The PartyPoker Irish Poker Championship will begin on January 2nd, 2009 from the Radisson SAS Hotel in Galway, Ireland. Aside from the widely expected intense play at the poker tables, event organizers have also added a main event in a form of a singing contest. Dave Ulliott, Jon Kalmar and Kenna James will take to the microphone in what should be an interesting exhibition as part of the 4-day affair.
A PartyPoker Spokesperson said that the Radisson SAS Hotel on Galway Bay is ready to go. The spokesperson added that the event promises to be an interesting spectacle because all of the participants in the event. Europe's first poker event of 2009, the Irish Poker Championship Main Event is a 2,000 euros buy-in event and is widely expected to attract a lot of participants.
Among the latest player confirmations for the main event are Julian Gardner, Poker News Daily columnist and world poker tour Host Mike Sexton, Padraig Parkinson, Surinder Sunar, Noel Furlong, Boyle Poker pro Marty Smyth, Ciaran O'Leary and Andy Black. Last year's PartyPoker IPC Main Event champion was Jude Ainsworth, who won a total of 180,000 euros and a crystal trophy by edging out Mike McCool in the heads-up showdown. Ainsworth was one of the crowd favorites at the 2008 IPC and will return to defend his crown in the New Year.
Aside from the main event, there will be some side events and satellites happening, while a special party will be thrown on New Year's Day featuring a full bar, beverage, food and entertainment. The continent's main charity poker tournament, Poker for the Homeless will also happen together with the IPC. The 330 euros charity event, formerly known as Simon Poker Day, has so far produced over 100,000 euros for homeless charities all over Ireland.
It will happen on January 4th, 2009 and see well-known players participate in the event. A total of 100 euros from each buy-in cost goes directly to the charity.
02/05/2009, Thursday
Todd Sanders