.
Polo Leadership & Infrastructure
Founded the Philippine National Federation of Polo Players (PNFPP)
Serves as chairman of the United Polo Players Association (UPPA)
Built the GlobalPort Polo Team, the first Asia-based team to qualify for the U.S. Open Polo Championship in decades
Key Takeaways
Historic ranking: First Filipino to break into the top six in U.S. polo
Premier pony partnership: ‘Niki’ ranked No. 1 among national polo ponies
Global influence: Romero holds the highest Southeast Asian spot in WPT amateur standings
Strategic excellence: Success in Gauntlet tournaments accelerated his ascent
Legacy builder: Driving infrastructure and youth development in Philippine polo
In His Own Words
“This is a deeply meaningful moment. To stand among the best players in the U.S. and to see Niki recognized beside the finest horses in the world is a tribute to the effort, preparation, and heart that went into every game.”
Romero’s statement captures the pride and humility behind his historic accomplishment, as well as his respect for both teammates and his trusted horse.
The Road Ahead
Upcoming Tournaments
Romero is expected to build on his momentum through the rest of the 2025 season with appearances in:
Summer U.S. polo circuit
Gold Cup and U.S. Open follow-ups with GlobalPort
Developing Polo in Asia
Romero is doing more than competing—he’s growing the game in Asia. Through his leadership and investments, he’s elevating:
Polo training facilities in the Philippines
Youth development and mentorship programs
Pathways for Asian players to enter global tournaments
Conclusion
Mikee Romero’s rise to No. 6 in the U.S. polo rankings, backed by champion pony Niki, dominant Gauntlet performances, and lasting leadership in Asian polo, represents more than a personal milestone—it signals a new era for Southeast Asian presence in equestrian sports. His climb is both inspirational and strategic, putting the Philippines at the forefront of global polo and paving the way for future generations of athletes.
As he continues to compete against the best in the world, Romero remains a key figure to watch—both for his performance and his vision to transform polo across the region.
