Ireland's largest poker tournament ended Monday night with Londoner James Mitchell winning $800,000 at the expense of Irishman Paul Carr.

The Paddy Power Irish Poker Open spanned three days and had a playing field of over 708 players and a prize pool of nearly $3 million.

Limerick man Paul Carr is a blind fitter by trade and at one point looked set to win the Open. However as his chips dwindled, Carr pushed all in on the flop with a Queen and a five and was called by Mitchell who had an Ace and an 8.

Mitchell was declared the winner with triple eights and Carr went home with a massive $429,000 for a second place finish.

Several celebrities that took part in the Open were Irish soccer hero Tony Cascarino, former Manchester United star Teddy Sheringham, and former snooker world champion Ken Doherty.


Former World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold was also in attendance but he failed to finish in the money.

Carr had bought his ticket from a friend who was unable to attend. Although he was short stacked on Friday, he battled through to the final table.

"I expected to win it coming up here," Carr said afterwards.