Bubble boy

Probably the worst position to be eliminated from any poker tournament is on the bubble – that fateful position just before the prize money kicks in. It’s maybe even worse than going out first.

It’s bad enough when it’s in your home game, what about when it’s in the biggest live tournament the world has ever seen?

The last person knocked out of the World Series of Poker Main Event before the money – traditionally know as ‘bubble boy’ – whistles an unhappy tune. It is a lament of love and loathing – $10,000 invested: return on investment $0.

Poker is a cruel game and this one of its harshest lessons. A player can go deep into a tournament, begin to dream about a big payday, and bang, it’s all taken away.

But this year, paddypowerpoker.com reaches out with a sympathetic hand to ‘bubble boy’, offering him another shot.

Hoa Mahn Nguyen from Sunnyvale, California, is coming to the Irish Open 2007 – Europe’s largest and most historic no limit hold ‘em tournament. If paddypowerpoker.com can find him!

The company is appealing to the poker community to help track down the elusive Hoa Mahn Nguyen.

Call us, call him, email his brother, pass a note to his aunt, do whatever it takes to get Hoa Mahn to Dublin over Easter weekend for the Irish Open 2007. His package includes a ticket into the main event, flights and accommodation.

This year’s event, which will be filmed for TV, is the biggest in Europe with a €2 million guaranteed prize pool and a capacity for 800 players paying €3,300 (+€200 reg) to play over Easter Weekend 2007 against the best players in the world.

What sets the Irish Open apart from other poker tournaments is its historic legacy, unique atmosphere, famous Irish hospitality, and legendary reputation for camaraderie and ‘craic’.

Last year, Dubliner Vincent Melinn won the €350,000 first prize in only his second ever live tournament and the final table was broadcast live across Europe — a world’s first.