Record-Breaking Irish Poker Open: Main Event Sets New High Mark in PokerStars History
Poker's Coveted Crown Goes to the Irish:
The Irish Poker Open, Europe's undisputed poker tournament heavyweight, turned 45 this year and decided to celebrate with a bang. PokerStars and Paddy Power teamed up to make this year's tournament the most electrifying yet[1]. Let's see if they delivered!
With lips smacked at a €2.5 million guarantee, PokerStars was gunning for a massive turnout. The tournament's reputation and rich history were high rollers' tickets, but did the bet pay off?
You betcha! Slam dunk, grand slam, and a home run, all wrapped up in 4,562 entries[2][3][4]. That crushed the original guarantee and nearly doubled it, ballooning the final prize pool to a whopping €4,447,950. The lucky winner took home a cool €600,000[2][3].
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The incredible showing at the Main Event is not the only victory to be celebrated. Many side events shattered records, showcasing the surging interest in live poker tournaments.
For instance, the star-studded €1,150 Mystery Bounty event drew in an unbelievable 1,222 entries[7][8], becoming the behemoth of MB tournaments in Ireland. The mouthwatering prize pool of €1.2 million was divided between the regular and bounty prize pools, with Germany's Nils Pudel pocketing €117,000 after a thrilling comeback to win it all[8].
The €350 Hendon Mob Championship also had its best showing in history with 888 entries[4], a substantial leap from last year's 599. As the smoke clears in the Royal Dublin Society, one thing is certain: the 2025 Irish Poker Open will go down in history as a smashing success[4].
This Year's Irish Poker Open by the Numbers:
- Main Event entries: 4,562
- Prize pool: €4,447,950
- First-place prize: €600,000
- Total players: 6,715
- Countries represented: Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, USA, and more
- Record-breaking side events: €1,150 Mystery Bounty, €350 Hendon Mob Championship
[1] https://www.pokerstars.com/[2] https://www.irishpoker.com/[3] https://www.pokernews.com/[4] https://www.paulypoker.com/[5] https://www.phelpsmedia.com/[6] https://www.seenigroup.com/[7] https://www.thehendonmob.com/[8] https://www.pokerfuse.com/
- The Irish Poker Open, a significant event in Europe's poker calendar, partnered with PokerStars and Paddy Power this year, aiming to create the most electrifying tournament yet.
- With a guaranteed €2.5 million prize pool, PokerStars was expecting a large turnout, but the actual number of entries, 4,562, significantly exceeded their expectations.
- The Main Event's final prize pool ballooned to €4,447,950, nearly doubling the original guarantee, and the winner took home €600,000.
- Apart from the Main Event, many side events also shattered records, such as the €1,150 Mystery Bounty, which drew in an unbelievable 1,222 entries.
- In the star-studded €1,150 Mystery Bounty, Germany's Nils Pudel made a thrilling comeback to win, pocketing €117,000.
- The €350 Hendon Mob Championship also had its best showing in history, with 888 entries, a substantial increase from last year.
- In Las Vegas, gambling trends are shifting towards casino culture, sports betting, and lotteries, but the success of the 2025 Irish Poker Open demonstrates that the poker scene in Dublin remains vibrant and exciting.
