High Stakes Polo Played On Elephants

Elephant polo is a real sport where players ride massive pachyderms instead of horses. Because the elephants move at a slower pace, teams use extra-long mallets that can reach up to ten feet to strike the ball.

This unique game requires two people per elephant: a professional mahout to steer the animal and a player to focus on the match. It is traditionally played in regions like Nepal and Thailand on pitches three-quarters the size of a standard field. Despite the unusual choice of mount, it is a competitive sport with international teams from places as far away as Scotland. The spectacle of these gentle giants competing on the field creates an unforgettable scene for spectators.