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The 2026 Goliath concluded on August 2 with Damon Burch-Hyson emerging as champion, earning £365,520 from a £200 buy-in. The tournament shattered previous records, drawing 14,663 entries, 1,702 more than last year, and generating a prize pool of £2,228,780.
Day three began with 36 players remaining, including two former champions hoping for a historic repeat title. However, 2023 winner Alex Todd and defending champion Paul Worsley both fell short, finishing in 25th and 27th place respectively.
Once the final table was set at nine players, National Poker League leader Bryan Taylor became the first casualty, his pocket jacks no match for Burch-Hyson’s pocket aces. Several other notable eliminations followed, including Nittin Sonawane, whose £31,500 payout far surpassed his previous best cash.
A dramatic double-elimination hand narrowed the field to five, with Burch-Hyson’s queens holding up against two all-in opponents. The tournament then became an all-male final after Reema Bodalia exited in fifth place for £71,500, her career-best result.
With four players remaining, a deal was struck, leaving £88,520 to play for outright. Dayle Gallagher exited first under the new terms, followed by a decisive hand that eliminated both Jonny Elworthy and Lewis Aikman, setting up Burch-Hyson’s victory.
Elworthy, who entered via GGPoker, received an additional 20% cash bonus worth £33,466 thanks to the Grosvenor-GGPoker partnership, bringing his total to £200,796. Aikman collected £173,700, while Burch-Hyson’s £365,520 top prize slightly exceeded the tournament’s original guaranteed first-place payout.
