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The Irish Open was arguably one of the year’s biggest events in professional poker and easily one of the most entertaining. Surpassing most UK poker tournaments in size, style and scope, the Irish Open 2010 was a must-attend festival of poker that attracted big name players from across the Irish Sea. In fact, UK poker players managed to do very well in this year’s Irish Open, with Ben Roberts, James Mitchell and Rob Sherwood among those reaching the final table. Rob Sherwood, who finished in 4th position for €163,300, received an added bonus for being the last Paddy Power Poker qualifier standing; by winning the Sole Survivor promotion, Sherwood banked €100,000 in sponsorship money, which should bankroll many forthcoming international and UK poker tournaments.

The real success story at the Irish Open 2010 was that of London’s James Mitchell, who secured the top spot to win a cool €600,000 ahead of Paul Carr (€312,600). The road to success was not easy for Mitchell, who wins his first major tournament at just 20 years of age. Mitchell entered the final table with the third highest stack, only to lose half of his chips to Declan Connolly’s pocket jacks; however, whilst Connolly finished the tournament in 7th place for €75,000, Mitchell made a remarkable recovery.

Leading the chips for a considerable period of time, Carr was favourite to take the coveted Irish Open title, but luck deserted him when it mattered most. After Mitchell found an ace on the river when he was all-in with A-6 against Carr’s pocket queens, it soon became apparent that it was Mitchell’s name – and not Carr’s – that was destined to be etched on the Irish Open 2010 trophy. Carr’s fate was sealed when he bluffed all-in with Q-5 after a J-J-8 flop against Mitchell’s A-8. Finishing in 3rd place at this year’s Irish Open, Santeri Valikoski also impressed to take home €205,200.