Irish Poker Open Organizers Announce a €1 Million Guarantee
Covid-19 saw the 2020 and 2021 Irish Poker Open switched from a land-based setting to an online format. But the longest-running No-Limit Texas Hold’em tournament in Europe will return to its traditional roots in 2024.
Demanding a €1,150 entry and staged in Dublin’s Citywest Hotel, the showpiece tournament of an eight-day 42-event series will get underway on April 13th. It will conclude five days later on Easter Monday.
Tense action at the Irish Open’s feature table. This year’s prize-pool will be guaranteed at €1 million. ©IrishPokerOpen
“We have always said how exciting it is to launch the Irish Poker Open each year,” said Paul O’Reilly co-promoter of the festival when announcing the tournament would return to a brick-and-mortar venue at the end of January.
At the time O’Reilly declared: “The launch of Irish Poker Open 2024 definitely feels extra special, given the particularly difficult times people have gone through over the last two years.”
Gambling on Big Numbers Again
Now things have become even more special with O’Reilly and business partner JP McCann declaring they are underwriting a €1 million guarantee on the Irish Poker Open’s Main Event.
In a normal year, this would not be headline news. After all, the 2019 Irish Poker Open attracted 1,807 entries generating a €1,805,870 prize pool. Twelve months earlier Ryan Mandara collected €250,000 when outlasting 1,303 rival entrants.
However, with Europe only just emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, the seven-figure guarantee, despite support from the best poker sites in Ireland, represents a bold move.
Positive News for Premier European Event
“We are determined the Irish Poker Open will not lose its standing as one of Europe’s premier poker events. Resultantly we have decided the 2024 competition is worthy of a guarantee that requires a field of at least 1,000 players,” said O’Reilly talking to exclusively to Online-Casinos.com earlier this week.
“There has been loads of positive feedback from our regular players. Additionally, several players have already won an Irish Open Main Event ticket via live events throughout Ireland,” O’Reilly explained.
“Most importantly, our partner online poker sites that are running online satellites are reporting excellent numbers. These competitions will continue to be staged right up until the eve of the Main Event.”
Craic, Banter and History Makers
The Irish Poker Open is renowned for its electric atmosphere, live entertainment, general Irish ‘craic’ and banter. But given its long history, the competition holds a special place in the hearts and minds of seasoned poker players.
A two-time previous winner is Noel Furlong. The renowned gambler landed the competition in both 1987 and 1989. Inaugural winner Colette Doherty became the first European and first female player to participate in the World Series of Poker Main Event.
