Javier Francort of the Netherlands overcame a stacked final table to claim victory in the €1,000 7-Max Pot-Limit Omaha event at the Irish Open, pocketing a well-earned €35,799. Coming into the finale with a middling stack, Francort remained composed under pressure, carefully navigating the aggressive dynamics of short-handed four-card play. Known as a formidable force in the online streets, the Dutch grinder showed why he’s considered one of the most consistent performers in the digital arena—translating that skill onto the live felt in style.
Final table itself carried a surprisingly light-hearted tone, with plenty of laughter, jokes, and table banter throughout the day – much of it sparked by Francort’s upbeat energy. In a fitting heads-up showdown, Francort found himself across the table from Finland’s Markus Ristola, a well-known 5-card PLO cash specialist with deep experience and a feared reputation. The clash promised fireworks, and it delivered. Before cards were even in the air, Francort had jokingly greeted Ristola with a wry smile and the line, “Oh, a Finnish PLO regular – my worst nightmare.” But by the end of the day, it was the Dutchman living the dream, outmanoeuvring his dangerous opponent to capture the title and add a prestigious Irish Open trophy to his growing list of accomplishments.
€1,000 PLO 7-Max Payouts:
1st Javier Hubertus Antonius Francort (Netherlands)- €35,799
2nd Markus Ristola (Finland)- €22,450
3rd Jack Edward Moore (United Kingdom)- €16,000
4th Philip Ward (United Kingdom)- €12,300
5th Fabian Rolli (Switzerland)- €9,500
6th Gareth McMahon (Ireland)- €7,300
7th Tong Li (New Zealand)- €5,600
Bubble Action:
Javier Francort’s path to the title almost ended before the final table was even in sight. On the stone bubble, with just one elimination separating the field from the money, Francort found himself all-in and at risk against Wei Jei Zheng. Zheng had flopped two pair and looked poised to send the Dutchman to the rail empty-handed. But with tournament life hanging by a thread, Francort stayed composed as the turn and river delivered running diamonds, completing a dramatic backdoor flush to keep his hopes alive. It was a pivotal moment—both in terms of fortune and momentum—that set the stage for his eventual victory.
Winner’s Reaction:
“I’m sorry it took so long,” he said with a grin, referencing the drawn-out final table and the nerve-wracking bubble hand that nearly ended his run. You could see how happy Francort was to ship this tournament with a very humble reaction after shaking Ristola’s hand.
With the Irish Open title now under his belt, Francort has his sights set on an even bigger stage: the World Series of Poker. He revealed he’ll be heading to Las Vegas this summer to take a shot at the prestigious $25,000 PLO High Roller, and is currently looking for stakers to join him for the ride.
