Irish Poker Open 2026: Chegusov Leads Record-Breaking Main Event, Brandon Harris Secures Landmark Victory

Half a Million for the Main Event Winner

The most anticipated tournament of the event is undoubtedly the €1,150 Main Event, which has rewritten history this year. The tournament recorded an unprecedented 5,003 entries, boosting the prizepool to an impressive €4,852,910. After five initial flights, 1,236 players returned for Day 2 to compete for the trophy and the €517,100 first-place prize.

Day 2 was relentless for the field, with only 122 players remaining after ten hours of play. Ukrainian Ivan Chegusov emerged as the leader, closely followed by local favorite Conor O'Driscoll.

The elite group also includes the 2022 champion Steve O'Dwyer and WSOP bracelet winner Narcis Nedelcu, both of whom bagged above-average stacks heading into the third day.

Top 10 Chip Counts After Day 2:

Brandon Harris's First Career Trophy

One of the most heartwarming victories of the festival was the triumph of Brit Brandon Harris in the €550 Shoot-Out Championship. Despite having nearly $500,000 in tournament winnings, Harris had never previously lifted a winner's trophy. In the unique format for 130 players, he navigated through all three rounds, ultimately defeating Switzerland's Marco Meisser in the final heads-up.

Harris entered the heads-up facing a deficit but managed to turn the duel around with patient play. In the final hand, he hit a full house with J d T c on a board of J h 9 c 4 s ​​​​​​​T s ​​​​​​​J c, definitively beating his opponent's A d ​​​​​​​T d.

The victory earned him €15,750 and the coveted feeling of being a champion. Harris was visibly thrilled and humbly noted after the tournament that he had some lucky cards, celebrating the fantastic atmosphere of the Irish Open.

Results of the Final Table of the €550 Shoot-Out Championship:

Source: Irish Poker Open