Irish Poker Open 2016 To Have €500,000 Prize Guarantee
The Irish Poker Open, regarded as Europe’s longest running poker tournament, is due to return next March with a €500,000 guaranteed Main Event.
2015’s edition of the tournament was widely viewed as poorly attended and lacklustre, with many Irish poker stars commenting on the failing fortunes of the longstanding event, even deeming it a potential “last supper” and a “funeral”. It is hoped that the 2016 Irish Open will be able to revitalise and breathe new life into a tired competition.
The Irish Poker Open was first staged in 1980 by the legendary Irish bookmaker, Terry Rogers. It runs in Dublin annually, around the Easter weekend and has seen some of the poker world’s biggest names take part down through the years, such as Doyle Brunson, Phil Laak, Mike Sexton, and the late David Ulliott. It is the second longest running poker tournament, after the World Series of Poker.
The 2016 Irish Poker Open was believed to be sponsored again by Paddy Power, but it now seems that the bookmaker has become disassociated with the tournament. Successful Irish professional poker player Dara O’Kearney had been critical of Paddy Power’s sponsorship of the Open, commenting in his poker blog; “the hope is that someone with a bit more imagination and drive than Paddy have shown in recent months will step in next year to start the revival.” The idea has even been floated of the Irish Open joining next year’s PokerStars EPT.
The festival will also be moving to a new venue, with the CityWest hotel due to host next year’s event between Monday 21st March and Monday 28th March, 2016.
Early information about the Open states that the main event will features a €1,150 buy-in, with a re-entry option and a huge €500,000 prize pool. There is also to be a €2,000 High Roller, a €350 buy-in Liam Flood Memorial six-max turbo, a €350 no limit hold’em six-max, a €250 buy-in seniors event and a €250 Mini Irish Open.
Organisers have promised a week of hugely entertaining poker playing and a party atmosphere for everyone taking part, and they’re hoping that next year’s tournament will prevent the Irish Open from falling victim to extinction.
