Seat 3: Padraig O’Neill, 34, Ireland – 1,265,000
Carrying the hopes of the enthusiastic Irish poker community, Padraig O’Neill – known to all as “Smidge” – comes to the final table at EPT Prague a little more than a decade after bursting onto the scene during the early days of the UKIPT.
O’Neill picked up early cashes in Dublin and Newcastle before delivering on his promise back in the Irish capital in 2012. He made the final table, finishing fifth, but with the endorsement of even the eventual winner, who said O’Neill was the best player there.
Since then, O’Neill has steadily progressed through the stakes and picked up tournament cashes across the world. He has been a pro for several years but is eyeing what could potentially be a new biggest tournament score.
The deep run has come at both the very best and the very worst time: O’Neill’'s wife Ciara gave birth to their first child Fionn around six months ago, meaning the new father is obviously missing his family, even as he earns them a tremendous payday. Fionn doesn't yet have a passport (and is a little way short of the age limit for spectators) so family is supporting only from afar.
This is O’Neill's first overseas trip since the new arrival, and he was due home yesterday. However, he has now joined the long list of poker players who have had to rearrange pre-booked flights for the best reason.
There's no doubt that the poker fans of Ireland will be following O’Neill's progress closely. In close to 20 years of the EPT’s existence, Steve O’Dwyer is the only Irishman to win a Main Event. Another win is long overdue and the man proudly representing “Middle of Nowhere, Ireland” (actually, Drumlish, County Longford) could end the wait.