Irish Open 2026 Returns March 26 to April 6 at the RDS
The countdown is already on for the 2026 Irish Poker Open, which runs from March 26 to April 6 at the iconic Royal Dublin Society. While the full schedule hasn’t dropped just yet, expect all the favorites to return — including the €1,150 Main Event, which has become one of Europe’s most beloved tournaments.
Also returning are a slew of unique side events that blend fun formats with serious competition: the Liam Flood Memorial, Mini Irish Open, The Hendon Mob Championship, and Mystery Bounty galore. If last year’s packed calendar is anything to go by, there’ll be more than 80 events ranging from Omaha to H.O.R.S.E. and everything in between.
A Look Back at the 2025 Main Event
Easter Monday just might become a national holiday for 22-year-old Simon Wilson. The young Irishman made history at the 2025 Irish Poker Open by conquering a jaw-dropping field of 4,562 entries in the €1,150 Main Event. For his incredible run, Wilson banked €600,000 and got to keep the coveted trophy on home soil at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in Dublin.
Wilson’s journey began in the record-setting Day 1d flight, and he never looked back. From online qualifiers to world-class crushers, the field was one of the deepest ever assembled in Irish poker history. The €4,447,950 prize pool proved once again that the Irish Open is not just a heritage event — it’s one of the biggest poker spectacles on the global calendar.
A Vision Realized: The O’Reilly & McCann Era
Since taking the reins in 2018, Paul O’Reilly and JP McCann have completely revitalized the Irish Open. What began as a mission to restore the prestige of Ireland’s most iconic poker festival has blossomed into a must-attend experience for recreational players, seasoned pros, and poker fans from around the world.
Last year the Irish Poker Open won the GPI Award for Best Stand Alone Festival/Series. It’s easy to see why, and it’s not just about the cards.
The Craic Den: The Party Never Sleeps
Off the felt, the Irish Open wouldn’t be the same without The Craic Den — the social heart of the festival led by Entertainment Manager Phil Baker. Whether it’s late-night karaoke, fierce FIFA tournaments, rowdy player parties, casino nights, stand-up comedy, or chess battles, the Craic Den is where stories are made.
It’s the kind of place you stumble into for a pint and somehow leave at sunrise.
Whether you’re in it for the poker, the party, or both, the Irish Poker Open 2026 promises to be one for the books. Get your flights, book that hotel, and start brushing up on your Guinness-to-water ratio.
See you in Dublin — and save us a seat in the Craic Den.
