William Watkins Wins Record-Breaking 2024 The Goliath

The Grosvenor UK Poker Tour’s (GUKPT) The Goliath has long been known as the biggest poker tournament outside of Las Vegas, and the 2024 edition continued this tradition by breaking another attendance record in Grosvenor Casino in Coventry, England. This year’s £200 buy-in event, the crown jewel of UK poker, saw an astonishing 11,749 entries, setting a new benchmark.

Among the massive field, it was William Watkins who emerged victorious, lifting the trophy and pocketing an impressive £166,058 for his win. This triumph marks the biggest achievement in Watkins’ poker career, as according to The Hendonmob, he only has one other recorded cash of £320 from the 2022 Goliath.

“It sounds pretty good to be a 2024 Goliath champion, not going to lie. I’m a bit lost for words, really,” Watkins said, reflecting on his remarkable victory. Known among friends as one of the best pub poker players, Watkins was due for a big score on the poker’s grand stage. “It’s life-changing money. For £200, there’s nothing else like it,” he added.

In a thrilling heads-up battle, Watkins defeated Gilbert Black, who took home the largest piece of the prize pool with £175,550, as he was the chip leader at the time of an ICM deal made by the entire final table.

2024 The Goliath Final Table Results

Place	Player	Country	Prize
1	William James Watkins	United Kingdom	£166,058*
2	Gilbert Black	United Kingdom	£175,550*
3	Steven Ricketts	United Kingdom	£111,900*
4	Ben Miller	United Kingdom	£55,600*
5	Reece Michael Ling	United Kingdom	£69,450*
6	James Hearty	United Kingdom	$91,650*
7	Alexandru-Andrei Abalasei	United Kingdom	£76,500*
8	Lance Connolly	United Kingdom	£64,202*
9	James Brown	United Kingdom	£88,650*

2024 The Goliath Recap

From July 27 to August 2nd, eight starting flights attracted a record-breaking 11,749 entries at the Grosvenor Casino in Coventry, including an unprecedented 2,189 participants on Day 1G, marking the biggest single-day attendance. Out of these, 990 players advanced past the first day, each securing a minimum cash prize of £440, while £278,390 was reserved for the eventual winner.

After a grueling Day 2 marathon, 36 players remained, with Gilbert Black already at the top of the leaderboard, holding 23 million chips. Kenneth Liddle followed closely with nearly 20 million chips, making them the two favorites with bookies’ odds of 8/1 and 9/1, respectively. However, while Black made it to the final table, Liddle had a rough start on the final day, ultimately finishing in 31st place.

As soon as the final table formed, players quickly started discussing a deal. After several minutes, the final nine players agreed on a straight ICM deal. This arrangement awarded Black the largest share of £175,550, while William Watkins secured £166,058. Steven Ricketts, who was third in chips, received £111,900. Notably, James Hearty, who qualified for the Goliath through a £5 satellite, turned his initial buy-in into a £91,655 payday.

With all the prize money distributed, the final table’s focus shifted to the trophy. Short-stacked Ben Miller stirred things up a little, finishing fourth after securing £55,580 in the deal. But as expected, the event culminated in a heads-up between Black and Watkins for the coveted title.

Watkins began the heads-up match with a significant 7:1 lead, but “Gilly” didn’t go out without a fight, quickly doubling up twice to even the stacks. It wasn’t long before they were all-in again. Black flopped two pair with Q♦9♣ on a J♣Q♠9♠, while Watkins held A♣K♣, giving him several options. Watkins made a continuation bet on the flop, Black made a big raise, and Watkins called. The turn brought an Ace of spades, prompting Black to push all-in for more than the pot. Watkins gave it a quick thought and called. He was behind but had 12 outs to win. The river revealed J♠, counterfeiting Black’s two pair and crowning William Watkins as the 2024 Goliath champion.

The Goliath Champions

* Images and hands courtesy of Grosvenor Poker