The 27th-Annual Paddy Poker Irish Open in Dublin, Ireland, is not set to take place until March of next year, but it is already making headlines. As one Europe's oldest tournaments, it has been luring players from the United States for decades and is looking to make 2008 its biggest year ever by increasing the buy-in, player capacity, and guaranteed prize pool to a staggering €3 million.
The week-long tournament series is scheduled to take place over Easter from March 19-24 at the Citywest Hotel, Leisure, and Golf Resort. The venue can accommodate up to 1,000 players at once. The buy-in increased to €4,500. Players can register online at Paddy Poker's website at any time by clicking here.
Last year, the 2007 Irish Open attracted 708 players, making it the biggest field in European poker history. A few of poker celebrities who made the trek across the Atlantic Ocean included Mike Sexton, Antonio Esfandiari, Jennifer Tilly, Phil Laak, Dan Harrington, Sorel Mizzi (who finished third), and Roland De Wolfe (who placed second). The winner was Marty Smyth, a local Irish player. He took home almost €650,000 and an official trophy.
