Alan Smurfit
Childhood
Details about Alan Smurfit’s early life and childhood are scarce in public records. He was Irish by nationality and later resided in Miami, Florida. His exact birth date is approximated around 1943, but further specifics about his upbringing are not widely documented.
Career
Alan Smurfit was an Irish retiree who gained significant recognition in the poker world, particularly for his achievement at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Despite being a newcomer to the WSOP, he won a prestigious WSOP bracelet in his very first event in 2007, capturing the $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha tournament. This victory was notable not only because it was his first WSOP event but also due to the challenging circumstances: when the final table began, Smurfit was last in chips with only $95,000, while his closest competitor had ten times that amount. The final table lasted over nine hours, and the heads-up play extended to 167 hands, making it one of the longest in WSOP history.
Before his WSOP success, Smurfit had been active in tournament poker for many years. He appeared on television in The Gaming Club World Poker Championship in 2004 and had multiple money finishes in the World Poker Tour (WPT). Notably, he reached the TV bubble finish for season 4’s Mirage Poker Showdown and won the Palm Beach CelebPoker Classic in 2005. His live tournament winnings exceeded $1,000,000 as of 2008.
Personal life
Alan Smurfit was the brother of Sir Michael Smurfit, KBE, who owned the K-Club, one of Ireland’s most prestigious golf courses and resorts. Alan himself owned the K-Club before retiring. He lived in Miami, Florida, during his later years. He passed away suddenly on 13 September 2020 at the age of 77.
Revenue
Alan Smurfit’s live tournament earnings surpassed $1,000,000 by 2008. His most lucrative single event was his 2007 WSOP Pot Limit Omaha win, where he earned $464,867.
Interesting facts
Smurfit’s WSOP bracelet win came in his first-ever WSOP event, a rare feat in the poker world.
The heads-up battle at the 2007 WSOP final table lasted 167 hands, making it one of the longest in the history of the series.
Despite being a newcomer to the WSOP, Smurfit had a long history of tournament poker, including televised appearances and multiple money finishes in major poker tours.
His brother, Sir Michael Smurfit, is a notable figure in business and hospitality, owning the K-Club in Ireland.
Legacy
Alan Smurfit is remembered as a skilled and resilient poker player who made a significant impact despite entering the WSOP scene later in life. His victory demonstrated that experience and perseverance could triumph even when starting as an underdog. His success story continues to inspire poker enthusiasts who believe in the possibility of breakthrough wins regardless of age or prior fame.
Frequently asked Questions
Alan Smurfit won his World Series of Poker bracelet in 2007 at the $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha event, which was his first WSOP tournament.
The final table lasted over nine hours, with the heads-up play alone extending to 167 hands, one of the longest in WSOP history.
Before focusing on poker, Smurfit was a businessman and the owner of the K-Club in Ireland, a prestigious golf course and resort.
He earned $464,867 from his 2007 WSOP Pot Limit Omaha victory.
Yes, his brother is Sir Michael Smurfit, KBE, a prominent businessman and owner of the K-Club.
