Irish Poker Tour Final 2026 – Final Day Wrap

Over the weekend, the Green Isle was alive with the unmistakable buzz of competitive poker. Players arrived in their droves, smashing guarantees left, right, and centre. As is always the case when an IPT event comes to an end, thoughts quickly turn to the next stop on the tour. Thankfully, poker fans won’t have to wait long, as next week the IPT rolls into Galway for “The Big One.”

The final day got underway with the €200k for €200 IPT Final 1H Hyper, which attracted 159 entries, adding further momentum to the ever-growing Main Event guarantee. By the close of registration, the prize pool had swelled to €270,100. From this final flight, 26 players progressed, with the biggest stacks held by Killian Farrell (302,000), Vitalijs Polukejevs (350,000), and Gerard Wynne (450,000).

Next up was the tournament everyone had been waiting for — the €200k for €200 Main Event Final. From a massive field of 1,655 players, just 205 remained, all vying for the top prize. Shawn Morales (683,000) began the day as chip leader. The bubble burst in dramatic fashion as 4 players were eliminated at the same time, meaning Tomas Geleziunas, Timothy O’Connor, Emmett Mullin, and Susan Nolan all walked away with €225. A collective sigh of relief followed, before players quickly refocused and got back to business.

The Last Longer package winners in the Main Event were Stephen Freeman, Barry McMahon, Hugh Smyth, Sean Murtagh, and John Pearson, all of whom secured 4 nights accommodation + 1 Main Event entry at the Galway Poker Festival. John Fannon who came 6th in the Last Longer also received €760 in credits.

Meanwhile, the Final 400 provided late-stage action for those eliminated from the Main Event or who hadn’t made Day 2. The tournament attracted 115 entries, pushing the prize pool to €39,745, nearly double the guarantee. Among the field was IPT ambassador Dara O’Kearney, who enjoyed a solid run before finishing 7th for €1,800. In the end, Zydrunas Bendorius, finished 3rd, securing €4,845, while Mark Doyle, claimed 2nd, banking €7,200. Taking home the trophy was Daryl Kelly, along with €11,200.

Later in the evening, the Monsterstack kicked off with 149 entries, creating a prize pool of €17,880. One standout performer was 18-year-old Darach Rogan, fresh off a win at The Antrim Sports Club. Competing in his first live event, Darach made an impressive run to the final table, finishing 6th for €950 — a fantastic achievement for a rising talent, who we will be keeping a close eye on. Peter Hyland finished 3rd, banking €2,050, while Ray Bryant took 2nd place for €3,500. Lifting the trophy and pocketing €4,330 was Jorrit Baars.

The final tournament of the festival was the Omaha 4/5 Cards, which saw 41 entries and a prize pool of €4,920. As always, the last event carried a relaxed but competitive atmosphere, with many players enjoying one final game as the Main Event continued. Ali Sarkeshik finished 3rd for €800, while Dwayne Regan took 2nd place and €1,100. Claiming the trophy and €1,820 was Mark McGill from Bristol.

The Main Event continued deep into Monday morning, with cautious play as players avoided costly mistakes. The chip lead changed hands several times, keeping spectators glued to the action. When it got down to the final 3 they adjusted the payouts and continued play. In the end, Lorenas Gruselionis finished 3rd, collecting €30,000. Again, play continued and after a while another deal was struck which meant Edouardos Stavrakis, claimed 2nd, banking €36,000. After an outstanding performance throughout the tournament the winner of the €200k for €200 Main Event Final was Darren Harbinson, who took home the trophy and €36,000.

That’s all from us this weekend — but not for long.

See you next weekend at the Galway Poker Festival 2026