Dara O’Kearney has built a reputation in the poker world as a player defined by consistency, discipline, and a unique mental edge sharpened by years of competitive experience. From ultramarathon running to crushing online satellite tournaments, O’Kearney’s path to poker success has been anything but ordinary—rooted in endurance and executed with remarkable strategic precision.
A Champion Athlete Turned Poker Professional
Before poker, Dara O’Kearney was a decorated endurance athlete. He represented Ireland in international ultramarathon competitions and won multiple long-distance events across Europe. The mindset required to perform at elite athletic levels—patience, mental control, and resilience—later became the foundation of his poker strategy.
When he transitioned into poker in the mid-2000s, O’Kearney brought that same disciplined mindset to the tables. He quickly found a niche in satellite tournaments and online MTTs, where his decision-making process and ability to manage variance set him apart.
Master of Satellite Strategy
O’Kearney is widely considered one of the world’s foremost experts in satellite tournament strategy. He has cashed in hundreds of online satellites and frequently shares insights into this highly specialized format. His ability to understand Independent Chip Modeling (ICM) and risk management in bubble situations has led to exceptional consistency, especially in fields where others falter under pressure.
He co-authored the acclaimed book Poker Satellite Strategy with Barry Carter, which has become a must-read for players looking to navigate satellites effectively. The book helped redefine how players think about late-stage tournament play and survival-oriented decision-making.
Live Tournament Success and Consistency
While O’Kearney is best known for his online play, his live results are also impressive. He has accumulated over $1 million in live tournament earnings, including deep runs in the WSOP, EPT, and other international circuits. He won the 2008 European Deepstack Poker Championship and has continued to post consistent results in both mid- and high-stakes events.
His deep understanding of ICM and tournament theory gives him an edge in final table spots, especially when prize ladders and pay jumps become critical. O’Kearney’s live game is a reflection of his analytical style—methodical, measured, and maximally efficient.
Thought Leader, Author, and Educator
Beyond the felt, Dara O’Kearney is a prolific writer and respected voice in the poker education space. In addition to Poker Satellite Strategy, he has co-authored several books with Barry Carter, including:
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PKO Poker Strategy – covering Progressive Knockout tournaments
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Endgame Poker Strategy – focusing on ICM and final-table play
He also hosts the popular The Chip Race podcast, which features strategy discussions, interviews with top players, and deep dives into the industry’s most important topics. His work has made advanced tournament concepts more accessible for recreational players and professionals alike.
A Model of Professional Discipline
What sets O’Kearney apart is not just his knowledge, but his long-term mindset and professional discipline. Whether discussing bankroll management, volume, or mental game strategies, he promotes sustainable, results-oriented play. He’s an advocate for transparency in poker, ethics in coaching, and maintaining balance as a long-term grinder.
For players looking to build a solid foundation in tournament poker—especially satellites—Dara O’Kearney stands as one of the most reliable and thoughtful voices in the game.
