Dara O’Kearney may have faced disappointment at Killarney, but he found success at the International Poker Open. The IPO holds a special place in his heart as one of the first live multi-day tournaments he played at the start of his career. The event was known for its affordable buy-in, catering to grassroots players and earning the nickname “the people’s Irish Open.” Despite changes in the Irish poker calendar, the IPO has remained a staple event for players.
In its early years, the IPO moved to the Bonnington hotel and gained sponsorship from Boyle Poker, elevating the event to new heights. Dara recalls memorable moments from past tournaments, including a sponsored pro being crippled on the bubble and a high-stakes cash game player causing a stir at the table. The event also hosted the Irish Poker Awards, where Dara won accolades for Best Blogger and Best Social Media, much to the amusement of his colleagues.
Over the years, the IPO has seen changes in sponsorship and attendance numbers. However, recent plans to increase the buy-in and guarantee for the event have sparked renewed interest. Dara entered this year’s tournament on the heels of a dry spell but approached it with a positive mindset, focusing on making good decisions and staying mentally and physically sharp. Despite a rough start, he managed to chip up and make deep runs in multiple events.
On Day 2 of the tournament, Dara found himself in a favorable position, leading the chip count at the final table. However, a key hand against Neil O’Reilly saw him lose his chip lead, ultimately finishing in 33rd place. The tournament continued with other players vying for the top spot, with Paul Carr emerging as the eventual winner. Dara reflected on his performance, acknowledging the highs and lows of tournament poker and the importance of staying focused on the present moment.
As the IPO looks towards the future, Dara remains optimistic about the event’s potential for growth and success. He recognizes the challenges and uncertainties that come with tournament poker but remains committed to honing his skills and embracing the competitive nature of the game. With a mix of nostalgia for past tournaments and excitement for what lies ahead, Dara looks forward to the next chapter in his poker journey. Leckey proposed a deal where an equal chop was quickly agreed upon, and Paul Carr received the trophy as the chip leader. After having dinner with the two Pauls, I left for the last small side event and ended up getting heads-up in that one. Despite starting as a big chip underdog, I managed to claw my way back into the lead. Unfortunately, I lost a 70/30 to win and then a flip to bust out of the tournament.
The Stars live event staff and dealers were praised for their impeccable service, as usual. It was noted that the Main Event managed to reverse the decline in numbers in recent years. While the venue may have its shortcomings, there were many admirable aspects of the International Poker Open (IPO). The tournament boasted a phenomenal structure for its buy-in level, and the live stream, led by the Tower and supported by Thomas Murphy and Aidan Quinlan, added greatly to the overall experience.
Although the Stars live event staff and dealers were top-notch, it was disappointing that there was limited attendance from Stars ambassadors at the event. Despite this, the organizers announced plans for next year’s event, which will feature a larger buy-in of €500 and a guaranteed prize pool of half a million.
On a personal note, it was satisfying to go into the International Poker Festival (IPF) in good form. Stay tuned for my next article, where I will share how I fared at that festival.