JP McCann, the Chief Executive Officer of IPF Entertainment Ltd., reflected on his initial impressions of the SiGMA Poker Tour in Malta and the value of mixing “business and pleasure” offered at this event. This special combination, he stated, distinguishes the SiGMA Poker Tour and makes it a must-attend for gaming industry professionals and aspiring poker players.
“The organisation blew me away, what they’ve done, all the affiliates that were there, all the partners there, everything that was there. It was unbelievable,” JP said, reflecting on the event’s scale and execution.
JP reflected that the Malta edition does a great job of connecting professionals from all parts of the industry, allowing for collaboration, collective learning, and community development. He indicated that the next SiGMA Poker event would be taking place in Rome, supporting the brand’s global reach.
Playing philosophy and approach
Discussing his personal approach to poker, JP described it as a game for enjoyment rather than one driven purely by competitive stakes.
“So I play for fun. I wouldn’t be a serious player. Twenty years ago, I played a bit; now I’m too busy to play regularly. If I play, I might play at my club or during an event,” he explained.
For JP, the social aspect of poker is equally, if not more, important than the game itself. Casual interactions at the table, drinks, and conversation allow him to forge new friendships and strengthen industry connections.
Community and culture in poker
JP also reflected on the broader poker community and the importance of creating memorable experiences for players. Drawing on his work with the Irish Open since 2016, he described a shift from purely business-focused events to those incorporating entertainment and social engagement. This shift, he emphasised, has injected a new level of excitement and anticipation into poker events.
“When we took over the Irish Open, it was at a low point. We introduced music, comedy, and other activities. Some attendees don’t even play poker during the 12-day event; they come for the experience,” he said.
JP emphasised that building a sense of community and offering a “fun economy” adds value to the player experience. Celebrating victories or providing comfort after losses strengthens loyalty and encourages participants to return, often bringing new players with them.
Impact on the industry
The philosophical approach JP advocates has been recognised in the industry as well. The Irish Open has been nominated for the SiGMA Awards and the Global Poker Awards under his leadership. This model merges professionalism with entertainment in an effort to build long-lasting engagement as opposed to focusing solely on the prize pool or the technical aspects of gameplay.
In JP’s view, the combination of business, community, and fun ensures that poker events remain relevant, appealing, and growth-oriented. His approach reinforces the notion that industry events are as much about people as they are about the game itself.
SiGMA engagement
The SiGMA Poker Tour, as exemplified by JP’s experience, represents a case where networking, culture, and community converge with professional development. The Malta edition shows the benefits of bringing different parts of the industry together, leading to valuable experiences and lasting relationships.
For additional information on SiGMA events and the Poker Tour, please refer to the SiGMA website.
