Paul Worsley, a poker enthusiast from Liverpool, stunned the poker world by turning a mere £600 into a jaw-dropping $421,131 victory in the GOLIATH tournament. Held at Grosvenor Casino Coventry, this event marked a record for the largest field in a live poker tournament outside of Las Vegas, drawing a staggering 12,961 entries. Worsley, despite having limited funds at the start, defied all odds to claim the title.
“I can’t believe I’ve won, to be honest. I’m speechless,” Worsley shared, still in disbelief after his monumental win.
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Paul Worsley’s Big Win: From Bankroll Struggles to Poker Glory
Worsley entered the £200 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em GOLIATH event with just £600 in his bank account, a story that many players can relate to, but few have turned into a success story. His perseverance through a massive field of competitors led him to overcome a chip deficit in the heads-up battle. After the final three players, including Worsley, negotiated a deal that fell through, he battled it out with Thomas Clack, the eventual runner-up.
An Explosive Final Table: Worsley’s Victory Moment
The final table saw intense action, with each player having their fair share of ups and downs. Worsley’s key moment came when he was forced to play catch-up with Clack, who had gained a sizable chip lead. But Worsley spun his stack up, eventually overtaking Clack and going on to win it all with an epic final hand.
In the final showdown, Clack went all-in with 9♠7♠, and Worsley called with 10♣9♣. The tension was palpable, and the flop came down J♥9♥3♥, giving Worsley the lead. The turn and river cards didn’t change the outcome, and Worsley clinched the title with a pair of tens.
The Final Table Results: Who Took Home the Cash?
Place | Player | Payout (USD) |
1 | Paul Worsley | $421,131 |
2 | Thomas Clack | $289,275 |
3 | Vasilica Luca | $192,584 |
4 | Ben Parkin | $133,625 |
5 | Velupillai Kalahmohan | $91,704 |
6 | William Tagg | $64,199 |
7 | Jason Smith | $44,542 |
8 | Ryan Johnstone | $31,441 |
9 | Keith Tuckley | $22,796 |
The Journey to the Top: A Tale of Ups and Downs
Worsley, who had a decade-long poker career that included a 13th-place finish in the GUKPT event in Blackpool, showed exceptional resilience in this tournament. The victory in GOLIATH marks the largest score of his career and propels him to new heights in the poker world.
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Paul Worsley’s stunning victory at the 2025 GOLIATH tournament will be remembered as a classic poker underdog story. From having just £600 in his bank account to securing a life-changing $421,131 prize, Worsley’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and skill. His triumph in this record-breaking event has not only solidified his place in the poker world but also provided inspiration to countless players, proving that in poker, anything is possible. With a title like this under his belt, Worsley’s future in the game looks brighter than ever.
FAQ
Q1: How did Paul Worsley win the GOLIATH tournament?
A1: Paul Worsley won the £200 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em GOLIATH event by overcoming a chip deficit and defeating Thomas Clack in a heads-up showdown, earning him a $421,131 prize.
Q2: What was Worsley’s bankroll at the start of the tournament?
A2: Worsley had only £600 in his bank account when he entered the tournament, but he turned it into a massive victory.
Q3: How many entries did the GOLIATH tournament attract?
A3: The GOLIATH tournament broke records with 12,961 entries, making it the largest live poker event outside of Las Vegas.
Q4: What did Worsley win, along with the cash prize?
A4: Worsley took home $421,131 as the champion, marking the largest score of his poker career.
Q5: Who were the other top finishers in the tournament?
A5: Thomas Clack finished in second place with $289,275, and Vasilica Luca took third with $192,584.
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