The Cork Poker Festival Sets the Stage for an Exciting Showdown

Cork City’s renowned Macau Casino is buzzing with excitement, hosting the Cork Poker Festival from Thursday, August 31 to Sunday, September 3, 2023. This event is an embodiment of Ireland’s vibrant poker culture, especially when held in one of its premier poker regions. Cork’s finest players are ready to showcase their skills and demonstrate the art of the game to participants from far and wide.

This year’s festival promises unmatched excitement with a total guarantee exceeding €85,000. At the heart of the action is the Irish Poker Tour Main Event, boasting a €60,000 GTD for an entry fee of €300. Players will have multiple opportunities to join the action across five Day 1 flights on Friday and Saturday. All roads then lead to the gripping final day set for Sunday, where the new champion will be crowned.

Cork Poker Festival Full Schedule

The Irish Poker Tour has proudly introduced two new faces to their Team Pro: Paul Carr and Tanya Masters.

Paul Carr, a familiar figure in the Irish poker community, transitioned from playing poker machines to being dubbed “the poker machine.” He secured a significant win in the 2010 Irish Open, finishing second and walking away with a handsome €312,000. After dominating 2022 with three consecutive Tour titles, Carr has rightfully earned his place as a Team Pro. Known for his spirited conversations around poker and infectious good humor, Carr stands as an ideal ambassador for the People’s Tour.

On the other hand, Tanya Masters, having grown up in a family passionate about poker, brings a unique charm and experience to the table. Embarking on her poker journey from the family kitchen in Dublin, she now holds the torch as the Ambassador for the Women of Poker Championship in Killarney. With an objective to uplift women’s participation and elevate their profile in Irish poker, Masters envisions creating an inclusive environment. But, do not let her warm and welcoming demeanor deceive you; she’s a force to reckon with at the poker table.

Adding to the allure of the tournament, the Irish Poker Tour unveiled a series of magnificent bracelets for its major winners. While the cash prizes remain a major draw for many, the Tour acknowledges the transient nature of money. As a tangible testament to a player’s victory, trophies have been a mainstay for event winners. Elevating this tradition, they have introduced solid gold and silver bracelets, crafted by the skilled hands of Noel Finan, a high-end jeweler based in Galway. These bracelets are bound to be coveted symbols of success and will undoubtedly be among the most sought-after awards in Irish poker.