Paul Worsley

Paul Worsley, a 39-year-old from Speke, Liverpool, had been playing poker casually for years in pubs and small tournaments. his live tournament cashes before 2025 were minimal: a £1,115 score in January 2024 and a £550 cash in May 2024, totaling barely over $2,000. With only £600 left in his bank account, Worsley decided to enter the 2025 Grosvenor Goliath as his final poker tournament before quitting the game to focus on other hobbies.

The Goliath, a £200 buy-in no-limit hold'em event held at Grosvenor Casino Coventry as part of the 11-day Goliath Festival, drew a record-breaking field of 12,961 entrants—the largest live tournament outside Las Vegas and the 16th-biggest worldwide. Worsley progressed through multiple Day 1 flights, bagging the fourth-largest stack among the 40 players who reached Day 3. He entered the final table with eight other players who also lacked significant live tournament scores.

At the final table, Worsley hoped for a chop agreement but other players, notably Thomas Clack, refused. With three players left, Worsley held the chip lead but lost a crucial three-way all-in. Clack moved all-in with Q♠J♠, Vasilica Luca called with 9♥9♣, and Worsley called with A♦Q♦. The board ran out 6♣7♥K♥6♦J♥, giving Clack a river pair and eliminating Luca in third place (£144,800). Worsley was left with only five big blinds. However, he fought back, chipping up quickly and dominating heads-up play despite a 9:1 chip deficit. He eventually won the tournament, securing the £316,640 first prize.

In post-game interviews, Worsley expressed disbelief: "I can't believe I've won, I'm speechless. I had £600 in my bank account. Not anymore." He plans to use his winnings for family holidays, property investment, and future security. He also promised to defend his title in 2026. The win not only transformed his financial situation but also reignited his passion for poker, as he had been ready to quit the game.