Ciaran ‘Big C’ O’Leary, paddy power poker brand ambassador, emerged as chip leader following the first semi-final of the Poker Million in London, England.  O’Leary, who joined an elite club of Irish WSOP bracelet holders when he won the $1,500 No Limit holdem Event 3 of the WSOP 2007, takes 339,000 chips through to the Poker Million final.  The event will be shown live on Sky Sports 3 from 7pm on Friday, December 12th.

The affable Corkman was joined by compatriot Liam ‘The Gentleman’ Flood and Kevin Allen in making it through the semi-final tournament, with all eyes focused on the $1,000,000 first prize on offer Friday night.  The other prizes to be won range from $75,000 for sixth up to $260,000 for second.

“We are thrilled with Ciaran’s performance in the Poker Million; he won his heat outright and finished chip leader in his semi-final”, said Eric Booth, Head of Poker at paddy power poker.  “He’s well placed to power his way to victory on Friday and has been boosted by all the support received from paddy power poker players, both on the poker tables and via his official blog. Hopefully he is giving us a preview of what to expect of him next April at the paddy power poker Irish Open; we’d love to see his name on the Terry Rogers Memorial Trophy!”