After years of listening to my poker pals rave about it, I lastly attended the Grosvenor Goliath in Coventry, UK, final week. I’m excited to share my first-hand expertise with you!
What’s the Grosvenor Goliath Poker Match?
The Grosvenor Goliath first launched within the UK in 2011 with the mission of providing a low buy-in occasion with a large discipline. Since its inception, the Goliath has lived as much as its promise, with the 2023 occasion setting a document of 11,493 entries and a staggering £1.37 million prize pool.
After a two-year break throughout COVID, Grosvenor On line casino made it clear that this iconic UK poker occasion would return greater and higher. They have been proper—the 2022 Goliath noticed 10,584 entries, with the most important ever first prize winner, Kyle Jeffrey, taking house £200,000 from a £150 buy-in.
And to no shock the Goliath 2024 broke all data once more with a large entry of 11,749 entries and a prize pool of £1,879,840!
Will Watkins Wins File-Breaking Goliath
Grosvenor Goliath 2024 Poker Match Data
This 12 months, there was some concern about whether or not a £200 buy-in improve would have an effect on participation. Grosvenor On line casino partnered with PokerStars to run satellites main as much as the occasion. Listed here are the important thing particulars for Goliath 2024:
*ICM deal was made between last 9 gamers.
Our Expertise on the 2024 Goliath
Becoming a member of me for my first Goliath was my son, Kai, who had by no means performed a stay poker event earlier than. With a £200 entry charge, I assumed this could be a good way to introduce him to stay poker with out breaking the financial institution.
We determined to play the ultimate Day 1 on Friday, which we have been warned could possibly be the busiest day for entries—and it was! Friday noticed over 2,000 entries, with an environment just like a WSOP Colossus occasion.
We had already signed up for Grosvenor On line casino memberships at our native on line casino, so after we arrived at 10 a.m. for the 11 a.m. begin, there was solely a brief queue to get in. After checking in, we obtained our wristbands and have been able to go!
Attending to the Venue
The Grosvenor Coventry On line casino is positioned within the Coventry Constructing Society Enviornment, house to Coventry Metropolis Soccer Membership and Wasps RFC. The venue is well accessible from the motorway, and I used to be pleasantly shocked by the ample, free parking. The sector can also be accessible by prepare, with a station simply exterior and a brief stroll to the on line casino entrance.
The Venue
The on line casino is located contained in the Coventry Constructing Society Enviornment. After checking in by the principle entrance, a few escalators lead you right down to the principle on line casino flooring, which is spacious and crammed with desk video games and slots. The money video games have been positioned simply off the principle flooring, and although we didn’t play, I heard from pals that they have been full of life and filled with motion.
The primary Goliath event space was well-organized, with clear signage, loads of house, and huge screens displaying seat and desk numbers.
The Goliath Environment
Taking part in on the busiest Day 1 flight, G, the environment was electrical. The joy within the air jogged my memory of decrease buy-in occasions on the WSOP in Vegas, just like the Colossus. The Goliath actually felt just like the WSOP Foremost Occasion for UK low-stakes gamers, with a large discipline filled with UK locals dreaming of constructing a deep run.
The Meals and Drinks
The food and drinks choices on the Goliath have been wonderful. A bar and meals corridor in the midst of the occasion space supplied quite a lot of selections, with loads of seating. Because the designated driver, I appreciated the free scorching drinks and delicate drinks for all gamers. The bar service was fast regardless of the big crowd, and the meals choices included freshly baked pizzas, burgers, nachos, scorching canine, and a choice of sweets.
We had lunch on the meals corridor, which we loved, however there’s additionally a retail park subsequent to the world with further meals choices.
The Poker
The poker itself was as anticipated—a 25k beginning stack with 30-minute ranges. The sphere was principally leisure gamers, a lot of whom have been UK locals. I acknowledged a number of faces from the UK poker circuit and noticed many sellers from different occasions. The environment on the tables was pleasant, with gamers sharing hand histories and unhealthy beat tales.
This 12 months’s Goliath additionally featured satellites by each Grosvenor Poker and PokerStars, permitting gamers to qualify for as little as £5. Many gamers I spoke to had gained their entries this manner, contributing to the document turnout.
Sadly, my Goliath expertise ended after a couple of hours, however my son Kai managed to remain in for a lot of the day. I used to be grateful to the gamers at his desk for serving to him with hints and suggestions, because it was his first stay occasion.
The Gamers
Total, I used to be pleasantly shocked by the extent of play. Whereas the sphere wasn’t pro-heavy, the usual of play was good, with minimal tanking or time-wasting. Grosvenor’s group of professionals participated, and I noticed a couple of acquainted faces from different native occasions. The Goliath is a improbable alternative for low-stakes gamers to expertise a well-organized poker pageant.
Ultimate Ideas of the 2024 Goliath
After leaving the Goliath, I can actually say we each had a improbable expertise. The venue was simply accessible, registration was simple, and the on line casino’s amenities have been greater than ample for the large crowd.
For any UK poker gamers, I extremely suggest marking the Goliath in your calendar annually. It actually is the WSOP Foremost Occasion for UK low-stakes and leisure gamers. The environment is improbable, and the gamers are pleasant and useful, particularly for first-timers.
The Finest Elements About Our Time on the Goliath
Friendliness of the gamers – The UK poker neighborhood is flourishing, with pleasant vibes and useful gamers, particularly for newcomers.Professionalism of the employees – All of the employees have been well mannered and courteous, regardless of the lengthy, tiring week. Everybody from event administrators to bar employees had smiles on their faces, including to the optimistic expertise.Fast registration time – Registering on-line was a sensible transfer, because the Friday flights have been very busy. The Goliath allowed re-buys, and the alternate lists moved shortly.YouTube and Twitch protection – Grosvenor did a terrific job with their on-line protection of the Goliath. The commentary by The Tower and Jay was top-notch.Location – Coventry is an ideal location for the Goliath, centrally positioned and simply accessible by street, rail, or aircraft. The on line casino’s dimension and the adjoining retail park with free parking have been spectacular.
The Worst Half About Our Time on the Goliath
Registrations and re-entries – The one draw back for some could be the lengthy registration traces. Nevertheless, the employees dealt with the large crowd effectively. Pre-registering and getting a Grosvenor On line casino membership beforehand is very advisable.Busting too early – On a private be aware, I wanted I had lasted longer within the event, however my precedence was making certain my son had a terrific first-time stay poker expertise, which he did.
Be There for the 2025 Grosvenor Goliath!
So, will I be making the journey to Coventry once more subsequent 12 months? Completely! Your entire Goliath expertise was nice, and I plan to carry the remainder of my household, together with my spouse and daughter, to doubtlessly play their first stay poker pageant.
There are additionally many different occasions in the course of the pageant, like the women’ occasion and the GUKPT Foremost Occasion. I hope Grosvenor continues its partnership with PokerStars and presents extra satellites for Goliath 2025. The pageant is bound to develop much more within the coming years.
A giant shout-out to all of the employees concerned in organizing such a key occasion within the UK poker calendar. I extremely suggest the expertise to gamers of all ranges—it’s a good way to make new pals within the UK poker scene and meet up with outdated ones you’ve solely met on-line earlier than.
