It was swift success for Grosvenor Poker’s Goliath, as added value surprises were added to this year’s Ladies Event to kick start the festival in style! Sponsored Grosvenor Poker Ambassador, Katie Swift, shares her account of another record-breaking Goliath.
“Hosting the Goliath Ladies Event is something I am always so incredibly proud to do, despite the inevitable nerves that surface with such a significant task. The women’s WhatsApp group that I created several years ago, had been pinging many weeks in advance of the event and my social media had gone into overdrive! The fun was flowing and you could easily sense the humour and banter over the text tones. So I anticipated the excitement surrounding the event already, way before the actual start day when the cards would be in the air, which is always a great sign! This year’s Ladies Event attracted a consistently large field, with 191 entries (148 unique). It was fun, friendly, inclusive and provided plenty of networking opportunities, starting with the pre-game complimentary welcome drinks. Players of all abilities, levels and backgrounds interacted and had a great time, which was wonderful to see and be a part of.”
“As has become my annual tradition, after welcoming the ladies and a few thank yous, the pre game gift giveaways were done at the start of the evening. All the ladies that pre regged the event were entered into a draw to win a Swift Success Coaching voucher. Then random seats were selected to win other prizes, including a trio of books that has been kindly gifted to the event and a gift bag. This was followed by the classic fun and interactive “heads or tails” game to win an online closer ticket worth £110. Before the official shuffle up and deal, each table enjoyed a bonus “All In Flip” hand, with each winner receiving a £30 online ticket.”
“After a long day of play, Emily Hawksworth bagged a commanding chip lead after some strong bubble play saw her stack soar. The remaining 22 ladies that returned for day 2 were all in the money and happily bagged their chips into the “Poker Against Plastic Pollution” environmentally friendly bags.”
“It was wonderful that the Cardroom Direct team selected the day 2 of this event, with the last 3 tables, to be featured on the live stream with commentary from the legendary duo Tower and Jay. I also made a couple of appearances in the booth, but found it impossible to remain neutral, as my Mum was on the final table! I was delighted for her to achieve a deep run, finishing in 4th place. The exposure for the ladies event on the live stream was brilliant, but most importantly was that the players gained valuable experience and confidence playing on a feature table.”
“Congratulations to the new Goliath Ladies Event Champion Carol Everton, who won £4,150, the prestigious title and trophy. Plus Carol receives entry into another ladies event this Autumn at the Hippodrome in London, kindly gifted by Kerry-Jane Craigie, worth £400. It would be amazing if she goes on and win that one too! Good luck!”
“Well done to all the ladies that cashed in this event and thank you to all the ladies that came along to play and support. Several special ladies, came to support without playing, showing the dedication, commitment and true passion they have to this community. Your presence is very much noted and appreciated. I hope you all enjoyed it and will return next year again.”
“The success of this event grows every year. The loyal ladies that come to play and support the event, men that encourage the females in their lives to participate, alongside Grosvenor Poker’s commitment to delivering a decent structure and half an hour clock to allow poker to be played properly. Not forgetting the people that I connect with in the build up to the event, that so kindly send me items to give away during it. Every part of the puzzle fits perfectly to equate to a happy, enjoyable and successful ladies event.”
“Firstly thank you to Grosvenor Poker, who without including it on the Goliath schedule, it simply wouldn’t happen. Also for the monthly leaderboard added value prizes for my weekly women’s online game, (every Wednesday at 8pm on grosvenorpoker.com), in the few months prior to this event. Several tickets were won by ladies, who were then able to play this event for free. Extremely grateful for the lovely touches of the complimentary welcome drinks provided by Grosvenor too, making it a relaxed and inviting setting for players to enjoy meeting, engaging and encouraging each other before playing. There were several brand new players and loads of individuals that came along alone, but soon were engrossed in conversation and laughter, which was lovely to see. The atmosphere was buzzing!”
“Secondly, to the many people that have generously gifted prizes for giveaways:
•Main Event Travel (Trip package worth in the region of £500, which included Hilton Hotel room and breakfast for 2 ladies, plus 2x Ladies Event entries)
•Gareth James (The Final Table book)
•Dara O’Kearney and Barry Carter (Poker Satellite Strategy book)
•Alex O’Brien (The Truth Detective book)
•Sue O’Connor (Gift Bag Jewellery)
•GTO Wizard (3x Monthly Subscriptions)
•Kerry-Jane Craigie (Hippodrome Women’s Winter Festival Ticket, worth £400)
•Grosvenor Poker (12x £30 Online Ticket plus £110 Closer Ticket)
•Final Table Gift Bags
•Swift Success Poker Coaching
Well over £3,000 of added value was obtained for this Ladies Event with these extra prizes and gifts. I’m always so grateful to people that so willingly go out of their way to help me for this event and this poker community. Thank you!”
“Lastly, thank you to the wonderful women that came out in force to raise awareness about the hearts of queens project. Our iconic pink box was overflowing again with generous donations from all the players. Natalie Bromley has since updated, informing a record number of 15 care packages have been created as a result. Thank you to each and every one of you for your support and kindness.”
“I’m hoping to see this popular, record breaking event return on the schedule again next year. Perhaps with a couple of tweaks to improve playing time on day 1, but without damaging the decent structure and half hour clock that this event has gained so much respect for having. Hopefully more ladies will travel to join in the game and the fun with us. I’m sure it will be one you won’t want to miss, so look out for those official Goliath 2025 dates and details to get it in your diaries early! I’m looking forward to it already! Until then, wishing you swift success! Play powerfully, encourage each other, enjoy it, have respect and keep it fun! Much love, Katie Swift.”
