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Romanian Narcis Nedelcu wins record-breaking Irish Poker Open 2026

A bold final-table deal reshaped the stakes—then one player outlasted them all. Discover how Nedelcu turned strategy into a €336K victory.

The image shows a poker table with a stack of poker chips on top of it, along with some currency...
The image shows a poker table with a stack of poker chips on top of it, along with some currency notes and a steel object. The background is slightly blurred, giving the image a sense of focus on the poker table.

Romanian Narcis Nedelcu wins record-breaking Irish Poker Open 2026

The Irish Poker Open Main Event 2026 has set a new record for entries, drawing the largest field in its history. After days of intense play, the tournament reached a dramatic climax with five players remaining at the final table. Romanian player Narcis Nedelcu emerged as the eventual winner, securing the title, the trophy, and a first-place prize of €336,798. His path to victory included a crucial hand where his cards held strong against Vasyl Palandiuk’s, giving him the lead in heads-up play. The final showdown saw Nedelcu’s hand prevail once more, this time against Danilo Donnini’s, sealing his triumph.

Before the last stretch, the five remaining competitors struck an unusual deal. They agreed to split the prize money, guaranteeing each at least €250,000. Oliver Gayko, who held the largest stack during negotiations, ultimately finished in fifth place. Meanwhile, Nedelcu eliminated both Daryl McAleenan and Gayko in a single three-way clash, narrowing the field further. Nick Walsh, one of the players involved, called the deal 'unprecedented' and praised the move. The agreement marked a rare five-way ICM deal in tournament history, adding another layer of excitement to the event.

Nedelcu’s win caps off a historic edition of the Irish Poker Open, marked by record participation and a groundbreaking deal. His victory, along with the €336,798 prize, solidifies his place as the champion of the 2026 Main Event.

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