Poker Titan Steve O’Dwyer Schools Students in €5 University Poker Tournament


- Fact Checked by: PokerListings
- Last updated on: November 28, 2024 · 2 minutes to read
Imagine sitting down for a casual €5 poker game at your university, only to realize you’re up against Steve O’Dwyer — one of the most accomplished players in poker history. That was the reality for students at Dublin City University (DCU) last night as O’Dwyer, alongside PokerStars Ambassador Fintan Hand, poker author Dara O’Kearney, and Thomas Murphy, joined the DCU Poker Society for its Punters vs. Pros event.
With over $45 million in career earnings and fresh off a $1.1 million haul from Triton events earlier this month, O’Dwyer swapped high-stakes tables for student-level camaraderie. But make no mistake — his competitive edge remained sharp as ever.
Poker Stars Meet Students for a Memorable Night
The €5 buy-in event attracted 118 eager participants, many of whom were thrilled at the opportunity to test their skills against poker professionals. With a €20 bounty placed on Steve O’Dwyer, courtesy of Hand, the tournament was as entertaining as it was competitive. Beyond the bounties, prizes included €200 tickets to the JP Main Event and Unibet Poker online tickets.
Although the early rounds were filled with laughter and banter, the final stages of the tournament were fiercely competitive. O’Dwyer’s focus sharpened as he reached the final table, demonstrating the strategic depth and calm demeanor that have defined his illustrious career.
I’m the king of student poker in Ireland. Last month the poker club at the University of Galway invited me to play and I finished 5th/70. Tonight I visited Dublin City University, the alma mater of @EasyWithAces. He put a €20 bounty on me and I came out on top of a field of 100. pic.twitter.com/TO8XGlfKm2
— steveodwyer (@steveodwyer) November 25, 2024
In a testament to his character, Steve O’Dwyer declined to keep the €100 first-place prize, opting instead to donate it to the society’s end-of-year event fund. His gesture underscored his commitment to supporting the development of poker at all levels, from casual home games to the professional circuit.
Steve O’Dwyer: A Champion of Grassroots Poker
This wasn’t O’Dwyer’s first time stepping into the university poker scene. Just weeks earlier, he played in a tournament at the University of Galway, finishing 5th. His continued engagement with student poker demonstrates his appreciation for the grassroots community and the potential it holds for the future of the game.

For the students at DCU, the opportunity to play against a poker legend was an unforgettable experience. Whether battling for €5 or millions, the game remains a test of skill, wit, and strategy — an enduring reminder of poker’s universal appeal.
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