Highlights from Day 1a of the 2024 Irish Poker Festival €3,000 Main Event
As the poker world converges in Dublin for one of the most anticipated events on the calendar, the 2024 Irish Poker Festival €3,000 Main Event kicked off its first flight, Day 1a, at the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel. While it was expected that this initial flight would attract fewer players than the subsequent ones, the turnout was less than anticipated, with only 21 entrants taking their seats at the tables.
The Setup
With the day structured into ten 60-minute levels, players quickly adjusted to the fast-paced environment of tournament play. The vibe in the room was a blend of excitement and tension as participants eyed the grand prize and the coveted title of champion. By the end of the first day of play, 11 players successfully secured their spots for Day 2, setting the stage for an electrifying weekend ahead.
Chip Leaders
Leading the charge into Day 2 is none other than poker luminary Alec Torelli, who amassed an impressive stack of 268,000 chips. Torelli, known for his strategic prowess and calm demeanor, was able to ride the wave of his initial chip accumulation throughout the tournament, maintaining his edge even amid fierce competition.
Following Torelli is Simon Wilson, who at one point held the chip lead but faced challenges in the final levels, ultimately finishing the day with 165,200 chips. Close behind him is Irish competitor Michael Dwyer, securing 113,000 chips as he fights to make his mark in this event filled with talent and ambition.
Here’s a quick summary of the top chip counts from Day 1a:
| Place | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alec Torelli | United States | 268,000 | 168 |
| 2 | Simon Wilson | Ireland | 165,200 | 103 |
| 3 | Michael Dwyer | Ireland | 113,000 | 71 |
| 4 | Karl Hedderman | Ireland | 86,000 | 54 |
| 5 | Seamus Cahill | Ireland | 82,900 | 52 |
| 6 | John Dwyer | United States | 80,000 | 50 |
| 7 | Espen Myrmo | Norway | 73,200 | 46 |
| 8 | Conor Bergin | Ireland | 62,100 | 39 |
| 9 | Alan Gilmore | Ireland | 40,900 | 26 |
| 10 | Andzej Bilat | Lithuania | 38,500 | 24 |
| 11 | Temur Aliev | Georgia | 31,900 | 20 |
The Action Unfolds
The day began with a quiet start, but as the clock ticked, the excitement escalated. Early action saw Leo Lombardozzi facing off against Mindaugas Kriauciunas in a tense hand that would set the tone for the day. Lombardozzi’s well-timed call turned sour when Kriauciunas revealed a superior full house, and just moments later, Lombardozzi found himself the first casualty of Day 1a.
As players navigated the choppy waters of the tournament, Christian Dressler entered and was quickly eliminated after attempting to reenter, although he too faced a quick exit from the event.
The turning point for several players came when Torelli battled from a mere 10,000 chips—a challenging position—recouping his stack dramatically through key hands. His journey included hitting aces and a nut flush to oust previous chip leader Michel Molenaar, who faced an abrupt end shortly before dinner.
The post-dinner session saw an aggressive surge with Bobby Willis and others succumbing to the pressure — notably Mantas Stikelis, who lost a critical flip that sent him reeling. Player Temur Aliev, although last in chips, doubled several times but remained in perilous territory with 31,900 chips.
Looking Ahead
As the excitement of Day 1a settles, anticipation builds for Day 1b, which is set to start on Thursday, October 31, at 1 p.m. The format will mirror today’s, with ten 60-minute levels to allow players to make their mark in this grand tournament.
Poker enthusiasts and competitors alike are encouraged to tune in for more thrilling poker action as the event unfolds through its multiple flights. With top players and passionate newcomers alike filling the tables, the path to victory remains wide open, and the stakes have never been higher!
Stay tuned as we cover the ongoing excitement of the 2024 Irish Poker Festival, bringing you closer to the heart of the action with every hand played.
