Playtech’s iPoker network has launched its online satellite series for the 2027 Irish Open in Dublin, with nearly 30 brands participating and qualifiers running from September 2026 through March 2027
More than six months before cards hit the felt in Dublin, Playtech’s iPoker network has already thrown open the gates for its 2027 Irish Open online qualifiers. The campaign’s early start signals a determined push to surpass last year’s record, when over 800 players won their way into the Main Event through iPoker satellites alone.
Operator Lineup and Brand Shifts
This year’s satellite drive features a crowded field of nearly 30 participating brands, including Grosvenor Poker, Bet365, Betfred, Betsson, Betsafe, Guts, Fortuna and Coolbet. Notably, Paddy Power and Sky Poker are still in the mix for now, but both are expected to exit the iPoker network and join the PokerStars Network (PSN) later in 2026. Betfair has already made that move, leaving iPoker for PSN last month. These shifts reflect ongoing realignments among major poker operators as they jockey for position ahead of the festival.
Satellite Schedule and Festival Dates
Online qualifiers began on September 7, 2026, and will continue through March 8, 2027. That end date lands just over a week before the Irish Open itself, which is set to run from March 18 to March 29 at the Royal Dublin Society in Dublin. The extended satellite window gives players across Europe and beyond a lengthy runway to secure their seats, with dozens of daily and weekly qualifiers expected across the network’s brands.
Record Participation and Player Impact
Last year’s campaign sent more than 800 iPoker qualifiers to the Irish Open Main Event, a figure that set a new benchmark for the network. With the expanded operator roster and a longer qualifying period, the 2027 edition is positioned to push that number even higher. For players, the practical effect is clear: more opportunities to win a Main Event seat at a fraction of the direct buy-in, but also a more crowded field of competitors vying for the same prize packages. The shifting brand landscape means some regulars may need to adjust where they play satellites as operators migrate between networks.
In poker, a satellite is a qualifying tournament that awards entry to a larger event—often with a much higher buy-in—rather than a direct cash prize. Online satellites have become a primary route for many players to access major live tournaments like the Irish Open, allowing a wide range of bankrolls to compete for coveted seats. The structure and frequency of these qualifiers can significantly influence both the size and composition of the Main Event field, making early access and operator participation a key factor in the annual poker calendar.
