Polish Player Watches €100K Bonus Vanish as Irish Player Claims Dublin Title

McGrath wins European Deepstack Championship; Grubka's online qualifier status makes the near-miss all the more costly

DUBLIN — Gavin McGrath won the €700 European Deepstack Championship at the Dublin Poker Festival, taking home €55,065 and denying Polish player Krzysztof Grubka a €100,000 Live Champion Bonus from WPT Global in the process.

Grubka had earned his seat through a WPT Global online satellite, which made him eligible for the platform's bonus awarded to any qualifier who goes on to win the live event outright. A victory would have meant a combined €155,065 payday. The two finalists attempted to negotiate a deal with both the title and the bonus still on the table, but no agreement was reached and play continued.

A 6-to-1 Chip Deficit That Proved Too Much

McGrath held a 6-to-1 chip lead when heads-up began. With negotiations broken off, it did not take long. Grubka was eliminated in second place, collecting €34,860.

The runner-up prize still marks a significant result for the Polish player. Per The Hendon Mob, it is the second-largest live cash of his career and his best finish since 2009, when he took down the European Masters of Poker for €95,000. The run also pushes his lifetime live earnings past $200,000.

From Four Cashes to a Championship

McGrath arrived in Dublin with a thin tournament resume. His four previous recorded cashes, two in 2022 and two in 2024, all came in Ireland. His previous best score was $10,992, and his career earnings stood at just $14,201 heading into the event.

He leaves with a first recorded title and a career-best payday.

The tournament drew 475 entries, surpassing its €200,000 guarantee to build a €285,665 prize pool, with 63 players finishing in the money.

Final Table Results