The stakes were high at this year’s Irish Poker Festival, held in the beautiful surroundings of Ireland, where players from around the globe convened to test their skills. Following the impressive victory of Michel Molenaar in 2023, this year’s festival showcased an exhilarating battle for the €3,000 Main Event title. After a grueling nine-hour final table, Irish player Mark Buckley emerged as the champion, taking home a substantial first-place prize of €177,000.
A Field of Challenge
The highly competitive event attracted 285 entrants, generating an impressive total prize pool of €753,330—slightly surpassing the €700,000 guarantee set by the tournament organizers. Players faced strong competition from the outset, with notable contenders including Finland’s Joni Rantamaki, who ultimately finished as the runner-up for €113,000, and Conor O’Rourke, securing a third-place finish and taking home €70,000.
Other notable names in the top rankings included Scotland’s Niall Farrell, who finished fifth with a prize of €38,000, and recent EPT Cyprus Eureka winner Leo Worthington-Leese, placing sixth with €31,500.
Summary of 2024 Irish Poker Festival Main Event Results
Buckley’s Journey to Victory
Mark Buckley’s path to glory was no easy feat. The final table was characterized by intense competition and numerous swings. Reflecting on the experience, Buckley stated, “It was a very long final table. There were a lot of ups and downs, a lot of swings, but we got there in the end.” Initially, Buckley expressed confidence, saying, “It was smooth from the beginning.”
Taking advantage of a late registration, Buckley entered the tournament on Day 2 and finished that day third in chips. From that moment on, he maintained strong positioning throughout the tournament.
This victory holds significant meaning for Buckley as it marks his second-best career cash, following a noteworthy seventh-place finish at the 2018 European Poker Tour in Barcelona, where he won €220,000. Reflecting on his journey post-victory, he mentioned, “Now I need to win another trophy,” humorously adding that he doesn’t have many immediate poker plans, except for competing at EPT Prague next.
Final Day’s Action
The excitement of the final day began with 18 players returning to battle it out for the title. This number quickly dwindled, and within the first hand, Sam Dobbins was eliminated, followed shortly by acclaimed players like Eoghan O’Dea and Tomas Flanagan.
Buckley’s decisive moves characterized much of the day’s action. He successfully executed a runner-runner full house against Jonathan Proudfoot, claiming a significant pot and maintaining his chip lead.
As the final table commenced, early eliminations set the pace, with Florian Fuchs falling quickly to O’Rourke. A seasoned competitor, Sean Hegarty, made some notable recoveries, including a double-up against Buckley, showcasing the unpredictable nature of tournament poker.
With each elimination, the dynamics shifted, especially as players like Niall Farrell and Ignas Navickas fell, reducing the field until only Buckley, Rantamaki, and O’Rourke remained.
The Heads-Up Showdown
The heads-up between Buckley and Rantamaki brought an air of tension and excitement. Rantamaki initially doubled up, but Buckley’s resilience prevailed. The decisive moment arrived when Buckley claimed victory with his ace-king, overcoming Rantamaki’s gutshot and flush draw, solidifying his status as the new champion.
In summarizing the event’s intensity, Buckley expressed admiration for the competition, stating, “It was a tough final table with a lot of good, very aggressive players.”
Conclusion
Mark Buckley’s triumph at the 2024 Irish Poker Festival Main Event speaks to his tenacity and skill as a player. This victory not only enriches his career but also adds to the vibrant legacy of the Irish Poker Festival, a tournament that continues to attract the best in the game and showcases the thrill of competitive poker. As Buckley moves on to future events, his win serves as inspiration for aspiring players worldwide, proving that patience, strategy, and a bit of luck can lead to remarkable success at the tables.
