Andy Black

There is no doubt that Andy Black will be in attendance on Easter weekend. The Ireland native will be the fan favorite and he will be looking to win this event for the first time. Black is an excellent Texas Holdem tournament player and will be a legit ament chance of taking home the crown on Easter Monday. The Once retired Black has accomplished a lot in his career, but you have to think that the main event at the Irish Poker Open is right at the top of his list. You might know Black from his final table appearances at the World Series of Poker and Aussie Million Main Events. Andy is a guy that is well known as a player who can give himself a chance to win any tournament, although he has had some trouble in his career winning the big title. Black is a great character and will demand respect at any table he plays at. Personally I think it would be a great story if he could capture that big title he desperately wants with a victory in his home country at the Irish Poker Open.

Roland De Wolfe

Roland is a gambler and commands respect as one of the best tournament poker players in the world. If you don’t know Roland, he is from England and has a great personality to match his excellent game. All indications are that Roland loves Ireland winning the Dublin EPT in 2006 and followed that up with a second place finish at the Irish Open. De Wolfe will be one of the favorites heading into the 2009 event and will be looking for a big showing. Roland is a money player who seems to show up in big events, he is good for the game. Poker needs more players like Roland De Wolfe, he has a great mix of personality and skill. If you get a chance to play with Roland look out for his aggressive style and his ability to read his opponents. Roland De Wolfe will be looking to add an Irish Poker Open title to his resume in 2009.

Dan Harrington

The old school American player, loves this tournament and will be looking to win yet another major title in his career. Harrington was the 1995 World Series of Poker Main Event champion and maybe more impressively made back to back final tables in the Main Event post poker boom. Dan is known as one of the tightest and most calculated No Limit Texas Holdem players you will ever see. He knows how to play in big fields, he is experienced and knows how to win. He has made a run in this tournament before, with an early chip lead in 2007. We haven’t heard a lot out of Harrington in the past few years, but there is no doubt in my mind that he can still be a champion. Don’t overlook the old school, Harrington can and will still compete in major poker tournaments.

David Benyamine

Born in France Mr. Benyamine has become one of the best all round poker players in the world. David frequents the biggest cash games in the world and plays against the best players. He had a cash in this tournament in 2007, but will looking for more then just a cash in 2009. Benyamine might be better known as a cash game player, but he can have the same success in tournaments if he commits to them. He can easily win the 2009 Irish Poker Open and I think he will have a big run. Benyamine wants to be considered one of the best players in the world and with a win at this tournament he will garner that respect.

Phil Laak

The “Uni-Bomber” is one of the most eccentric players you will ever find. If you look past all the antics you will find that Phil is a great player, and is a threat to win every time he enters a tournament. Never having great success in this tournament Laak will be looking for his first major win in Dublin on Easter weekend. There is no doubt that Phil will show up with his girl friend and fellow poker professional/actress Jennifer Tilly. Tilly is a very good player in her own right and will show up looking to win. Phil might be better known for his antics at the table, but when he wants to he can be a great No Limit Holdem tournament player.

This just scratches the surface of poker celebrities that will be an attendance at the Irish Open. The professional players will compete against each other as well as against amateurs and online qualifiers. This tournament will be big, and it will be entertaining. Any time there is a big money tournament with big fields and a prestigious title you will see big named poker professional show up. They might not win, but they will try. They will put forth the effort to become the Irish Poker Open 2009 champion.