Padraig Parkinson

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Padraig Parkinson

Nickname(s)	Cantona
Hometown	Paris, France
World Series of Poker
Bracelet(s)	None
Money finishes	6
Highest ITM main event finish	3rd, 1999
World Poker Tour
Titles	None
Final tables	0
Money finishes	6
European Poker Tour
Titles	None
Final tables	0
Money finishes	1

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Padraig Parkinson is an Irish professional poker player. He is chiefly recognised as the grand final winner of Late Night Poker series 5 (where he defeated Korosh Nejad) and as the third-place finisher of the 1999 World Series of Poker, where he lost to fellow countryman Noel Furlong.

Originally, Padraig refused to play in Late Night Poker, as he did not wish to have his cards shown to the audience. His mood changed when money was added to the prize pool, and sponsorship also became a factor. In his heat, Padraig was actually the favourite with 2/1 odds against series 3 champion Phil Hellmuth's 5/2 odds. Despite this, Padraig bet on Ken Lennaárd (who finished 2nd) at 6/1. Despite the fact that Hellmuth admitted he could see Padraig's cards during the heat, Padraig went on to win.

Padraig still plays numerous tournaments and has money finishes in both the World Poker Tour and European Poker Tour. He also finds time to commentate on poker events including the Poker Nations Cup and the PartyPoker.com Football & Poker Legends Cup.

As of 2008 his total live tournament winnings exceed $1,300,000.

Padraig is married to Veronique and resides in Paris.

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[edit] Trivia

Parkinson received his nickname "Cantona" based on football player Eric Cantona. Parkinson says this is as "[he] tends to drift in and out of the game a little bit and [he]'s likely to do something either brilliant or stupid."
Parkinson supports Manchester United