Pablo Brito Silva Steals Show As Irish Poker Open Plays Out Online

April 13th, 2020 | by Jason Reynolds

Pablo Brito Silva is the new Irish Poker Open champion and over $500,000 richer after beating a field of 2,945 entrants.

Pablo Brito Silva, pictured here winning in South America, is the 2020 Irish Poker Open champion. (Image: Partypoker)

The Brazilian was one of the many international players taking advantage of this year’s online event.

With coronavirus forcing the organizers to make alternative arrangements, a record number of players paid the €1,100/$1,185 entry fee.

Pros Out in Force for Online Irish Poker Open

Alongside hundreds of satellite qualifiers and recreational players, many of poker’s top pros anted up. But, by the time April 12 rolled around, only two familiar faces remained.

Streamer Parker Talbot was one. Former EPT Barcelona champion was the other. At the start of the final session, both were in contention but the man to beat was Sihao Zhang.

The Luxembourg native was way out in front with 51 left and put in a strong performance to remain among the top stacks. However, in the end, all would succumb to the blinds and Silva.

With Middleton, Parker and, eventually, Zhang out of the way, Silva got to work. Adopting an aggressive style, his seemingly reckless play delighted those watching via Twitch.

His tactics also proved effective against Andras Nemeth. Although final fight was a back-and-forth affair, Silva ultimately came out on top.

Straight for Silva Seals It

Following a series of bets and calls during the final hand, both players found themselves made a bid for glory on the turn. With the board showing J♣8♦4♣T♦, Nemeth pressed the action with J♦T♣. Silva called immediately with 9♥7♣ and it was off to the river.

With one card to come, Silva was ahead with a straight but a ten or jack could have sent the pot to Nemeth. Unfortunately for the Hungarian, neither came. The 3♥ on the river brought the hand and the match to an end.

2020 Irish Poker Open Main Event Result

1 – Pablo Brito Silva – $504,777

2 – Andras Nemeth – $352,793

3 – Sihao Zhang – $227,891

4 – Eduardo Silva – $150,676

5 – Gerard Finlay – $104,325

6 – Tom Middleton – $71,294

7 – Parker Talbot – $45,647

8 – Shaun Conroy – $31,500

The win was Silva’s second of 2020. Taking part in Event #7 at the Partypoker Live Millions South America, Silva was able to outlast 464 players to take the title. As well as a trophy and his name in lights, the victory earned the Brazilian a career-high payday worth $1 million.

Buoyed by that success, Silva took advantage of the Irish Poker Open being online this year. Whether he would have made the trip to Ireland under normal circumstances isn’t known. However, with lockdown creating unique opportunities, he seized the moment and now has a second major title in his collection.