The 2026 Irish Open is set to take place at the Royal Dublin Society from March 26 to April 6, 2026, and poker enthusiasts around the world are eagerly marking their calendars for this prestigious event. The 46th edition of Ireland’s largest and richest poker tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience, with exciting new features, massive guaranteed prize pools, and a sense of community that has become synonymous with the Irish Open.
Also Read: Breaking the Game: The Devastating Impact of India’s 2025 Online Gaming Ba
Three Seven-Figure Guaranteed In Irish Open Events
The 2026 Irish Open will be a truly extraordinary poker festival, with three events featuring seven-figure guaranteed prize pools. The Main Event alone will boast a €2.5 million guarantee on its prize pool, with a €1,150 buy-in. The tournament kicks off with Day 1a on March 29 and continues through April 6. Players can expect a packed schedule, with turbo-structured Day 1e flights wrapping up on April 3. Following that, the action continues into Day 2 on April 4 and Day 3 on April 5, culminating in the crowning of the 2026 Irish Open champion on April 6.
Paul O’Reilly, the Irish Open’s spokesperson, shared his excitement about the festival’s growth, saying, “The Irish Open has always been more than just cards and chips – it’s a celebration, a tradition, and a gathering of poker lovers from around the world. We’re excited to make the 2026 edition bigger and better than ever before.”
The event’s high-stakes action won’t be limited to the Main Event. Two other tournaments also offer seven-figure prize pools: the €1,150 buy-in Luxon Mystery Bounty and the €250 buy-in Mini Irish Open. Both events are guaranteed to award over €1 million, continuing the Irish Open’s tradition of big payouts.
Also Read: $24 Million on the Line: Dan ‘Jungleman’ Cates Reflects on His Thrilling Heads-Up Match
A Festival for Every Type of Player
The 2026 Irish Open schedule includes a wide variety of events with buy-ins ranging from €120 to €5,000. These events will feature a range of formats, including No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and Sviten Special, catering to both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
For those looking to challenge their skills across multiple poker variants, there will also be an 8-Game Mix event and an intriguing Old Dogs vs. Young Pups tournament, reminiscent of the 2025 World Series of Poker’s Battle of the Ages. Beyond the tournament action, the Irish Open is famous for its lively and bustling cash games. The festival will feature a dedicated cash game area with up to 50 tables, providing 24/7 action for poker enthusiasts who prefer cash games over tournaments.
Keep Reading: BetClic Poker Adds Progressive Knockout Tournaments to Daily Schedule
Book Your Accommodation Early
Given the overwhelming popularity of the Irish Open, organizers are advising attendees to book their accommodations well in advance. The Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, Herbert Park Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, and Sandymount Hotel are among the recommended places to stay. Prices range from €175 to €330 per night for bed and breakfast, so players are encouraged to secure their rooms early to avoid disappointment.
For those seeking travel assistance, the event’s official travel partner, MainEventTravel.com, offers a variety of packages for attendees, ensuring they have everything they need to enjoy the festival without any hassle.
A Tradition of Excellence
Since its inception in 1980, the Irish Open has grown from a small event to a globally recognized festival that attracts players from all over the world. Cedric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events at PokerStars, expressed his excitement about the upcoming edition, saying,
“We are delighted to continue our collaboration with the Irish Open for the fourth year running. The Irish Open is one of the finest poker festivals, and we look forward to welcoming more players to Dublin in 2026.”
In 2025, the Irish Open saw a record-breaking 4,562-player turnout and a €4.4 million prize pool, with Simon Wilson taking home €600,000 as the Main Event champion. Players from across the globe will again be vying for a spot in the 2026 edition, hoping to replicate or surpass the success of the previous year.
Also Read: Join the WPT Prime Lodge Championship with Satellite Wins and Bonus Payouts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When is the 2026 Irish Open?
- The event will take place from March 26 to April 6, 2026, at the Royal Dublin Society.
- What is the buy-in for the Main Event?
- The Main Event has a buy-in of €1,150, with a guaranteed prize pool of €2.5 million.
- Where can I book accommodation for the 2026 Irish Open?
- Recommended hotels include the Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, Herbert Park Hotel, and Sandymount Hotel. Book early to secure your room.
- Are there other events with guaranteed prize pools?
- Yes, the Luxon Mystery Bounty and Mini Irish Open both have seven-figure guarantees.
- How can I stay updated on the Irish Open?
- Visit the official website or follow the event’s social media for the latest news and updates.
Image & Content Courtesy: POKERSTARS