Irish Open 2008 Starts Tomorrow

It is finally here! One of the most anticipated poker events of the year is kicking off in Dublin tomorrow, and if you are playing the Irish Open, then may the luck of the Irish be with you! If not, no worries! Paddy Power Poker has a bunch of Irish Open goodness for you online all week.

Sign up with Paddy Power Poker to play in the Irish Open.

The Irish Open isthe longest running poker tournament outside of the US (where the WSOP reigns as king.) and is expected to be bigger than ever for 2008. Held at the prestigious CityWest Hotel in Dublin this year from March 19th through March 24th, the tournament boasts a 3 Million Euro guaranteed Prize Pool, and 4,200 Euro Buy-in. There are a few special side events that are sure to be a hit. A first ever Ladies event will be held, as well as a neat event called the "Double Chance Scalp" where players start with only half their total chip stack, , with the option of taking their remaining chips before the first break!

Some of the greatest poker players in the world will be at the CityWest, vying for the top spot. Todd and Doyle Brunson, Phil Laak, Padraig Parkinson and Luke Abolins are just a few of this years power players in the field.

Marty Smyth was 2007's I.O. Champion, claiming the E650,000 first prize from a field ( and record ) 708 players. WSOP Champion Noel Furlong holds the record of winning the Irish Open the most times, taking the tournament 3 times between 1987 and 1992. The 2008 field is expected to increase up to 1000 players.

Paddy Power Poker is once again sponsoring the Irish Open (who else!) They recognize that not everyone is able to hop on a plane to Ireland or win a seat via their online qualifiers, so they are bringing the festivities online at their site to share with the world!

During the run of the Irish Open ( from tomorrow through the 24th) Paddy Power Poker will be running IO Online, featuring a nightly $300 freeroll! It is open to everyone, but you do need an exclusive 2008 Irish Open password, which you can find on the Irish Open site at Paddy Power Poker.

You need an account to play in the Irish Open Online, so sign up with Paddy Power today!