As the poker world turns its gaze toward Dublin this spring, the Irish Poker Open 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions yet of Europe’s longest-running No-Limit Hold’em festival. Running from March 26 to April 6, 2026, at the Royal Dublin Society, the 46th edition promises a massive slate of events, rich guarantees, and the legendary “craic” that has defined the Irish Open experience for decades.
Once again, the road to Dublin starts online. PokerStars has opened a comprehensive satellite program that gives players of all bankrolls a shot at winning their way into the festival’s marquee events via multiple online qualifiers. These range from low-buy-in feeders, all the way up to high-reward seats in the Irish Open Main Event. Currently, PokerStars is the best place to enter online qualifiers, although packages are also available on iPoker and PaddyPower.
Online Satellites Running on PokerStars
| When | Time | Satellite | Buy-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/28/2026 | 20:00 | Main Event 4 x €1,150 Tickets Guaranteed | €109 |
| 01/30/2026 | 20:00 | Main Event 4 x €1,150 Tickets Guaranteed | €109 |
| 02/01/2026 | 20:00 | Main Event 8 x €1,500 Packages Guaranteed | €109 |
| 02/02/2026 | 20:00 | Main Event 4 x €1,150 Tickets Guaranteed | €109 |
| 02/04/2026 | 20:00 | Main Event 4 x €1,150 Tickets Guaranteed | €109 |
| 02/06/2026 | 20:00 | Main Event 4 x €1,150 Tickets Guaranteed | €109 |
| 02/08/2026 | 20:00 | Main Event 8 x €1,500 Packages Guaranteed | €109 |
| 02/09/2026 | 20:00 | Main Event 4 x €1,150 Tickets Guaranteed | €109 |
But it doesn’t stop at standard satellites. In January 2026, PokerStars launched an exclusive Emerald Pass as part of its Power Path offering, designed specifically for Irish Open hopefuls.
This enhanced package builds on the platform’s acclaimed Silver Power Pass by bundling:
- €1,150 Main Event entry
- €350 side event entry
- €250 Mini Irish Open ticket
- Travel expense support and a special live-event perk
All this inside a $2,500-value Prize Bundle that makes the trip to Dublin more accessible and rewarding for online grinders and recreational players alike.
Irish Open Lineup, Dates and What’s New
The festival itself will feature 86 tournaments across a wide range of formats and buy-ins, anchored by the €2,500,000-guaranteed Main Event alongside other seven-figure attractions such as the Mystery Bounty and Mini Irish Open.
A standout addition for 2026 is the expanded Deaf Poker schedule — with multiple dedicated tournaments, including a Deaf Main Event, PLO Deaf Championship and other disciplines tailored to the deaf poker community. Registrations for these dedicated Deaf events have already topped 120 players, highlighting growing inclusivity in live poker competition.
“I’m really pleased with how things are progressing. We already have 115 players pre-registered from all over the world, and my goal is to exceed 150 participants this year,” Irish Open Ambassador Darren Chow, who runs the Irish Open player list via the Deaf Poker Ireland and World Deaf PokerNews Facebook groups, said via press release. “We have such a great lineup of events coming up with the Main Event, a PLO tournament, NLH, Mystery Bounty, and the High Roller.”
“We’re also very excited about the performance by John Smith in the Craic Den. He’s a well-established Deaf comedian from the UK and will be appearing on the Saturday night following the final of the Deaf Poker Championship. I’m really looking forward to the Irish Open and will be heading there after traveling through Southeast Asia for two months playing lots of major poker events.”
These events complement a deep roster of mixed games, High Rollers, Championships, and fun formats that ensure something for everyone — from seasoned pros to first-time Irish Open participants.
The Craic Den & Off-Felt Culture
Of course, the Irish Open isn’t just about cards and chips. One of the festival’s trademarks is its vibrant social atmosphere — nightly entertainment at the Craic Den, live music, player parties, spontaneity in the bars, and more—all creating a full-on celebration that transcends the tables. Participants and visitors alike speak of the “craic” — a uniquely Irish word that captures the jovial spirit, camaraderie, and memorable off-felt fun that keeps players coming back year after year.
Players can expect:
🎵 Live music every night — bands and performers keep the party going late into the night with a mix of Irish-flavored sets and upbeat live acts.
🎤 Karaoke & Lip Sync battles — take the mic or cheer on your friends for hilarious late-night entertainment.
🎲 Organized contests (9:30–11:00 pm) run nightly:
- Beer Pong
- Shuffleboard
- Cornhole
- Race Night
- Casino Night
- Comedy Night
🍀 New themed competitions for 2026 include:
- I’m a Poker Player, Get Me Out of Here — nerve-testing fun and challenges
- The Quid Game — Netflix-inspired skill contests and inflatable sumo bouts
- Balls in the Air — keep ’em up for prizes
- Play Your Cards Right and Banging Bingo in the early evening
😂 Stand-up comedy — featuring performances in the Den, including a special set by a deaf comedian as part of the festival’s inclusive entertainment offering.
🍻 Happy Hour every night — kicking off around 8 pm, making The Craic Den the ideal place to unwind after the felt action.
📺 Special screening events — such as World Cup play-off matches shown live with full Craic Den atmosphere, great drinks, and big cheers.
For many, the festival is as much a cultural event as a poker tournament: late nights with new friends, Guinness in hand, while stories and big hands become part of Irish Open lore.
Mark your calendars: March 26 to April 6, 2026 — Dublin is the place to be for poker, parties, and perhaps your best “craic” yet.
