Facts about the Boyle Poker International Open 2008
Among the star names taking to the felt at the Boyle Poker International Open 2008 were former snooker world champion Ken Doherty, former Eastenders star Ray Panthaki, Kilkenny hurlers Richie Power, John Tennyson, James Fitzpatrick and Dublin footballers Paul Casey, Shane Ryan, Stephen Cluxton and Thomas Quinn.
Doherty, who is a regular face on the poker scene when not playing on the snooker circuit, said “Snooker and poker go hand in hand. It's a great game of strategy and it's a great way of relaxing.”
Actor Ray Panthaki, more well known for playing on the stage and screen than at the poker table said, “I got off to a poor start and was chasing for the whole tournament really but I still got down to about the last 300 so that's not bad. The atmosphere was brilliant, I've had a fantastic weekend meeting so many people from all across Europe and I will definitely be back.”
Irish poker legend Scott Gray, who came fourth in the World Series of Poker in 2002, said, “The standard of play was absolutely incredible. These guys were playing for their lives. I've seen worse play at the World Series. The event was very well organised and, as usual, Irish poker tournaments are way better craic than playing poker anywhere else in the world. All our friends from France and Holland who came over had a great time. I'll be back again next year but only if Boylepoker are sponsoring it!”
Seventeen countries were represented at the event, including 430 players from France.
The total prize pool for the event is €205,000, of which €32,000 was added by Boylepoker.com. The overall winner of the event received €37,530.
The final table lasted six hours, finishing at 5.30 a.m.
Among the attractions for the assembled players were free workshops and Q&A sessions with the 2005 World Series of Poker main event finalist Andy Black, Boylepoker.com pro's Marty Smyth (pot-limit Omaha world champion) and Irish poker legend Padraig Parkinson (1999 World Series of Poker main event finalist).
Other professional players who were enticed by the large prize pool were recent Irish Open winner Neil Channing , the “voice of poker” Jesse May, former World Series of Poker main event finalist Scott Gray, “Mad” Marty Wilson, European Poker Tour finalist Andy Ward, Rory Liffey and Ian Frazer.
Players also received dozens of spot prizes for knocking out celebrities and having the highest hand of the day. The previous record for field size outside the U.S., was the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, held in the Bahamas from Jan. 5 to Jan. 10, 2008, which attracted 1,136 players.
For a full final table report, use this link!
Editor Note: BoylePoker has daily freerolls at 19.30 GMT. That's from Mon-Sun. Head on over there and take part in the $100 GTD tournaments for no money down!