Irish Poker Open Goes Global with Sydney, Marrakech and US Stops by 2027
The Irish Poker Open is expanding beyond Ireland for the first time in its history. Known as the biggest party in poker, the event will now include international stops in Sydney, Marrakech, and later the United States. Organisers have also announced a new online series with over $3 million in guaranteed prizes. The first two international tournaments are set for 2026. Sydney will host the event at The Poker Palace at Club Marconi from September 6-15, with a $2,000 buy-in for the main event and a $1,000,000 prize pool guarantee. Later in the year, Marrakech will welcome players to Casino de Marrakech from November 10-15, offering a €1,150 main event buy-in and a €500,000 guarantee.
An online series, the Irish Open Afterparty, will run on PokerStars from April 12-20. It features events themed around Irish symbols and folklore, with buy-ins starting at $5.50 and going up to $530. The total prize pool for the series exceeds $3 million. Paul O’Reilly, co-owner of the Irish Poker Open, called the international expansion a natural progression, given the event’s American roots. Meanwhile, JP McCann revealed plans to grow the tournament globally by its 50th anniversary in 2030. The next US stop is already scheduled for 2027. Back in Dublin, the Irish Open Main Event is currently underway, with players approaching Day 2 of competition.
The expansion marks a major shift for the Irish Poker Open, taking its brand of high-energy poker to new regions. With stops in Australia, Morocco, and the US, the tournament aims to attract a wider global audience before its 50th-anniversary celebrations.
