Irish poker players have made a big impact on the global poker scene, with many over the years known for their sharp thinking and calmness under pressure.
These players have not only earned a lot of respect but have also won millions of dollars over their successful poker careers whilst flying the flag for the Emerald Isle.
The best Irish poker players are well-known in the gambling world, with their names etched in poker history and many gracing the Irish Poker Open. Picking out the top Irish players isn’t easy because there are so many great ones, both from the past and present. But in this list, we’ll look at some of the most famous Irish poker players and what makes them stand out in the world of poker.
Andrew Black
Who is the best Irish poker player in the world? Topping our list of the best poker players of all time is none other than Andrew Black. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and now residing in Dublin, Black is widely recognised as one of the greatest poker players to emerge from Ireland. His name is synonymous with success on the poker circuit, and for good reason.
Black currently leads Ireland’s all-time money list, boasting an impressive $5,187,626 in career tournament earnings, with his 36 cashes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) accounting for $2,527,162 of these winnings. His ascent to the top has been marked by numerous remarkable victories and memorable performances, establishing himself as a standout figure among Irish poker players.
One of Black’s most significant wins came in February 2008 at the Party Poker Premier League in London. Displaying exceptional skill and composure, he secured first place, earning himself $250,000 in the process. This victory added another prestigious title to his already outstanding resume and reinforced his reputation as a top-tier Irish poker player.
However, Black’s most substantial payday came earlier, during the 2005 World Series of Poker. In what many consider a highlight of his career, he finished fifth in the fiercely competitive $10,000 Main Event, earning $1,750,000—his largest live cash prize to date.
This deep run not only boosted his earnings but also solidified his status as one of poker’s elite players on the global stage, and arguably the best Irish poker player of all time.
Black has also enjoyed strong finishes in the Irish Poker Open, finishing just outside the final table in tenth place in 2011, before finishing in eighth place a year later in 2012.
Max Silver
Max Silver is undoubtedly one of the best Irish poker players of all time, with the earnings, accolades, and reputation to prove it. Silver sits second on Ireland’s all-time money list, with substantial career earnings totalling $4,999,030.
Silver’s biggest live cash victory came in May 2018, when he won the No Limit Hold’em—High Roller event at the European Poker Tour (EPT) in Barcelon. This win earned him $702,005 and significant recognition on the European poker scene.
Another key success for the Dublin resident came in 2015 when he won $432,960 by taking down the $24,000 + 1,000 No Limit Hold’em High Roller at the Aria, Las Vegas. Silver has also enjoyed success at the Irish Poker Open, finishing seventh in the Main Event in 2019 to take home $42,362, while he also won the High Roller event that year to earn himself $50,982.
A World Series of Poker gold bracelet winner, Silver surprised many by ending his poker career to pursue new challenges in the realm of sports betting.
Despite his retirement, he remains fondly remembered in the poker community for his fun and engaging approach to the game, and is certainly up there when it comes to debating the best Irish poker player ever.
Marty Smyth
When considering the best Irish poker players of all time, Marty Smyth undoubtedly comes to mind. Smyth has garnered significant recognition over the past decade and beyond, including nominations for two European Poker Awards in 2008: Player of the Year and Best Tournament Performance, while he has racked up $3,887,002 in total career earnings over the years.
Smyth’s biggest live cash win came in 2008 when he was crowned the winner of the No Limit Hold’em Poker Million VII tournament, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports. This victory earned him an impressive $1,000,000 prize. He also achieved success at the 2007 Irish Poker Open, overcoming 708 players – the then largest field ever assembled for a European poker tournament – to win the €3,300 buy-in event in Dublin.
Smyth, who hails from Belfast, also achieved considerable success in the United States, triumphing at the 39th World Series of Poker in 2008 by winning the $10,000 World Championship Pot Limit Omaha event. This victory not only earned him a coveted WSOP gold bracelet but also solidified his reputation as one of Ireland’s greatest poker players.
His achievements on both the European and American poker circuits have cemented his legacy as a formidable player. Throughout his career, Smyth has consistently demonstrated his skill and dedication to the game, earning respect and admiration from his peers.
He continues to be regarded as one of the most successful and influential poker players to emerge from Ireland.
Toby Joyce
Who are the best Irish poker players right now? When considering the best Irish poker players today, Galway’s Toby Joyce is a name that stands out. Known for his fun and charismatic personality, Joyce is often seen as the face of Irish poker. With his signature-tinted sunglasses, he exudes a cool demeanour at the table, maintaining his composure even in high-pressure situations.
Joyce’s consistent performance in major poker tournaments over the past few years has earned him a place among Ireland’s top poker earners, currently ranking seventh on the all-time list. One of his most notable achievements came at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, where he secured an impressive third-place finish in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em Deep Stack event, earning $234,681.
Joyce’s success has seen him consistently place well in numerous major tournaments, demonstrating his skill and strategic prowess at the poker table. His combination of charisma, skill, and a calm presence has made him a standout figure in the poker community.
As he continues to achieve significant results, Joyce remains a force to be reckoned with and a source of inspiration for many aspiring poker players.
Jamie Flynn
Jamie Flynn is a rising star in the poker world, known for his impressive skills and strategic gameplay. Hailing from Limerick, Flynn has quickly made a name for himself on the international poker scene. One of his standout achievements came in 2019 when he finished third in the €1,100 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event at the Unibet Open in Malta. This deep run earned him a significant payout and recognition as a formidable competitor among European poker players; he has racked up $846,275 in total career earnings so far.
In addition to his success at the Unibet Open, Flynn has performed well in various other major tournaments. His strong showings at the Irish Poker Open – winning $11,455 after finishing second in the 2024 €1,100 Pot Limit Omaha Mystery Bounty – and European Poker Tour events have further solidified his reputation as one of the promising talents emerging from Ireland.
Known for his aggressive playing style and keen ability to read opponents, Flynn has secured several high-profile tournament cashes, including a €70,000 win on the Irish Poker Tour.
Flynn’s achievements highlight his potential to become one of the top poker players from Ireland. As he continues to build his tournament experience and accumulate winnings, Flynn is definitely a name to watch out for in the global poker community.
