Adam Wilkinson Wins GUKPT Blackpool Main Event

Adam Wilkinson has finally captured the elusive GUKPT Main Event title, topping a field of 190 entrants to win the £1,250 GUKPT Blackpool Main Event. After nearly two decades of competing on the tour—dating back to his first appearance in February 2007—Wilkinson secured the winner’s trophy and a total payday of £60,539, which includes a £5,504 bonus for qualifying via his GGPoker account.

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A Long-Awaited Victory

Wilkinson’s journey to the winner’s circle was nearly 20 years in the making. Reflecting on his performance, he told Phil “The Tower” Heald, “I ran like God. It doesn’t happen often, but I ran really well.” The tournament generated a total prize pool of £237,500, with the top 25 players finishing in the money. For those looking to sharpen their own tournament performance, understanding ICM poker tournament strategy is essential when navigating the high-pressure environment of a final table.

Final Table Action

The nine-handed final table was packed with seasoned talent. Peter Charalambous was the first to exit in ninth, followed by Trevor Reardon in eighth. Reardon’s departure was particularly brutal; he flopped trip kings with , but Christopher Wood rivered a full house to send him to the rail. Local player Benjamin Hill finished seventh after his pocket queens were cracked by Jon “Skalie” Kalmar’s flush.

Chris Cox took sixth place for a career-best £8,880, while Kalmar, a former WSOP Main Event finalist, bowed out in fifth. Kalmar shoved his 20 big blind stack with , but Wilkinson’s pocket eights held firm, improving to a full house. Christopher Wood, who finished fifth in this event in 2017, exited in fourth, followed by Chris Guertin in third.

Heads-Up Deal and Final Hand

Wilkinson entered heads-up play against Michael Whitehead with a two-to-one chip lead. The pair struck a deal that left £9,747 to play for, guaranteeing Whitehead his largest-ever live score. Despite Whitehead doubling up early by flopping a set of nines to crack Wilkinson’s pocket jacks , Wilkinson regained control. In the final hand, Whitehead moved all-in on a queen-high flop with , but Wilkinson called with . The river brought the , completing Wilkinson’s flush and sealing the victory.

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Looking Ahead to the Grand Final

The GUKPT tour now heads to the Grosvenor Victoria in London for the 2026 GUKPT Grand Final, running November 19-29. The £2,000 Main Event features a massive £500,000 guarantee. Players can qualify for the showpiece event via satellites on Grosvenor Poker and GGPoker.

Source: PokerNews Online

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