At home at the Ascona Polo Cup for five years – about home, enjoyment, and the joy of getting together
Stefan Breuer has been a team sponsor of the Ascona Polo Cup with the Seven Group for five years. In the interview, he talks about why Ascona is home to him, how his involvement came about from the idea of "turning a tired nag into a thoroughbred polo horse," and what makes the Ascona Polo Cup so unique to him: the fun factor, the parade, and the close-knit community.
Some people associate more than just an address with a place – for Stefan Breuer, Ascona is home in the truest sense of the word. With the Seven Group, he has given the Ascona Polo Cup its very own, delightful touch. A conversation about roots, passion, and the joy of being together.
Ascona as Home
«What connects me to Ascona is primarily this feeling of home. I already came here with my parents as a child – many people here are the same – and Ascona has always been a home for me. Until I finally decided to leave Germany, make it my complete home, and raise my five children here.»
The Idea of the Seven Group
«Almost to the day twenty years ago, the idea for the Seven Group was born – officially it's nineteen years, because we started in 2007, but the thought behind it matured exactly two decades ago, back then still together with Ivo Adam. The idea was simple: to turn a rather tired old nag into a truly thoroughbred polo horse. A different crowd, a different quality, a different hype – in the sense of party atmosphere. Not Ibiza-crazy, but still such that you are allowed to laugh from morning till night and, above all, eat well and drink well.»
Why Polo was obvious
«After supporting the sport for many years, polo was a very obvious idea – one that can also be packaged economically, within the framework of equestrian sports here in Ascona. That's how the idea came about, and we were immediately on board. On the one hand, to raise the culinary offerings on site to an appropriate level, and on the other hand, to establish equestrian sports and its audience here.»
What makes the Ascona Polo Cup special
«For me, the special thing is first of all the fun factor – and the whole atmosphere. I already find the parade wonderful: riding through the village once and seeing the people from young to old along the street, and everyone is happy. And it appeals to me to make the sport a bit more accessible to the public – for example, following the tournament with an event featuring a large risotto pan, so that the broad masses can truly participate.»
Five years on – close to the action
«I've been involved with Matteo Beffa from the very beginning – this year is the fifth time. What excites me most during these three days are – besides the ride through the city – clearly the games. Because it's a small field, everything remains easy to keep track of. The company comes close together, and you are constantly connected to what is happening on the pitch because you are so close.»
Polo beyond its elitist reputation
«Polo has a reputation for being elitist – but that's more reputation than my own experience. I have fun everywhere: football, Formula 1, techno festivals. And if it's polo, then it's polo. It's simply the joy of the get-together. For me, there's also the fact that – you might know about our commitment to the African wilderness – I love animals very much. That's why I, as a non-rider, get on a horse because I'm not afraid.»
What connects him – and a wish for 2026
«What makes the Ascona Polo Cup so unique for me is probably the mix of fans: that people have found each other here. And it's just fun with Matteo and Marco. Every year it's a new challenge because all of this also has to be financed – I would wish for a little more support from the sponsor side. But we managed it – and it looks very likely that it will work again in 2026.»
And regarding the motto as well as his wish for the three days:
«Regarding this year's theme around jungle and Africa: I no longer have the age for Tarzan, and I don't have Jane's figure either. So I don't know yet – I'll see. And if I had one wish for these three days, it would be this: good weather.»
About the Seven Group
The Seven Group was born from the desire to create places where people feel comfortable: spaces that welcome, surprise, and connect people through what they love most – food, music, time together. Today, the group unites restaurants, hotels, nightlife, events, and catering: each with its own identity, yet all driven by the same philosophy – unique locations, authentic atmosphere, and uncompromising quality. A simple, effective approach. Their own way of being: ways to be different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Stefan Breuer?
Stefan Breuer is the founder of the Seven Group and has been a team sponsor of the Ascona Polo Cup for five years. He lives in Ascona, which he himself calls his home.
What is the Seven Group?
The Seven Group unites restaurants, hotels, nightlife, events, and catering – each offering its own identity, but the same philosophy: unique locations, authentic atmosphere, and uncompromising quality.
What connects Stefan Breuer with Ascona?
Ascona is home to him: He came here with his parents as a child, later made this place his permanent home, and is raising his five children there.
Why is the Seven Group involved in the Ascona Polo Cup?
The Seven Group has been supporting the sport for many years. At the Ascona Polo Cup, it wants to elevate the culinary offerings to a high level and anchor equestrian sports alongside the audience on site – with the goal of also making polo more accessible to the public.
What makes the Ascona Polo Cup special for Stefan Breuer?
The fun factor, the surrounding atmosphere and the parade through the town, plus the close-knit community around the small, manageable playing field and the special mix of the fan base.