The International Poker Open Returns to Dublin: An Exciting Week Ahead
The gambling capital of Ireland, Dublin, is set to come alive once again as the International Poker Open (IPO), hosted by PokerStars, returns to the Bonnington Dublin Hotel from October 22-28. This annual event has grown into one of the most cherished fixtures in the poker calendar, attracting both seasoned pros and enthusiastic amateurs eager to join the action. This year, the stakes are particularly enticing as the €350 buy-in IPO Main Event boasts a guaranteed prize pool of €250,000.
A Look Back at 2023’s Successful Tournament
The 2023 Main Event witnessed fierce competition, with Steven Rothheut from Belgium triumphing over a vibrant field of 794 entrants. Rothheut’s exceptional play led him to a magnificent victory and a €45,240 first-place prize, marking a personal milestone as his career-best tournament score. He navigated through a gauntlet of tough competition to face off against Ireland’s Barry Moore in a tense heads-up match, ultimately securing victory.
The podium was rounded out by Daniel O’Herlihy, who claimed third place and €19,870, showcasing the high caliber of talent at the event. The final table results speak to the depth of skill and the competitive spirit present in this tournament:
2023 Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven Rothheut | Belgium | €45,240 |
| 2 | Barry Moore | Ireland | €27,810 |
| 3 | Daniel O’Herlihy | Ireland | €19,870 |
| 4 | Des Farrell | Ireland | €15,050 |
| 5 | Richie O’Neill | Ireland | €11,980 |
| 6 | Ray Wheatley | Ireland | €9,190 |
| 7 | Xuanyu Zheng | Ireland | €6,650 |
| 8 | Darren Harbinson | Northern Ireland | €4,540 |
| 9 | Pablo Villena | Spain | €3,600 |
Kicking Off the 2023 Main Event
With the excitement building, Day 1a of the Main Event kicks off today at 2 p.m., initiating a series of six starting flights. Each player begins their journey with a stack of 30,000, and the action heats up with 40-minute levels. Following a structured plan, the first day will see players battling through fifteen levels, with late registration remaining open until the end of level 9.
Re-entries are permitted once per flight, allowing for second chances amidst the intense competition. The blinds will commence at a modest 100/100 with no big blind ante, transitioning to a format incorporating big blind antes in subsequent levels to escalate the action as the tournament progresses.
Upcoming Main Event Schedule
The following schedule lays out the remaining series of flights leading up to the high-stakes conclusion of the tournament:
| Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 23 | Day 1a | 2:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 24 | Day 1b | 2:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 25 | Day 1c | 2:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 26 | Day 1d | 1:00 p.m. |
| Day 1e (Turbo) | 8:00 p.m. | |
| Oct. 27 | Day 1f (Hyper-Turbo) | 9:30 a.m. |
| Day 2 | 1:00 p.m. | |
| Oct. 28 | Day 3 – Final Day | 1:00 p.m. |
As the tournament unfolds, those who survive the initial flights will join forces for Day 2, scheduled for October 27, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion. Players will vie for the grand prize, and spectators can anticipate dramatic showdowns as strategies and nerves are put to the ultimate test.
Stay Tuned for Updates
Be sure to keep your eyes on PokerNews for live updates and reports straight from the tournament floor. The excitement is palpable, and with every hand dealt, the potential for upsets and thrilling victories abounds.
The International Poker Open is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the game, bringing together poker aficionados from all corners of the globe. As the week unfolds, players will display their skills, engage in nail-biting confrontations, and ultimately chase their dreams of poker glory in the heart of Dublin.
