Irish player takes Party Poker’s first Irish Poker Championship

A 28 year old Irishman studying for his doctorate in biochemistry didn’t have far to travel to compete for the Party Poker Irish Poker Championship in Galway this week - he lives in Claregalway only 10 miles from the venue.

For Irishman Jude Ainsworth it was well worth the trip, for he won the championship against some of the best players around to reel in a Euro 180 000 winner’s purse.

Having survived an entry field of 298 players including the likes of Mike Sexton, Marcel Luske, Ciaran O’Leary and Robert Williamson III, Ainsworth continued his victorious march to end in a heads up against aptly named Michael McCool at the final table. In the end Ainsworth was all-in with 10-8 against McCool’s pocket fives. The flop went A-J-9 and Ainsworth picked up a straight draw. The Q fell on the turn and it was Ainsworth’s day…and tournament.

“It doesn’t get much better than this,” said a delighted Ainsworth in celebratory mood. “To say that we are going to sink a few pints is an understatement! I couldn’t ask for much more than this, I’ve had great support all the way through. I was planning taking a break after my PhD at GNUIG in Galway. This makes everything a lot easier!”

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