Liam Flood is the reason the Irish Poker Open remains a staple on the poker calendar to this day. He took over running the tournament after his close friend Terry Rogers, the event founder, died in 1999. Flood was responsible for taking it from a four-table game to one of the largest and most prestigious poker tournaments in the world.
The Irish Poker Open Festival takes place in the Citywest Hotel in Dublin from April 15 to 22 and you can book your accommodation, flights and buy-ins direct with MainEventTravel for this year’s event. We are now the Official Travel Partner, making it easier than ever for you to sort out all your travel needs for the longest running NLHE tournament in Europe. Also, don’t forget to check out our Special Offers page offering discounts of up to €79.
Flood died in 2014 and the Liam Flood Memorial Championship Event has been held in his honour ever since. The €250 6-max turbo is one of the flagship events of the Irish Poker Open schedule and takes place this year on Sunday April 21 at 6pm. Garret Boyle won the inaugural event in 2015 with Cathal Shine winning in 2016. Norwegian Thomas Harstad was the victor in 2017 and British player William Elkin had the honour last year.
Liam Flood was one of Ireland’s most celebrated poker players. He won the Irish Poker Open twice – in 1990 and 1996 – and also had deep runs in 2010 and 2013. He was the European Open champion in 1996. Come celebrate the life of a great poker player and join us at this very special event on April 21. The Irish Poker Open is now a must-attend stop on the international poker circuit for players from as far afield as Australia, Canada and the USA – and provides craic on a level seen nowhere else in the world.
As well as the Main Event and Liam Flood Memorial, this year’s packed schedule features a total of 27 events including the €2,100 High Roller, the €350 NLH Heads-Up, the €550 America’s Cup Championship Event, the €250 Ladies Event, the €550 JP Poker Masters, a €150 Bounty event and the €250 Mini Irish Open.
Last year British player Ryan Mandara took down the Main Event after beating a huge field of 1,340 players; his €210,000 first prize was by far the biggest of his live poker career. His heads-up rival Ferdia O’Connell won €140,000 after qualifying online for just one penny.