FAQ
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What is the Irish Open?
How long has it been running?
How big is the prizepool?
What is the buy–in?
How big is the field?
Where is it held?
Is it just one tournament?
How do I qualify online?
How do I qualify in a live cardroom?
How do I register?
If I can't make the event is there ongoing information on it?
Can I bet on the Irish Open?
Can I come to the Irish Open even if I am not playing it?
Will the Irish Open be on TV?
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What is the Irish Open?
The Irish Open is Europe's longest running annual poker tournament. Established in 1981 by incomparable bookmaker Terry Rogers the event has grown into the largest major poker tournament in Europe. Due to the tireless work of Rogers and current Tournament Director Liam Flood, the tournament has always attracted the top players in game.
In the early 1980s Doyle Brunson, Stu Ungar and Amarillo Slim all made the Easter pilgrimage to Dublin to compete against the best of the Irish. Many players who would go on to make huge names for themselves on the international stage cut their teeth at this event including Noel Furlong, Padraig Parkinson, Scott Grey, Donnacha O'Dea, Andy Black, Surindar Sunar. Mel Judah amongst many others.
How long has it been running?
The Irish Open has been running annually since 1981 making it Europe's longest running poker tournament and the second longest running in the world after the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
How big is the prizepool?
The 2008 Irish Open main event had a guaranteed prizepool of €3,000,000 with a first prize of more than €800,000.
What is the buy–in?
The buy–in for the 2009 Irish Open main event has not been determined yet.
How big is the field?
The number of players taking part in the Irish Open has grown exponentially since paddypowerpoker.com began sponsorship of the event in 2005 when less than 200 players participated.
Irish Open 2006: 339 players
Irish Open 2007: 708 players
Irish Open 2008: 667 players.
Where is it held?
The 2008 Irish Open took place in Citywest Hotel, while previous Irish Open tournaments were held in the Burlington Hotel and the Royal Dublin Society.
Is it just one tournament?
No, the Irish Open is a whole festival of poker. The Irish Open main event is often referred to as "The Irish Open" but there is a full schedule of side events which take place throughout the week of the Irish Open.
How do I qualify online?
You will be able to qualify online for the 2009 Irish Open through paddypowerpoker.com. Online qualifiers will be launched in late 2008.
How do I qualify in a live cardroom?
Cardrooms and casinos all over Ireland, the UK and Europe will be running satellites to the Irish Open. Venues hosting satellites will appear on this site under the qualify section as soon as their schedules are announced.
If I can't make the event is there ongoing information on it?
Interested parties can keep up to date with all the latest Irish Open information by following the Irish Open blog. Regular updates will feature chip counts, photos and stories from the tournament floor and will be the next best thing to being there.
Can I bet on the Irish Open?
Individuals wishing to place a bet on the outcome of the Irish Open may do so on paddypower.com. Many markets, including outright winner, final table and group bets, will be available before and during the tournament.
Can I come to the Irish Open even if I am not playing it?
The Irish Open is famous for its party atmosphere and much of that atmosphere is created by the fans who come along to cheer their favourite players on. While certain areas within the tournament room are restricted to players only, all are welcome to come along to the Irish Open and experience the greatest poker show on earth!
Will the Irish Open be on TV?
The 2008 Irish Open was aired on RTE 2 every night of the Easter Weekend starting at 11.30pm. Details on the TV coverage of the 2009 Irish Open be will announced in early 2009.