Irish player Simon Wilson secures victory in the Irish Poker Open main event, setting a new record for the largest prize pool.
Warrior Wilson Smashes Irish Poker Record, Banking Biggest Cash of His Career
Hailing from Ashbourne, a quaint town near Dublin, Irishman Simon Wilson just made history by bolstering Ireland's poker scene. He snatched the title of champion at the record-breaking Irish Poker Open, attracting an astounding 4,562 entries for the Main Event. This dwarfed the previous mark set in 2024, boasting a colossal 41.1% increase[1]. The €1,150 No-Limit Texas Hold'em event boasted a prize pool of a staggering $5,119,590, effortlessly surpassing the guaranteed €2.5 million.
After five action-packed starting flights over three days at the Royal Dublin Society, Wilson emerged triumphant, taking home a life-changing €600,000 - his largest cash yet[2]. With a gleam in his eyes, Wilson said, "This is more than a dream come true. Every year, this tournament felt surreal, and now it's real[3]!"
With this victory, Wilson has catapulted himself into the big leagues with over $1.2 million in tournament winnings under his belt[3]. Before his big win, his highest cash was $251,073 for placing 9th in the 2023 WSOP Online Main Event. The Irish champion also secured $48,792 for his fifth-place finish in a €10,000 buy-in event at the same festival just a few days earlier[4].
Key Hands at the Final Table
- 9th - Joe O'Donoghue ($52,212): 99 < KK Scarpari
- 8th - Robert Flureachi ($67,294): 77 < A9 Harris
- 7th - Pantelis Pantos ($88,350): A3s < AKs Karim
- 6th - Brandon Harris ($114,000): J10 < A10 Wilson (on a T-high flop)
- 5th - Michel Karim ($148,200): Q6 < 77 Ignatas Kirsis
- 4th - Georgios Scarpari ($193,800): 77 < A6 Wilson
- 3rd - Ignatas Kirsis ($256,500): 55 < K9 Wilson
- 2nd - Umberto Ruggeri ($360,240): A10 < 65s Wilson
In the nail-biting heads-up match, Wilson held a commanding 168.5 million to 53.5 million chip lead over Ruggeri. In the decider, Wilson made a bold three-bet push with 65s, and Ruggeri called with A10. A six on the flop sealed Wilson's victory[4].
The spectacle continued as Wilson outplayed Umberto Ruggeri in the heads-up match, starting the bout with a colossal 168.5 million to 53.5 million chip lead. In the final duel, Wilson's sixes bested Ruggeri's tens with a six on the flop, ensuring a well-deserved victory for the Irish underdog[5].
What?! Simon Wilson, the Irish poker champion from Ashbourne near Dublin, just smashed the poker record with a staggering €600,000 win at the Irish Poker Open in Dublin. This victory propelled him into the big leagues, raising his total tournament earnings to over $1.2 million. Wilson's major cash came from his $5,119,590 prize in the €1,150 No-Limit Texas Hold'em event, shattering the previous record set in 2024.
Remarkable hands at the final table included Joe O'Donoghue's elimination with pocket nines against Robert Flureachi's pocket sevens. Wilson's aggressive play paid off as he outplayed Umberto Ruggeri in the heads-up match, using a three-bet push with 65s to secure the title. Wilson's six on the flop bested Ruggeri's tens, confirming the Irish underdog's well-deserved victory.
This momentous win earned Wilson the biggest cash ever in his career, surpassing his previous highest cash of $251,073 from the 2023 WSOP Online Main Event. It's hard to imagine what's next for this rising star, as he strives for even more big-wins in poker, sports betting, casino-games, lotteries, and sports. Simon Wilson is undoubtedly a name to remember in the world of casino-and-gambling.
