Ciarán O'Leary

Childhood

Ciarán O'Leary was born on October 27, 1973, in Carrigaline, County Cork, Ireland. Raised in modest circumstances, he is the son of Terry O'Leary, a greyhound trainer, and Sheila O'Leary. Growing up alongside two siblings, Ciarán spent much of his childhood immersed in the world of betting and racing, accompanying his father to various "Point to Point" horse track events, the Cork Greyhound Track, and betting shops throughout County Cork. These early experiences introduced him to the gambling environment, where he often observed games from the sidelines, laying the foundation for his future career in poker.

Career

In 1997, O'Leary moved to the United States as a young poker player with just $1,000. His first night in America saw him winning $3,000 in a poker game at a Boston pub. He then traveled across the country by train, eventually settling in San Francisco. There, he quickly established himself in the San Francisco Bay Area competitive poker scene, earning a reputation for his skill at Lucky Chances poker room, where he secured multiple titles. His nickname "Big C" originated from the frequent mispronunciation of his name.

O'Leary's most significant career achievement came in 2007 at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he won Event #3, a $1,500 No Limit Hold'em tournament. This event attracted 2,998 participants, making it one of the largest live poker tournaments outside of the WSOP Main Events. His victory earned him his first WSOP bracelet and a prize of $727,012. The event was broadcast nationally on ESPN, further elevating his profile in the poker community.

In 2008, O'Leary represented Ireland in the Poker Nations Cup, competing against notable players such as Roland DeWolfe and Marcel Lüske. He finished second in his heat, contributing to Ireland's overall second-place finish behind Great Britain. That same year, he became a brand ambassador. He sponsored professionals for Paddy Power, representing the poker room at major live events and engaging in promotional activities, including blogging for the company.

Personal life

Ciarán O'Leary currently resides in Seattle, Washington. Details about his personal life beyond his residence are not widely publicized.

Revenue

O'Leary's live tournament earnings total approximately $959,056, with his largest single cash being the $727,012 prize from his 2007 WSOP victory. He ranks 28th on the Ireland All-Time Money List and has achieved notable placements in various international poker tournaments.

Interesting facts

O'Leary's nickname "Big C" was given due to the frequent mispronunciation of his first name by fellow players and commentators.

His first poker win in the United States was a $3,000 cash game in a Boston pub on his very first night in the country.

His background is closely connected to the gambling and racing industries through his father's career as a greyhound trainer.

O'Leary has been involved in poker both as a player and as a brand ambassador, bridging competitive play and promotional work.

Legacy

Ciarán O'Leary is recognized as one of Ireland's prominent professional poker players, with a career highlighted by a WSOP bracelet and consistent tournament success. His journey from modest beginnings in County Cork to international poker stages exemplifies the path of a dedicated and skilled player who has contributed to Ireland's presence in the global poker scene.