The first Irish Poker Tour event of 2025 concluded with a bang as the Galway Poker Festival crowned its champions, delivering record-breaking results. Held at The Galmont Hotel from January 1-6, the festival smashed every guarantee, attracting over 3,000 entrants across its tournaments, including the €700 Main Event, which alone pulled in 694 players.
The headline event boasted a €418,570 prize pool, with 70 players sharing the spoils. Rising above a competitive field, Mitchell Hynam claimed victory, securing a career-best €83,600 and the prestigious title.
A Spectacular Start to the Irish Poker Tour 2025
The Irish Poker Tour couldn’t have wished for a more electrifying start to the year. The Galway Poker Festival marked a new high for the tour, drawing poker enthusiasts from across the globe. The €700 Main Event, the centrepiece of the festival, exceeded expectations, both in turnout and prize money.
Players like Cathal Shine, Conor O’Driscoll, and Jason Tompkins were among those cashing in but falling short of the final table. It was a testament to the calibre of competition on display. Each hand played in the tournament added to the thrill, building an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.
Final Table Drama: High Stakes and Big Rewards
The final table of the Main Event brought together seasoned professionals and rising stars, delivering plenty of drama. Michael Dwyer, who had recently made waves at the WSOP Paradise Main Event, was the first to bow out, collecting €11,570 for his ninth-place finish.
Conor O’Rourke, known for his stellar run at the 2023 Irish Poker Festival Main Event, added €13,000 to his bankroll for finishing eighth. Meanwhile, seventh-place finisher Jacque Ramsden, a regular in live events across Asia and Australia, moved his career earnings past $450,000 with his €14,500 prize.
Notable Final Table Finishes
- Niall McAree: The Irish regular turned his €700 buy-in into €16,500, finishing sixth. His deep run rekindled memories of his runner-up finish at the 2023 Irish Poker Tour Killarney Main Event, where he earned €63,000.
- Mary Galvin: Making history as one of the top female competitors, Galvin finished fifth, taking home €19,000. This achievement more than doubled her previous tournament earnings.
- Mark Buckley and Derek Baker: Buckley’s fourth-place finish netted him €25,000, while Baker walked away with €35,000 for third place.
The Showdown: Hynam vs. McAleenan
The tournament’s climax featured a thrilling heads-up battle between Mitchell Hynam and Daryl McAleenan. Both players showcased immense skill and determination, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Ultimately, Hynam emerged victorious, pocketing €83,600 and etching his name in Irish poker history. McAleenan didn’t leave empty-handed, earning a commendable €60,000 for his runner-up finish.
2025 Galway Poker Festival Main Event Final Table Results
| Rank | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Hynam | €83,600 |
| 2 | Daryl McAleenan | €60,000 |
| 3 | Derek Baker | €35,000 |
| 4 | Mark Buckley | €25,000 |
| 5 | Mary Galvin | €19,000 |
| 6 | Niall McAree | €16,500 |
| 7 | Jacque Ramsden | €14,500 |
| 8 | Conor O’Rourke | €13,000 |
| 9 | Michael Dwyer | €11,570 |
Looking Ahead: Irish Poker Tour’s Future Stops
With the Galway Poker Festival setting a high bar, the Irish Poker Tour has announced six stops for the rest of 2025. These events promise more excitement, bigger fields, and even larger prize pools. Players and fans alike are already marking their calendars, eager to see what’s next.
The Galway Poker Festival has not only set the tone for 2025 but also solidified its place as a cornerstone of the Irish poker scene. The next events will undoubtedly aim to build on its resounding success.
