Irish in Monte Carlo

A total of 935 players competed in the EPT Grand Final main event, creating a total prize pool of €9,350,000 and a first prize of €2,300,000.



7 Irish Players entered and 4 of those are among the 530 that remain and resume play today.

Donocha O’Dea who surprisingly was listed as a Pokerstars online qualifier failed to make it through Day 1A as the lone Irishman. 6 fellow countrymen competed on Day 1B, however Michael “BigMickG” Graydon, who became the first ever Irish player on PokerStars to reach Supernova Elite status is not listed among the survivors. Former professional footballer Tony Cascarino and Shane Rehill also had early baths.

John Dwyer is the leading Irishman who finished Day 1B on a very respectable 99,200. John made a WSOP final table in a $1,500 event in September 2008 and had two WSOP cashes in 2007 so he is certainly a capable player.

Conor Ainsworth is on 55,300 and his brother Jude is also still in but short-stacked on 15,100. Jude has been one of the most successful Irish players in recent years capturing the Irish Poker championship title in 2008 but is perhaps more famously known by his online username “j.thadues” and for winning the SCOOP main event for a cool $963,338 earlier this month.

As if these three Irishmen weren’t experienced enough they are also joined by a WSOP bracelet winner in the form of Alan Smurfit. Alan won a $1500 event in 2007 for $464,867.

We wish them all the best of luck today.