Day 1 of the prestigious €5,000 PLO 8-Max High Roller at the Irish Poker Open delivered exactly what fans of four-card chaos were hoping for—big pots, fearless aggression, and a field stacked with PLO talent. By the end of play, just 18 players remained from 80 total entries, with a prize pool of €370,500 up for grabs.
Topping the chip counts is Ukrainian PLO standout Ruslan Nazarenko, who bagged a commanding 677,000 in chips. Known for his deep runs in major PLO events worldwide, including the WSOP and the Wynn Summer Classic, Nazarenko’s strong Day 1 showing reinforces his reputation as one of the format’s most consistent and dangerous players. Backed by over $445,000 in live earnings, he’s looking to add Irish Open glory to his growing résumé.
Hot on his heels are fellow heavy-hitters Kai Lehto, Shane Reihill, and Bernard Larabi, all of whom will return for Day 2 with healthy stacks and eyes on the title. With the field trimmed down and the money bubble looming with 11 paid, the stage is set for an explosive finish in one of the festival’s premier events.
Cash Payouts:
1. €104,400
2.€67,300
3. €48,100
4. €37,000
5. €28,450
6. €22,600
7. €18,100
8. €14,450
9. €11,600
11-10. €9,250
The action resumes in level 14 with blinds of 3,000-6,000 and a big blind ante of 6,000, leaving plenty of wiggle room en route to crowning a champion. Catch all the action on the final day of the event at the Royal Dublin Society as of 1 p.m. local time today.
