Marty Smyth

Childhood

Marty Smyth’s introduction to poker began in his early teens, playing small-stake games with friends during school lunchtimes. His interest in the game deepened over the years, and by the age of 22, during a weekend trip to a Dublin casino, he discovered Omaha and Texas Hold'em poker variants. This experience marked the beginning of his serious engagement with poker.

Career

Smyth turned professional in 2002, coinciding with the online poker boom. He regularly played small cash games and tournaments, gradually building his reputation and skill. His breakthrough came in 2007 when he won the Irish Poker Open, Europe's oldest and largest poker tournament, defeating a record field of 708 players and earning €650,000. This victory was not only financially rewarding but also life-changing for Smyth.

In 2008, Smyth further cemented his status by winning the prestigious $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha World Championship at the WSOP, earning $859,532 and securing his first WSOP bracelet. The final hand of the tournament showcased his strategic prowess, as he outmaneuvered his opponent with a winning flush on the river card. Additionally, Smyth achieved remarkable success in the Poker Million tournament, reaching the final table three consecutive times from 2006 to 2008. He finished sixth in 2006, second in 2007, and won the $1,000,000 first prize in 2008, underscoring his consistency and skill at high-stakes poker events.

In March 2008, Smyth signed a sponsorship deal with Boylepoker.com, an Irish-based online poker company, reflecting his growing prominence in the poker community.

Personal life

Marty Smyth currently resides in Belfast with his fiancée Karen. Known for his affable and approachable personality, Smyth is widely regarded as one of the nicest figures in the poker world. Despite his success, he maintains a grounded lifestyle and continues to engage in both online and live poker games.

Revenue

As of 2009, Marty Smyth’s total live tournament winnings exceeded $3.7 million, with his WSOP cashes accounting for over $860,000 of that sum. His victories in major tournaments such as the Irish Poker Open, Poker Million, and WSOP have contributed substantially to his earnings.

Interesting facts

• Smyth is the only Irish player to have won a WSOP bracelet in the Pot Limit Omaha event.
• He has reached the final table of the Poker Million tournament three times consecutively, a record achievement.
• Smyth considers his WSOP bracelet win as his biggest personal achievement, while describing the Irish Poker Open victory as the most life-changing moment in his career.
• He prefers playing high-stakes online cash games but also participates in multi-table tournaments when the mood suits.
  

Legacy

Marty Smyth’s career has helped elevate the profile of Irish poker on the international stage. His successes have inspired many aspiring poker players from Ireland and beyond. His professionalism and sportsmanship have earned him nominations for European Poker Awards, including Player of the Year and Best Tournament Performance in 2008.