Who Is Piotr Szczerek? Polish CEO Faces Global Backlash After US Open Controversy
Piotr Szczerek, a Polish millionaire and CEO, has become an international lightning rod after snatching a signed cap meant for a child at the 2025 US Open. Once known for building a successful business, his actions have sparked outrage, threatening his reputation and his company’s legacy.
From Humble Beginnings to Business Success
Founding Drogbruk
Piotr Szczerek, alongside his wife Anna, co-founded Drogbruk in 1999, a paving and landscaping company based in Błaszki, Poland. Starting with a single factory, the couple grew Drogbruk into one of Poland’s leading firms in the construction sector, specializing in paving stones, concrete slabs, fencing systems, and decorative garden stones. The company’s reputation for reliability and quality earned it a strong foothold, with annual revenues reportedly in the millions, contributing to Szczerek’s “millionaire CEO” status.
A Passion for Tennis
Beyond business, Szczerek is an avid tennis enthusiast. He and Anna, who introduced him to the sport, are competitive amateur players in the Kalisz Tennis Association’s second division. Their home in Kalisz boasts a private tennis court, a gift from employees for Anna’s birthday, where they once hosted retired Polish tennis star Urszula Radwańska. Drogbruk also sponsors Polish tennis, including youth programs and events like the Davis Cup, aligning the brand with sports and community initiatives.
The US Open Incident: A Viral Scandal
On August 29, 2025, during the US Open, Polish tennis player Kamil Majchrzak, fresh off a thrilling upset over Karen Khachanov, attempted to gift a signed cap to a young fan named Brock. As Majchrzak tossed the cap, Szczerek intercepted it, tucking it into his wife’s bag. The moment, caught on live TV, went viral, amassing tens of millions of views on social media. Netizens branded Szczerek “selfish” and a “child bully,” with one X post stating, “Nothing is more disgusting than stealing a kid’s moment.”
Szczerek initially defended his actions, reportedly saying, “First come, first served is life,” in a now-deleted GoWork forum post. He also threatened legal action against online critics, fueling further backlash. The incident led to review-bombing of Drogbruk’s online profiles, with its GoWork rating plummeting to 1.4 stars and Google reviews dropping to 1.3.
Public and Expert Reactions
The tennis community rallied behind Brock. Majchrzak used Instagram to locate the boy, meeting him within hours to gift a new signed cap and memorabilia. “I just missed it in the heat of the moment,” Majchrzak told The New York Post, noting Szczerek’s role as a Polish tennis federation sponsor and calling it a “confusion.”
Critics were less forgiving. Polish MP Anita Kucharska-Dziedzic called Szczerek “the most recognizable Polish businessman” for all the wrong reasons, warning of lasting damage to Poland’s entrepreneurial image. On X, users debated whether Szczerek’s actions reflected entitlement, with some demanding a US Open ban. Others, however, argued the cap was never in Brock’s possession, suggesting the outrage was overblown.
Szczerek later issued an apology on Facebook, stating, “I made a serious mistake… I was convinced the cap was for my sons, who had asked for autographs.” He clarified hoax apologies circulating online were fake and confirmed returning the cap to Brock.
Impact on U.S. Audiences
For Americans, this incident underscores the power of social media to amplify accountability. It resonates in a culture valuing sportsmanship and fairness, especially at family-friendly events like the US Open. The backlash highlights U.S. sensitivity to perceived bullying, particularly involving children, and could influence event security policies. Economically, Drogbruk’s U.S. market presence, though limited, may face scrutiny if American clients or partners distance themselves. Politically, the story feeds into broader discussions about privilege and responsibility, a hot topic as 2026 midterms approach.
Looking Ahead: Can Szczerek Recover?
Szczerek’s apology and the cap’s return may mitigate some damage, but the internet’s memory is long. Drogbruk faces ongoing review-bombing, and Szczerek’s deactivated social media accounts signal a retreat from public view. The incident may prompt US Open organizers to tighten fan conduct rules, while Szczerek’s tennis sponsorships could face reevaluation.
This saga serves as a cautionary tale about actions in the digital age. Will Szczerek and Drogbruk regain their standing, or will this moment define their legacy? Only time will tell.