The 2027 GUKPT schedule has been announced, and it marks the 20th anniversary of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour. PokerNews reported the calendar on November 6, 2026, confirming a dozen major dates across the country, from a January London leg to the Behemoth in Coventry in December. The tour launched in 2007, and its longevity makes it one of the most established live poker brands in Britain.
The Full 2027 Calendar
All dates below are for 2027, and Grosvenor notes that dates and venues are subject to change. Buy-ins and individual event schedules will be announced separately.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| GUKPT London | January 14–24 |
| GUKPT Manchester | February 4–14 |
| UK Open (Coventry) | March 4–14 |
| GUKPT London | April 8–18 |
| GUKPT Luton | May 9–16 |
| Goliath (Coventry) | July 22–August 1 |
| GUKPT Glasgow | August 5–15 |
| GUKPT Luton | September 2–12 |
| GUKPT Leeds | September 30–October 10 |
| GUKPT Blackpool | October 28–November 7 |
| GUKPT Grand Final (London) | November 18–28 |
| Behemoth (Coventry) | December 6–12 |
The shape of the year is easy to read. Winter and spring are anchored by London, Manchester and the UK Open. Summer is dominated by the Goliath in Coventry and the Glasgow leg. Autumn brings a run of Luton, Leeds and Blackpool before the Grand Final in London and the Behemoth to close the year.
What Is Different in 2027
The UK Open moves back to March
The UK Open returns to a March slot, which means two GUKPT legs, London in January and Manchester in February, come before it. In 2026 there was only one. For players who like to build form across a season, that extra lead-in gives more chances to qualify, win a seat or simply warm up before the biggest Coventry event of the spring.
Glasgow replaces Edinburgh
The Scottish leg is in Glasgow. According to the report, the move from Edinburgh happened in 2026 and players liked the Merchant City venue for its central location and more affordable accommodation. That is a practical point: for many UK grinders, accommodation costs can add up as much as the buy-in itself, so a cheaper base is a real draw.
New series and expanded brands
Beyond the GUKPT, Grosvenor expects more than 90 festivals and special events across its venues in 2027, with the full announcement still to come. The Monster Stack Tour is set to expand with more £100 buy-in tournaments, a new festival series will replace the UK Poker League (UKPL), and mixed-game festivals are being considered for London Victoria and Manchester Bury New Road.
The partnership with GGPoker also continues for a second season, with online satellites, direct buy-ins and a cash boost of up to 20% for selected events. Localised tournament calendars will be available as well.
Why the GUKPT Still Matters
Twenty years is a long time in poker. The GUKPT began in 2007 at a time when the UK live scene was riding the boom. It has survived changes in regulation, the rise of online poker, the pandemic and the shift in player preferences toward larger, more televised events. That it is still running a dozen legs a year speaks to the strength of the brand and the loyalty of its player base.
For recreational players, the GUKPT's appeal is easy to see. The tour's legs are spread across major UK cities, and Grosvenor is expanding its lower buy-in options. For serious regulars, the tour offers a steady run of events across the season and a Grand Final to finish it all.
How to Plan Your 2027 Season
Planning is the main takeaway for players. Here is a practical way to approach it.
First, pick your priority events. The Grand Final in London (November 18–28) and the Goliath and Behemoth in Coventry are likely to carry the biggest prize pools, so decide whether you are aiming for one of those or prefer the regional legs.
Second, budget for the trip, not just the entry. Travel, hotels and food are real costs. A simple rule is to treat the total trip cost as your buy-in when deciding whether the event suits your bankroll management plan.
Third, use satellites. The GGPoker partnership offers online satellites, and online qualifiers are often the cheapest way into a big live main event. Sites like BetOnline and Americas Cardroom run their own qualifier structures for US-facing players, but for UK-based events, check Grosvenor's own channels once the buy-ins are announced. Our UK toplist covers online options available to British players.
Fourth, understand live structure. If you play mostly online, live events have slower play, deeper stacks and different dynamics. Our online poker vs live poker article explains the differences and what to adjust, and our poker tells guide covers a skill that matters far more live than online.
The Bigger Picture for UK Poker
The announcement is a positive signal for the UK live scene. Grosvenor is not only maintaining its flagship tour but expanding lower-buy-in series, which is where the largest number of players enter the game. Mixed-game festivals being considered for London and Manchester would also cater to a niche that has grown in recent years.
At the same time, players should keep an eye on costs. Live tournament rake has been a recurring topic across the industry, and entry-level players are most sensitive to fees. Before committing to an event, read the structure sheet and work out how much of your buy-in goes to the prize pool versus fees.
What This Means for Players
If you are a UK-based recreational player, the 2027 calendar gives you plenty of opportunities close to home. Mark the dates you can realistically attend, find out which satellites are available and start learning the structures early. If you are a regular, think about how the revised order of events changes your season: two GUKPT legs before the UK Open could be a useful rehearsal.
For newer players, the Monster Stack Tour's £100 events are a gentle introduction to live tournaments. Combine that with some practice online at a site from our beginner poker sites list, and you can arrive at your first festival with a plan.
The GUKPT's 20th year looks set to be one of its busiest, and with more than 90 Grosvenor festivals planned, there is no shortage of ways to get involved.