Matthew Blaney

Matthew Blayney is an Irish poker player who also works as a documentary filmmaker and editor. He often says that poker is his golf, reflecting his passion for the game as a recreational and competitive pursuit. His dual career in film and poker gives him a unique perspective at the tables.

Blayney has enjoyed notable success on the Irish poker circuit. He won the Eglinton Poker Cup Main Event, defeating a field of 135 players to claim the €5,900 first prize and his second Irish Poker Tour (IPT) trophy. The event had a total prize pool of over €22,000.

He also triumphed in the Loughrea €25k in a day Main Event, where he struck a deal heads-up to take home €5,500. That tournament drew 171 entrants, generating a prize pool of €27,910. These victories highlight his ability to perform under pressure in large live field events.

In addition to his two Main Event wins, Blayney has been seen deep in mystery bounty events, such as the Galway Poker Festival, where he was noted to have 62k chips at one point. While not a final table result, it shows his continued presence on the Irish tournament scene.

Blayney is known as a thoughtful and adaptable player. His background as a documentary filmmaker suggests a keen observational ability, which likely translates into strong reads on opponents. He tends to play a balanced style, capable of both aggression and patience, as shown by his ability to navigate large fields and make deals when advantageous.

Matthew Blayney may not be a household name internationally, but his consistent success on the Irish poker circuit and his dual career as a filmmaker make him a distinctive figure. His victories at the Eglinton Poker Cup and Loughrea demonstrate that he can compete with and beat top local talent, earning him respect among Irish poker players.