This spring, European poker players face a rare dilemma: two major live events overlapping on the calendar. The Irish Poker Open runs March 26 – April 6 in Dublin, while the WSOP Europe hits Prague from March 31 – April 12. Both promise world-class poker, but your experience could be very different depending on which festival you pick.
Irish Poker Open 2026: Dublin’s Party-Fueled Poker Marathon
The Irish Poker Open isn’t just a tournament—it’s a 12-day poker spectacle featuring 85+ events and 53 trophies. Beyond the tables, there’s a buzzing cash game room, making it a paradise for grinders and recreational players alike.
Tournament Highlights:
- Irish Open Main Event: €1,150 buy-in | Mar 29 – Apr 6 | €2,500,000 GTD
- Mini Irish Open: €250 buy-in | Mar 26 – Apr 6 | €1,000,000 GTD
- Mystery Bounty: €1,150 buy-in | Mar 26 – Mar 29 | €1,000,000 GTD
This year brings exciting new formats, including:
- Tournaments for Deaf players
- Cuatro PLO Bounty High Roller
- Flip & Go events
- Kings & Queens and Old Dogs vs Young Puppies tournaments
Beyond the Tables: The Craic Den
The Irish Open is famous for its nightlife. At the Craic Den, expect:
- Live music, comedy, karaoke
- Beer pong, cornhole, quirky games like The Quid Game
- World Cup play-off screenings and competitions
The motto says it all: “Come for the poker, stay for the Craic.”
WSOP Europe 2026: Prague’s Bracelet Chase
The WSOP Europe has shifted to Prague and now takes place in spring, turning it into the season opener for the global WSOP calendar. Players can anticipate 13 days of bracelet-focused events, international fields, and huge prize pools.
Key Events & Buy-Ins:
- The Opener NLHE Mystery Bounty: €1,000 | Mar 31
- COLOSSUS NLHE: €500 | Apr 2
- WSOP Europe Main Event: €5,300 | Apr 3
- PLO European Championship: €5,300 | Apr 6
- NL Super High Roller: €20,800 | Apr 8
- European Circuit Championship NLHE: €1,500 | Apr 9
The WSOPE Main Event guarantees an eye-popping €10,000,000 prize pool, with 15 golden bracelets up for grabs. Prague’s stunning architecture and international appeal make it a must-see for players traveling from outside Europe.
Choosing Your Festival: Craic vs Cash
Both events offer unique experiences:
- Irish Poker Open:
- Best for players who want fun, entertainment, and social experiences alongside poker
- Diverse formats and a massive party scene
- WSOP Europe:
- Ideal for players chasing huge guarantees and prestige
- Bracelet opportunities and a cosmopolitan, international atmosphere
With these events overlapping, dealer availability and field sizes may get stretched, so plan accordingly.
Bottom line:
- If your goal is unforgettable poker with a side of craic, Dublin wins.
- If you want to chase bracelets and massive prize pools while exploring Prague, the WSOPE is your pick.
Either way, spring 2026 is shaping up to be one of Europe’s busiest and most exciting poker seasons yet.
