Cardplayer Article on IPO

derek2222_ie

International Poker Open Sets Records; Creates New Paradigm for Registration

The International Poker Open, hosted by Mermaid Poker and Poker Ireland, attracted a field of 1,072 players in Dublin on Oct. 6, 2007, smashing the previous record of Europe’s largest tournament of 708 set by the Irish Open earlier in the year.

The record turnout was remarkable as it was achieved almost entirely by word of mouth and the tournament was unique as it may have been the first live tournament in the world to register all players’ online days before the cards were in the air. The buy in was €125 + €25 and the prize pool totaled €134,000.

Further, the tournament almost certainly unleashed on the poker world the youngest ever dealer to deal at a major tournament in the form of Jack “The Dealer” Williams, the 11-year-old son of one of the organisers. At one point he caused a stir by dealing his brother quad aces. No foul play was suspected though a few eyebrows were raised.

Seventeen countries were represented at the tournament held in the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Day two was completed at the Jackpot Club and was won by Irishman Colin King. David Pook from the Netherlands came second.

Organiser Derek Williams said, “Colin was a very deserving winner. The money win allow him to return to college this year and he very generously made a donation to Simon Poker Day as soon as the tournament ended. We’d like to thank Vegas Nights, JP Poker and Big Slick Poker for riding in behind us on the day and helping out with dealers, tables, and chips. Andy Black popped in and said a few words and was very supportive. We’re trying to do what we can for Irish and European Poker and they supported us without asking for anything in return and that does your heart good.”

Mellor

The Dealer being the son of the Clamper, names these days are getting silly

C4Queen

Jake is 11 and already a very talanted pokerplayer but i guess the name "The Dealer" will now follow him when he wins WSOP in 10 years, lol.

Another sweet story is that Stephens father and mother, and his grandfather Leslie McLean where at one point dealing same time as Stephen where sweating the floor!

I like stories like that!

Hat off.

anna

derek2222_ie

Another sweet story is that Stephens father and mother, and his grandfather Leslie McLean where at one point dealing same time as Stephen where sweating the floor!

Stephens Dad Alan was dealing my table for a lot of day 1. What an absolute gentleman. He made a very long day even more enjoyable. Hats off to him.

smurph

derek2222_ie wrote:

Another sweet story is that Stephens father and mother, and his grandfather Leslie McLean where at one point dealing same time as Stephen where sweating the floor!

Stephens Dad Alan was dealing my table for a lot of day 1. What an absolute gentleman. He made a very long day even more enjoyable. Hats off to him.

Ah, I was at your table to then Derek, Smurph here (the only woman at the table) although there were a few handbags:)

What seat were you in?

RasTa

Aye was also on that table, nice man alright