Facundo Quiroga was known as the Tiger of the Plains. A military and political chieftain of mid-19th century, when Argentina was divided into states and provinces, the leader from La Rioja was not only a symbol of the ferocity in battle but was deeply rooted in country traditions. His name was immortalized in one of the vital works of Argentina's literature: "Facundo, Civilization and Barbarism," a novel written by Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, educator and future president of the nation.

There is another Facundo these days sowing terror in the plains, on the green polo fields. Like his namesake, Facundo Pieres has swept rivals, consecutively winning five major tournaments in four countries: Argentina (2012 Palermo Open), USA (U.S. Open), England (Queen's Cup and Gold Cup for the British Open Championship) and Spain (Gold Cup).

I am a natural born competitor. And always go out to win. This is a great season and the results are given. I'm enjoying it all! The best thing is that I am not satisfied and want more," admits Pieres in a chat from the Spanish resort of Sotogrande. At 27 years old, this great player has held a 10-goal rating since he was 19.

PPE: Let's review this magic streak. Begin by recalling the triumph in Palermo with Ellerstina.

FP: It had many aspects that made it unforgettable. We put together a new team with [my brother-in-law] Mariano Aguerre and my brothers and we were not quite right. Instead, we had La Dolfina [with] Adolfito Cambiaso and three other major cracks playing so strongly. But we knew how to play them with our game and gave everyone the big surprise. It was an extra special celebration for everyone because, as never before in a final we played [against] them, there was a clear favorite. And certainly not us (he laughs).

PPE: Then you traveled to the United States. And the mission was to defend the title of the 2012 season?

FP: Yes. This year we would repeat our quartet and it was our desire to. But something happened like what happened in Palermo. Valiente was playing very well and we had lost some matches. It was clear that they were the better team before the final game. We came to this match fairly, winning the semifinal thanks to a penalty in an extra chukker. There was good chemistry between us and we knew we had to play a lot better than we had been. At the appointed time we gave the knock-out punch and won. I know that no one thought we could win. But we always had faith in our forces.

PPE: Before going to England, how did you take Lyndon Lea's decision about not presenting Zacara in the 2014 season?

FP: Actually, I did not expect that. I did not see it coming beyond that we knew there could be some controversy because of the handicaps rising or dropping. It was unusual for a successful patron choosing to make that decision. Especially since earlier this year he bought a new farm to prepare the team and the organization. I think it was a whim. For me it was a rare moment, because I had to go out and find a team in a hurry for the next year. Luckily George Rawlings appeared quickly and offered Magoo Laprida and I to join Crab Orchard next season.

PPE: What is your relationship with Lea now?

FP: I come from a family that has had long relationships with their patrons. I could tell you that Kerry Packer's family—the patron of my dad—is like my second family. I also understand that not everyone can get this kind of intimacy. But I was surprised when I knew the decision. Anyway, Lyndon did it very well and even tried to help me get a new team. The clue that the relationship still is good is that we played in England, but clearly I did not expect his decision.

PPE: So then in England, how do you qualify the season?

FP: Genial! It was completely different from that in the United States. We complemented each other very well with Rodrigo de Andrade, and from the first match we realized that Zacara would be the team to beat. The pressure was different. We tried to enjoy it and I liked knowing we had to win every game. So we won 13 games in a row and were crowned in the Queen's Cup and then in the British Gold Cup.

PPE: You did not settle for those wins and went for more in Spain?

FP: Sure. I always play to win. The thing in Spain was also very nice because I was able to share the team with my brother Gonzalo. The triumph in the Silver Cup was more clear, while the final of the Gold Cup had certain suspense, but luckily we were able to lift another trophy.

PPE: Is it special for you to play with Gonzalo?

FP: Of course. He's my older brother and I love sharing with him every minute in the field. This year in April, we had the honor of wearing Argentina's shirt in the Nations Cup which was held in Palermo. Another great experience, another great victory.

PPE: Among your many achievements, which was the one you enjoyed most?

FP: Every trophy is important, but Palermo is always the best. It is the championship dream in a dream location. There is no comparison with others, it is a step up because of the tradition and level of play. And the environment is unique. Imagine every match in front of 15,000 people. In other countries (notably the United States and England) each time we play before more public and the shows are very attractive. But for polo people, Palermo is Palermo. The best quartets play without handicap limits and the best players on the planet put together the best teams.

PPE: Does a player of your caliber suffer playing with handicap limits?

FP: No, there is another way to play. Just different. I could say it is more complicated because of having to split the best players in pairs in different teams, and every tournament is much more competitive. No one knows who can beat whom. Sometimes, what makes the difference is the third player, who usually is a rising young star. I used to play as the "third player" when I was younger.

PPE: How does it feel to see the world rankings and see yourself above Adolfito?

FP: Nothing in particular, and pride at the same time. Adolfito is a player from another planet, he is unparalleled. Trying to compare yourself with him is not easy. Now, he is one of those athletes who make rivals wanted to beat him, as Tiger Woods or Roger Federer. Playing against him is always special. One lives the risk that he could be inspired and in this case, is extremely difficult to defeat him. This year, thanks to God, we met several times and I won a majority. But that does not make me better than him, it only means I am getting better results. But there is nothing between us but a well-understood rivalry.

PPE: What do you expect for the remainder of 2013 ?

FP: The main goal of the family is back to winning Palermo. That is where we will point the guns. We have the advantage that we have been playing well, with horses in perfect condition and we are full of will. But I also realize that La Dolfina is a wounded lion. They have more obligations than us to win, so they will be a very tough opponent. And I can't forget that in our pool we will have to face two teams as La Natividad and La Aguada that have enough material to be finalists. The truth is that it will be an Open to enjoy from the outside; inside the field we will suffer a lot (laughs). But, I have confidence that once again it will have a happy ending.

–– By Ernesto Rodríguez