Getting ready for the International Poker Open with David Lappin
This year the popular Irish event is sponsored for the first time by WPT Global, so we chat to their ambassador to learn more about it.
The IPO is my favourite tournament to play, do you agree it's basically an Irish Open for lower stakes players?
David Lappin: In the sense that the International Poker Open offers a poker experience more akin to higher buy-in festivals - good structures, a livestream and a jam-packed side event schedule - yes, I think the comparison to the Irish Open is fair. It is just one third of the buy-in of the Irish Open, so it attracts people who play home games, who dabble in local pub games and who are nightly casino tournament regulars, giving them an opportunity to take a shot in a larger tournament.
For those that have never been, how enjoyable is poker in a hotel?
David Lappin: The fact that you can play poker in hotels in Ireland is a great thing. Personally, I hate the presence of slot machines and the terrible noises they make, distracting me while I’m trying to play a strategy game. I think that having a dedicated poker-only space also removes some of the table-game temptations so players can focus solely on their poker for the weekend. Another benefit is that you can stay at the same venue as the poker festival, giving more opportunities to mingle, make friends and socialise.
Irish poker culture and WPT Global
Your new sponsor WPT Global is getting very involved in Irish events, why is there such a focus there?
David Lappin: WPT Global are passionate about poker in Ireland because they recognise what an important market it is. Poker tournaments in Europe began in Ireland, where card games have always been a bigger part of the culture. The talented WPT Global team see an opportunity in Ireland to grow the online game and to synergise with the bustling live scene. This 3-year sponsorship of the IPO is a big part of that commitment.
Tell us about the €100,000 golden pass giveaway.
David Lappin: If you play the Monday or Thursday night IPO satellites on WPT Global, there are 3 seats guaranteed. Let’s say the tournament gets a big enough field that there are 5 seats in the prizepool. Just like in normal satellites, when the tournament reaches 5 players left it will stop. Everybody left will win a €350 IPO Main Event seat but the chip-leader will also win a GOLDEN TICKET, meaning if they go on to win the IPO Main Event, they win a €100,000 bonus on top of the first prize payout.
Simply put, it’s an incredible opportunity for somebody to spin a $44 satellite buy-in into some truly life changing money.
Golden ticket excitement
This is not the first time WPT Global has done this promotion in Ireland, how well monitored will the event be for, ahem, shenanigans?
David Lappin: The Golden Ticket concept was also in play for the IPT Summer In Dublin festival, and it will also be a part of the IPT Killarney. I’m sure that there will be no shenanigans, malarkey, nor Tom-foolery.
What can you tell us about the Chip Race tournament?
David Lappin: Dara and I are very excited about sponsoring the IPO 2nd Chance tournament because it has been over a year since we held our last Chip Race tournament, and they are always fun! It will be a 2-day €200 event, and I expect it to be very well-attended. Also, it will be our mission to do an extra fun promotion for it.
The International Poker Open takes place between October 21 and 27. You can qualify now at WPT Global.
