Irish Poker Open smashes records with 5,003 players in historic Main Event

A grueling Day 1 leaves 1,236 hopefuls battling for glory—and a life-changing payday. Who will rise to claim poker's most coveted Irish title?

, and Administrator

2026 May 9 . 11:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread... — The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread out in front of them. In the background, there is a pillar and other objects, suggesting that the men are participating in a poker tournament.

Irish Poker Open smashes records with 5,003 players in historic Main Event

April 3, 2026, marked a historic day for the Irish Poker Open as the Main Event shattered records. A total of 5,003 players entered, making it the largest field in the tournament’s history. The event also drew participants from 86 countries, cementing its status as a global poker highlight. After a gruelling Day 1, only 1,236 players remain in contention. The competition resumes on April 4, with the chip lead held by Sweden’s Kristian Svanbom, who sits on 899,000. Close behind is Lawrence Penfold from the UK with 796,000, followed by Italy’s Massimiliano Cordeschi at 773,000.

Further down the leaderboard, Will Kassouf holds a top 50 stack with 468,000, while Conor O'Driscoll has 391,000. 888poker Ambassador Ian Simpson also remains in strong contention, boasting a top 20 stack of 554,000. The surge in entries pushed the total prize pool to €4,852,910—more than double the original guarantee. This massive figure ensures a life-changing payday for the eventual champion.

Day 2 begins with a packed field still chasing the title. The record-breaking turnout and expanded prize pool highlight the event’s growing prestige. The winner will emerge from a diverse group of survivors, all vying for the top spot in one of poker’s most celebrated tournaments.