THE WORLD of poker is governed by one thing and one thing only - money.
This meant that when some 1,000 players from across the world congregated in Dublin for a weekend of card related debauchery, liquid currency and access to cash ranked highly among their priorities.
Although the five-day Paddy Power Irish Open poker tournament was winding to an end yesterday evening, a major panic broke out in the lobby of the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, when the ATM declared it was out of cash.
An uneducated onlooker might think four days of poker would be enough for most punters. However, one forlorn-looking English player stood next to the cash machine wondering where his next drink and cash for the final day was going to come from.
"What am I supposed to do? I spent my float for yesterday and now I can't get any more lolly out. At this stage I don't mind missing out on playing cards, but if I can't have a few pints before I go home I think I'll go barmy."
Away from the ATM drama, the business end of the weekend's main event, which had a hefty €4,500 entry fee and a generous €3 million prize pool, was coming to pass.
The popularity of poker has grown exponentially in recent years and the Irish Open is regarded as an important event on the international poker calendar.
About 10 per cent of the tournament field made a return on their money, but the final two of the 667 entrants had a substantial sum to fight over yesterday.
Beneath the watching eyes of a plethora of cameras, English professional Neil Channing held a commanding chip lead over Donal Norton from Ireland. Both men were guaranteed at least €420,000, but the pressure of securing the title, and the novelty-sized €801,400 cheque for first place, ensured there was still plenty to play for.
A short while into their "heads up" battle all the chips were pushed into the middle of the table. Neil turned up an ace and a nine, while Donal showed a pair of fives.
Both men shook hands and when the dealer paired Neil's ace, a beaming new champion was crowned.
"It's a fantastic title to win and the money is a nice touch, but I don't think it's going to change me. I've played poker 300 times a year for the last eight years and I'll continue to do that in the future.
"I backed myself in the event for €500 at 100/1 as well, so I'd like to thank Paddy Power for a very nice weekend," Neil said.
