When it comes to the evolution of poker in Ireland, no name stands taller than Terry Rogers. A maverick bookmaker, and passionate poker enthusiast, Rogers is widely credited with laying the foundation for Ireland’s vibrant poker culture.
His efforts culminated in the creation of the Irish Poker Open—now the second-oldest poker tournament in the world after the World Series of Poker (WSOP). This is the story of a man whose passion and foresight helped bring Texas Hold’em to Europe and introduced Ireland to the global poker stage.
Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Terry Rogers was born on July 22, 1928. He began his career as a bookmaker at the age of 19. His sharp business acumen led to a successful bookmaking career, but his true passion lay elsewhere.
An enthusiastic player, Rogers once famously claimed, “I have been the greatest single factor in the worldwide spread of competitive poker.” He had a deep understanding of poker, especially the five-card draw variant, which was particularly popular in Ireland during the 1960s and early 70s.
According to his friend and fellow bookmaker, Rogers began organizing charity poker tournaments in the early 1970s. These events attracted between 100 to 300 players, each paying buy-ins ranging from £100 to £200 to play a five-card draw. These charity games laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a historic poker series.
Founding the Irish Poker Open
Throughout the 1970s, Rogers frequently traveled to America on business. In 1979, during one such trip, he visited Las Vegas and witnessed the World Series of Poker firsthand. At the time, the WSOP was still a relatively small event, attended mainly by hardcore poker professionals.
During that visit, Rogers met WSOP founder Benny Binion, along with poker legends like Doyle Brunson. Inspired by what he saw, Rogers returned to Ireland determined to bring a similar event to his homeland, as well as introducing a completely new variant to his people.
At the time, draw and stud poker were still dominant, but Rogers recognized the growing excitement surrounding Texas No-Limit Hold’em. In 1980, he hosted the first-ever Irish Poker Open at Dublin’s Eccentric Club Casino. The tournament was won by Colette Doherty, who would go on to become the first European woman to play in the WSOP, later that same year.
Terry Rogers’ Contributions To Poker
Although the Irish Poker Open initially gained modest attention, it wasn’t until 1984 that the series truly exploded in popularity. Leveraging his relationships with high-stakes American players, Rogers invited major poker stars like two-time WSOP Main Event Champion Stu Ungar, Tom McEvoy, Doyle Brunson, and Chip Reese to participate in the 1984 edition.
That year’s £1,000 Main Event attracted major television and press coverage from Irish media outlets, propelling the Irish Poker Open into the national spotlight. Thanks to Rogers’ vision and network, the tournament became an iconic staple in European poker.
Terry Rogers’ Poker Legacy
Terry Rogers passed away in 1999, but his legacy endures. The Irish Poker Open has grown into one of the most respected poker tournaments in the world, consistently drawing top international talent.
Rogers is remembered not just as the man who brought Hold’em to Ireland, but as a pioneer who bridged the gap between poker and Ireland, giving the country a global poker stage.
The Irish Poker Open recently completed its 40th Anniversary, and is still thriving and growing among players from all over the world.
Keep following PokerProNews for more such inspiring stories of poker industry persons who left rich legacy behind them.
Source – DICTIONARY OF IRISH BIOGRAPHY & Irish Poker Open Blog
