In an exciting development for the poker scene in Morocco, the Casino de Marrakech has announced its upcoming Irish Open, which is set to take place from November 10 to 15. The festival promises to attract a significant number of players, especially following the impressive turnout of 279 entries during the Casino's March Main Event. With a guaranteed prize pool of €500,000, which is approximately 1.5 times larger than the previous event's pool, the anticipation is building for this remarkable poker festival. The highlight of the Irish Open will undoubtedly be its €1,155 Main Event, commencing on November 11, drawing poker enthusiasts from across the globe.
The Irish Open: A Historic Expansion into Marrakech
Founded by the renowned bookmaker Terry Rogers in 1980 at Dublin’s Eccentric Club, the Irish Open has long been a staple in the poker calendar, primarily held in Dublin. This year’s event achieved record-breaking success with a staggering 5,003 entries in the Main Event, culminating in a prize pool of €4,852,910 that nearly doubled its €2.5 million guarantee. Notably, Romanian player Narcis Nedelcu emerged victorious, taking home the title. The festival in 2025 also saw impressive numbers, attracting over 25,000 entries and distributing €14.5 million in total prizes. The organizers, aiming for global expansion, have announced three international stops for the Irish Open, which now includes Marrakech as one of its key destinations, alongside Sydney and an upcoming event in the United States planned for 2027. Co-owners Paul O’Reilly and JP McCann are determined to make the Irish Open the world’s largest poker tournament by its 50th anniversary in 2030.
A Thrilling Schedule Awaits Poker Players in Marrakech
The Marrakech festival will take place at the Casino de Marrakech, conveniently located within the Es Saadi Resort, just moments away from the iconic Jemaa El-Fnaa square and the bustling medina. Offering a broad range of buy-ins from €140 to €3,000, the event is designed to cater to both casual players and serious competitors. The Main Event, priced at €1,155 (12,500 dirhams), allows for one re-entry, ensuring participants can make the most of their poker experience. The festival will kick off with Day 1A on November 11, followed by additional starting flights on November 12 and 13. Day 2 is scheduled for November 14, with the final table crowning a champion on November 15. Players will also have the opportunity to qualify on-site, as the casino will host 11 super satellites guaranteeing a total of 100 Main Event seats.
In addition to the Main Event, the festival features an extensive lineup of 36 events, an increase from the 28 tournaments held in March. Highlights include the Hendon Mob Championship, which marks a first for North Africa, and a variety of other competitions such as the Ladies Championship and Super High Roller events. The Irish Open’s vibrant social atmosphere, known as the “Craic Den,” will also add a unique flavor to the poker festivities in Marrakech.
With a lower buy-in and an additional flight compared to previous events, the Irish Open in Marrakech is poised to attract a diverse crowd of players, potentially surpassing the 279 entries recorded in March. As the poker community eagerly awaits the festival, the organizers are optimistic that the renowned Irish Open brand will draw even more players to Morocco, solidifying its place on the international poker map.
As reported by pokertube.com.
