Irish Open Makes Historic International Debut in Sydney

Irish Open Makes Historic International Debut in Sydney

The iconic Irish Poker Open, a tradition dating back to 1980, has taken a revolutionary leap. For the first time in its 46-year history, it has ventured beyond Europe's borders and onto the international stage. The sunny shores of Australia mark the inaugural stop of the brand-new global series, Irish Open International.

From August 31 to September 14, 2026, Sydney becomes the stage for a poker festival brimming with top-notch action and unmistakable Irish charm. Players can look forward to 15 days of intense play, over 40 tournaments, and total guarantees exceeding 1,850,000 AUD.

The Poker Palace Sydney at Club Marconi, the longest-running full-scale poker room in Sydney outside of a casino (established in 2008), hosts this historic milestone. The organizers have transformed the venue into a sea of green, creating an atmosphere that transports you straight to Dublin.

Main Event with a Million Australian Dollar Guarantee

The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the prestigious Main Event (Event #10) with a buy-in of 2,000 AUD and a guaranteed prize pool of one million Australian dollars. The tournament kicks off on Sunday, September 6 and features six starting flights. The final day, where the champion will be crowned, is set for the closing day of the festival, Monday, September 14.

Curiously, the story of this Main Event began back in April in Ireland. Through a special remote Day 1 in Dublin, four players secured a spot in Day 2. Leading this pack of qualifiers is Oliver Hutchins, with series ambassador Chris Dowling also among the advancing players.

For players with a lower bankroll, the massively popular Mini Irish Open with a buy-in of 360 AUD kicked off the program. Despite its friendly entry fee, the tournament guarantees a generous 500,000 AUD. The tournament features an intriguing structure. In each of the 11 starting flights, once 15% of the field is reached, payouts begin, but play continues until only the top 5% of players, who advance to the final day, remain.

Joining the Irish Open family is a brand-new event – Event #4: Lucky 8's with a guarantee of 250,000 AUD. The entry is set at 880 AUD, as the number eight is considered a lucky symbol in Asia, which perfectly complements the multicultural atmosphere in Sydney.

The festival's conclusion will also be marked by the premiere Sydney Poker Open with a buy-in of 880 AUD and a guarantee of 100,000 AUD. The schedule includes attractive mixed formats and several High Rollers. Organizers have once again included the unique Deaf Championship with a buy-in of 360 AUD.

Overview of the Main Events at Irish Open Sydney 2026

• Aug 31 – Sep 11: Mini Irish Open, 360 AUD buy-in, 500,000 AUD guarantee
• Sep 2 – Sep 6: Lucky 8's, 880 AUD buy-in, 250,000 AUD guarantee
• Sep 5: Deaf Championship, 360 AUD buy-in
• Sep 6 – Sep 14: Irish Open Main Event, 2,000 AUD buy-in, 1,000,000 AUD guarantee
• Sep 6: Mixed 8-Game Championship, 600 AUD buy-in
• Sep 7 – Sep 8: High Roller 8-Max, 5,000 AUD buy-in
• Sep 9 – Sep 10: Super High Roller 8-Max, 10,000 AUD buy-in
• Sep 10: Ladies Championship, 200 AUD buy-in
• Sep 13 – Sep 14: Sydney Poker Open, 880 AUD buy-in, 100,000 AUD guarantee
• Sep 13 – Sep 14: High Roller 8-Max, 3,000 AUD buy-in
• Sep 14: Seniors 50+ Championship, 600 AUD buy-in

The Legendary “The Craic Den”

Anyone who's attended a tournament in Dublin knows poker is just half the experience. The other half is the world-renowned player’s lounge, The Craic Den, offering true Irish hospitality, humor, and fun. Visitors can enjoy live Irish bands, various games and contests, and, of course, beer.

Co-owner of the series JP McCann summed it up with typical Irish humor: “We've always believed poker should be serious at the table and great fun everywhere else. The partnership with Sydney was a natural fit – besides, I've never been to Australia and wanted to go! Australians and the Irish have a lot in common. We love a good story, good beer, and always find something other than our own decisions to blame for our bad beats.”

The series’ global journey won't stop in Sydney. In November 2026, it will move to Marrakech, Morocco, and in 2027 it’s set to hit the USA. But the first chapter is being written right now under the Australian sun!