Irish Open 2025: A Landmark Poker Festival with Record-Breaking Guarantees

The Irish Open is set to celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2025 with an expanded, record-setting poker festival. Scheduled to run from April 10 to April 21, this event at Dublin's Royal Dublin Society will extend by four extra days, making it the largest poker tournament ever held in Ireland. With an impressive array of events, increased prize guarantees, and new formats, the Irish Open will offer more opportunities and excitement than ever before.

The 2025 Irish Open will continue its sponsorship with PokerStars and Paddy Power, marking the third consecutive year of partnership. This collaboration will enable hundreds of players to qualify online for seats at a fraction of the buy-in cost. Luxon Pay will also return as a sponsor and payment partner, providing secure and efficient transactions, particularly for international players.

Key Highlights and New Events

1. €1,000,000 Mystery Bounty Tournament
A brand-new €1,000,000 guaranteed Mystery Bounty tournament will open the festival. Sponsored by Luxon Pay, this event will feature four starting flights, giving players multiple opportunities to enter. Mystery Bounty events add an element of surprise, as players who knock out opponents can win random cash prizes of varying amounts. This feature heightens suspense and makes the event accessible to both recreational and competitive players.

2. High Roller Series
The festival will introduce a High Roller series, expected to attract elite poker players. This series will include four tournaments with €5,000 buy-ins and an additional €10,000 buy-in event, offering a structure and prize pool designed for high-stakes competitors. These events add an extra layer of challenge and prestige, likely drawing some of the most experienced players from Ireland and beyond.

3. Increased Guarantees for Main Events
The Irish Open’s Main Event, historically one of Europe’s premier poker tournaments, will now feature a boosted guarantee of €2,500,000, significantly higher than previous years. Additionally, the popular Mini Irish Open will offer a record-breaking guarantee of €1,000,000, making it the largest guaranteed prize pool for a low-stakes tournament in Irish poker history. With an affordable €250 buy-in, this event is expected to attract thousands of players, following the success of this year’s record-setting Mini Irish Open, which saw 5,320 entries.

Returning Favorites with Extended Formats

Popular events from previous years will make a return with extended formats to accommodate demand. The Hendon Mob Championship, America’s Cup, and NLH 6-Max Championship, which saw substantial turnouts in 2024, will now be expanded into two-day events. The Hendon Mob Championship drew 599 players, America’s Cup attracted 495, and the NLH 6-Max Championship hosted 385 participants, reflecting the growing interest in these tournaments. These extensions will allow for deeper play and provide a more enjoyable experience for competitors.

The 2025 festival will also introduce the first-ever Irish Open Deaf Championship. This new addition reflects the Open’s dedication to inclusivity, providing a space for diverse groups to join the festivities and experience the excitement of live poker.

Expanded Mixed Game Offerings

Alongside traditional No-Limit Hold'em events, the Irish Open will introduce a wider range of mixed games. New tournaments will include Pot Limit Deuce to 7 Triple Draw, Big O, Open Face Chinese, a two-day H.O.R.S.E event, and a two-day Mixed 8-game tournament. Expanded Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) tournaments and additional €1,000 events will also be added to the lineup, creating a festival that appeals to enthusiasts of multiple poker variants.

Strong Partnerships and Satellite Opportunities

For the third year, PokerStars and Paddy Power will support the Irish Open as sponsors. This partnership provides players worldwide with the opportunity to qualify for the Main Event through online satellites, allowing many to participate at a reduced cost. Over 700 players secured their seats in the 2024 Main Event through online qualifiers, and the 2025 qualifiers will begin on November 1, 2024, on Paddy Power, with PokerStars satellites starting shortly after.

Luxon Pay will also play a significant role as an event and payment sponsor. The presence of Luxon Pay enhances the ease of transactions, particularly for international players, supporting the festival’s goal to attract a global player base.

Entertainment Beyond the Tables

The Irish Open has gained a reputation for providing a lively, welcoming atmosphere that goes beyond just poker. Returning to the festival is the popular player’s lounge, “The Craic Den.” Known for its entertainment value, “The Craic Den” will offer live music, games, competitions, and nightly events, giving players a place to relax and socialize. This aspect of the festival adds a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment, reinforcing the Irish Open’s status as a vibrant and community-centered poker festival.

Statements from Organizers and Partners

Organizers Paul O’Reilly and JP McCann have expressed their enthusiasm for the 2025 event. They shared their vision for the festival: “We’re thrilled to announce that the Irish Open will be extended by an additional four days next year. Our goal has always been to expand the event and ensure players have an unforgettable experience in Dublin, both at the tables and beyond. We’re grateful for our partnership with PokerStars and Paddy Power, whose support helps us deliver a world-class poker experience. With many exciting plans in place for 2025, we’re looking forward to our most exciting event to date.”

Cedric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events at PokerStars, echoed this excitement: “We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Irish Open, which truly captures the essence of live poker. This year’s energy was incredible, and we look forward to building on that for 2025.”

Looking Ahead

As one of Europe’s oldest and most celebrated poker festivals, the Irish Open is poised to deliver an exceptional experience in 2025, combining an expanded schedule, new events, and an engaging social atmosphere. The combination of high-stakes games, inclusive tournaments, and social gatherings will offer a comprehensive and memorable experience for both new and returning players. The Irish Open’s 45th anniversary promises to be a landmark event in the world of poker, with record-breaking prize pools and a lineup of events that reflects the festival’s commitment to growth, community, and enjoyment.

Players and fans alike can look forward to a truly unforgettable Irish Open in 2025, filled with both high-stakes competition and the joy of Irish hospitality.