Series description
Roda polo is a new sport that has emerged from Argentina’s polo heartland. Born in 2019, it reimagines polo by replacing horses with e-wheels, which cost $1,000–2,000 and are quick to master. This makes the game far more accessible and faster, three-a-side matches can be played in parks, schoolyards or any other open space, encouraging children to step outdoors. Roda polo is already practiced across three continents, keeping the adrenaline, strategy and camaraderie of polo alive while redefining who gets to play.
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After school, most kids disappear to play video games, but these three grab their e-wheels and head outside. Roda polo gives them the thrill of competition and a reason to leave their screens behind.
© Irina Werning, Argentina, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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Roda polo has been officially recognised as a sport in Argentina, which is a testament to its growing influence and popularity. E-wheels are easier to master than horseback riding, requiring just a few lessons.
© Irina Werning, Argentina, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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Roda polo is usually played by younger generations and often unfolds alongside traditional polo matches — an energetic side game that hints at the future of the sport.
© Irina Werning, Argentina, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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Roda polo encourages kids to step away from their screens, embrace technology and engage with nature. It can be played in any open area and the e-wheels require just a few lessons to master.
© Irina Werning, Argentina, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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Introduced during the pandemic in Argentina — a country renowned for its polo heritage — roda polo eliminates the need for costly horses and large fields, creating a more accessible and innovative version of the sport.
© Irina Werning, Argentina, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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Girls celebrate a goal. Points come quickly in a fast-paced roda polo match, echoing the high-scoring pace of traditional polo.
© Irina Werning, Argentina, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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A roda polo class in session. Most players master the e-wheel in two or three lessons, making the sport accessible to all ages.
© Irina Werning, Argentina, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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Roda polo can be played in any open space, unlike the 300-yard field needed for traditional polo. The e-wheels reach pony-like speeds of up to 35 km/h, but parental-control apps ensure safety, as most of the players in Argentina are under the age of 15.
© Irina Werning, Argentina, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards