Oxford – 6th December 2017

Ireland won the International Federation of Match Poker Nations Cup after seeing off the challenge of second placed Italy and third placed Spain in the final which capped three days of intensive high-level play Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire.

The tournament brought together some of the world’s leading match poker players representing eight nations along with a ‘Digital Nation’ invitational team.

Aside from the top three, The UK, India and Digital Nation qualified for the final session with Germany, Austria and Mexico failing to make the cut.

The Nations Cup is the leading international tournament organised by the International Federation of Match Poker (IFMP) which was granted Observer Status of the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) earlier this year.

Match Poker was devised and developed by IFMP as a team-based mind sport where the element of chance inherent in the “random draw of cards” has been removed. There is no gambling in Match Poker and the sport is available to players of all ages and genders worldwide.

IFMP has successfully developed the Match Poker technology including innovative use of smartphones in game-play and administration, making Match Poker a true 21st century mind sport.

Patrick Nally, President of IFMP, said the Nations Cup tournament was a significant milestone in the development of the sport.

“The tournament reflected how far we have come in every respect,” he said.

“The atmosphere created by the camaraderie among players from all over the world who were happy to compete for the honour of representing the countries was simply outstanding. Together with the levels of skills and commitment of the players this made for an event which celebrated all that is best in sport.”

The Nations Cup trophy was presented to Ireland captain Andy Black – also the tournament’s top player- at a dinner at Balliol College, Oxford.

“My thanks go to all the players and everybody involved in making this a milestone event,” said Patrick Nally.

IFMP plans to make the Nations Cup an annual event contested by the winners of regional contests in Asia, The Americas and Europe.