In a spectacular display of skill and determination, Finnish poker professional Tero Laurila claimed the championship title at the record-breaking 2024 Irish Open Main Event, securing a grand prize of €292,685. The 2024 Irish Open set new benchmarks, becoming the richest poker tournament ever held in Ireland with 3,233 entries and a whopping prize pool of €3,152,175.
Tero Laurila, coming from a small town of Kouvola in Finland, has long been known in poker circles for his prowess in cash games, particularly in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO). However, in recent years, Laurila has shifted his focus towards tournaments, a decision that has now resulted in a prestigious win at the Irish Open. At 38, the former floorball coach’s journey from cash games to major tournament success showcases his adaptability and passion for the game.
A Record-Breaking Festival
The 2024 Irish Open set new benchmarks, becoming the richest poker tournament ever held in Ireland with 3,233 entries and a whopping prize pool of €3,152,175. The event was hosted at the historic Royal Dublin Society from March 25 to April 1, featuring 35 poker tournaments and attracting players from around the globe. The Mini Irish Open alone, with its €500,000 guarantee, attracted 5,320 entries, becoming Ireland’s largest tournament to date.
The Final Table
The climax of the €1,150 Main Event was a spectacle of high-level poker, with Laurila leading the pack from the onset of the final day. Notable participants included EPT Barcelona runner-up Kimmo Kurko and Finnish poker legend Juha Helppi, cheering Laurila on to victory. Despite a three-way deal affecting the final payouts, Laurila’s win cements his place in poker history, with the runner-up, Hiep Ninh, taking home €335,636, and Mark Johnston securing €232,685.
€1,150 Irish Open Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tero Laurila | Finland | €292,685* |
| 2 | Hiep Ninh | Ireland | €335,636* |
| 3 | Mark Johnston | United Kingdom | €232,685* |
| 4 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | €142,760 |
| 5 | Oliver Boyce | Ireland | €109,820 |
| 6 | Stephen Groom | United Kingdom | €84,480 |
| 7 | Vidmantas Beliauskas | Lithuania | €64,960 |
| 8 | Adrian Thorne | Ireland | €49,960 |
| 9 | David Tous | Spain | €38,420 |
Beyond the Main Event
The 2024 Irish Open was more than just a poker tournament; it was a festival celebrating the spirit of the game. From the Craic Den players’ lounge, offering a variety of games and competitions, to side events that broke previous records, the Irish Open was a testament to the love and dedication of the poker community. Notably, Joseph Carey won the Mini Irish Open, and PokerStars Team Pro Parker Talbot clinched his first live event title at the €5k Luxon Pay High Roller.
