Vote Robinson!

With Neil Channing and Richard Ashby picking up silverware in last month's British Poker Awards, Black Belt Poker are on the verge of adding yet more trophies to the cupboard at the Irish version of the event.

Scheduled for Sunday, October 17, 2010, at the Regency Hotel in Dublin, the Irish Poker Awards sees some of the Emerald Isle's hottest poker talent congregate into one room, and celebrate a year of poker achievements.

Although Irish legends Donnacha O'Dea, Andy Black and Padraig Parkinson are up for awards, Black Belt Poker's Owen Robinson has been nominated in two categories: 'Break Out Year' and 'Player of the Year', both of which will be chosen by readers.

28-years of age from Wexford Town in the south east of Ireland, Owen is a part-time poker player who, until recently, worked an office job at the local council. Due to government wage bill cuts, he’s currently undertaking a voluntary subsided career break for three years in order to pursue other ventures. As well as trying to make his way in the poker world, Owen plans on getting an M.A. and travelling parts of the world.

Owen got into poker via a similar route to most, joining a friendly home game with his mates before developing a genuine passion for the game. A naturally competitive individual, Owen is a true student of the game who enjoys all of its nuances and complexities, and is constantly looking to improve his skills.

A product of Grading II, Owen emerged as the biggest winner of the process, earning himself an all-expenses paid package to the Irish Open. In addition, he was fast-tracked to Blue Belt status in our Belt-Up Rewards System, thereby giving him $1,500 in live tournament backing every month.

Over the last several months, Owen has proven to be one of Ireland's best up-and-coming stars, flourishing in online heads-up cash and making the money in three UKIPT Main Event (including 4th in Nottingham for £21,400), the culmination of which led to him finishing fourth on the UKIPT leaderboard.

Now is your chance to reward Owen for his achievement by voting for him at the Irish Poker Awards. Click here to place your vote and help make it a Black Belt Poker trio of awards.