Dublin beats London as best place in Europe for poker

Dublin has pipped English capital London to be named as the best place in Europe to play poker.

Vienna, Amsterdam and Barcelona named third, fourth and fifth places respectively on the awarded the title of European Poker Capital 2008 by industry bible Bluff Europe Magazine.

There was high praise for Dublin’s lively and friendly poker scene, as well as the wealth of clubs and tournaments available to the poker-playing public.

Poker is also growing steadily on a grassroots level in the city through poker societies and pub poker leagues. Dublin is also home to the Irish Open, the oldest and most revered tournament in Europe.

Last year’s contest saw Dublin come in a respectable second to London but this year the Irish capital was the city that most impressed the Bluff Europe panel.

“Last year, in recognition of the inaugural WSOPE and the general health of its burgeoning poker scene, we chose London as the place to be,” said Philip Conneller, Editor of Bluff Europe.

“This induced a lot of snickering from across the Irish Sea, where they’re rightfully very protective of their fantastic poker scene. But this year there was really only one candidate.”

“Gentleman” Liam Flood, who has been a stalwart of Irish poker since he helped introduce Hold’em to Ireland in the 70s, was delighted with the news.

“It’s because of the craic,” he explained, when asked him to describe what he felt was special about poker in Dublin. “There’s a sense of community. We find that a few drinks after the game helps you relax, too.”