Irish Open: live satellites for UK and Canada, PokerStars adds 17 packages in online series

With a long history stretching back to 1980, big guaranteed prize pools and a unique atmosphere all of its own, the Irish Open has established itself as a tournament series with serious appeal right across the globe.

Having been nominated for two of this weekend's Global Poker Awards (Best Event, Best Standalone Festival/Series), the series returns to Dublin, March 25to April 1. And to underline its international reputation, several major live super-satellites have been announced on each side of the Atlantic.

Additionally, PokerStars will be running a special Irish Open Online series, February 26 to March 4. 17 events will each award special Irish Open packages, including entry to three Irish Open live tournaments.

You’ll find the full live schedule below - including details of the €1m GTD Main Event - but first here are some simple ways you can win a package.

Irish Open satellites

Packages can be won online, or in live super-satellites taking place in the UK and Canada, giving players right around the world the chance to win their package to Dublin for a fraction of the usual cost.

Canada - The Playground: Road to the Irish Open

Montreal’s Playground poker room is offering the chance to win a C$6,180 prize package from just C$135. Packages include entry to the €1,150 Main Event, plus approximately C$4,400 for travel and accommodation expenses.

C$135 Step 1 satellites are now running at the Playground every Thursday until March 14, plus a bonus satellite on March 15.

These will award entry to the main Step 2 satellite on March 16, which can also be entered directly for a C$600 buy-in. The Step 2 satellite will award one package for every 12 players.

UK - Dusk Till Dawn: Irish Open Qualifier

Nottingham’s Dusk Till Dawn is running its first ever satellite to the Irish Open, with at least 10 Main Event packages, each worth £1,500, guaranteed.

There are no multiple starting flights for this one, and all the action will go down on March 2. With entry set at just £60 we expect this to be well attended.

PokerStars - Irish Open Online

From February 26 to March 4 PokerStars is running the Irish Open Online, a series of 17 tournaments with a combined guarantee of $645,000. In addition to those guaranteed prize pools, there's extra value for each event winner in the form of a Silver Power Pass for the live Irish Open in Dublin.

Each pass will include entry to the €1,150 Main Event and a €550 side event, plus an additional €200 Mini Irish Open entry courtesy of the Irish Open. Winners will also receive expenses, merchandise, and exclusive support and activities at the event itself.

Buy-ins for the Irish Open Online start at just $11, and highlights include a $55 mystery bounty and a $320 high roller with $50k GTD. An Irish Open Online Main Event will feature a $150k guarantee for a $109 buy-in, while a Mini Irish Open Online is guaranteeing $50k in prize money for a $22 entry.

The full schedule for the PokerStars Irish Open Online can be found below, beneath the live tournament schedule.

Online satellites

Online players can also qualify for the Irish Open through traditional satellites, with PokerStars, PaddyPower Poker and the iPoker network all offering multiple chances over the next few weeks.

Irish Open tournament schedule

PokerStars Irish Open Online schedule

^{Images courtesy of the Irish Open}