Swede wins Irish Poker Festival

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Ladbrokes Poker arrived back in Killarney for the 2010 Irish Poker Festival this weekend and the town was overrun with 632 players all looking to take home the top prize and enjoy the atmosphere.

Following three intense days of play and 622 players later we reached our final 10. There were some shock early exits as a number of favourites failed to make the second day. But in the end London based Swede Lars Torngren was crowned the Ladbrokes.com Irish Poker Festival Champion 2010 and took home the €75,000 top prize.

Going into the final table was:

Richard Connoly, Isle of Man, 360k
Valerie McGrath, Ireland, 800k
Lars Tornson, London, 1.7 million
Paul Lucey, Ireland, 402k
Allen Mc Clean, Dublin, 720k
John Kalmer, 1.81million
Mark Coyne, Ireland, 1million
Barry McGleenon, Ireland, 1.5 million
Brian Murphy, Ireland, 680k
Paul Vermigo Kerry Ireland 564k

Ladbrokes' pro Jon "Skalie" Kalmer was the early favourite and chip leader going into the final table but came unstuck when he walked straight in to Lars' Pocket Queens against his AJ. He immediately hit an Ace on the flop but the Queen on the turn sealed Skalies' fate and he was out in fourth for €20,000.

The night ended with a three way all-in much to the excitement of the crowd, first Barry pushed on his button with J5 off which was insta-called by Lars' in the Small blind with Pockets sixes, Paul also came along for the ride calling with A7. Lars' sixes held up crowning him champion.

Irishman Paul Lucey finished 2nd winning €50,000 with fellow countryman Barry McGleenon finishing 3rd winning €30,000.

Lars Tornson said, "I was really impressed with the structure of this event. I have been playing poker for about 8 years and this is my first big tournament win so I am absolutely delighted. I am already looking forward to next year's Ladbrokes poker festival."
Kate McLennan Head of Ladbrokes Poker said, "It has been another fantastic year in Ireland. The Ladbrokes.com Irish poker festival keeps getting better and we are delighted for Lars he was a worthy winner. All eyes are now on the Poker cruise in January which is already shaping up to be one of the best yet."