Most poker stories are about who won the money. The Kav Cup story is about where the money went. The tenth and final edition of the charity tournament, held at the GUKPT Blackpool festival, has pushed the event's all-time fundraising total to £104,748.67, comfortably passing the £100,000 target organizers set for themselves. The winner, 888poker ambassador Ian Simpson, took the £4,950 first prize and donated it to charity.
The Kav Cup is closing its books as a community success story. In this article we look at how it started, what the final numbers show, and why small, grassroots charity events can matter so much to the poker community. If you are interested in the wider UK tournament scene, our UK poker guide and tournaments page are good places to continue.
The Final Edition: KC10 by the Numbers
KC10 drew 250 entrants and created a prize pool of £21,080. According to PokerNews, the event raised £20,100.25 for charity in this final edition, with 100 percent of registration fees going to charitable causes in memory of Derek "Kav" Kavanagh. Simpson's decision to donate his prize adds further to the total benefit, although the published figures do not say how that donation was counted.
The tournament's story is best told through its ten-year totals:
- Total entrants across all ten editions: 2,277
- Total played for in prize pools: £194,930
- Total won by champions: £46,078
- All-time money raised: £104,748.67
- Best single year: £12,951 (KC7, 2023)
KC10 therefore raised well above any previous edition, making a fitting finale. A note on the numbers: PokerNews' own report lists a pre-KC10 total that does not quite match the sum of the yearly figures, which look closer to £84,648.42 once KC10's £20,100.25 is subtracted from the all-time total. Either way, the headline figure of more than £100,000 stands.
Where It All Began
The Kav Cup was created in 2015 by Rick Gilby as a one-off poker night to support Derek Kavanagh, who had terminal cancer. Kavanagh died in 2017. The first event raised more than £7,000, and the response was strong enough that it became an annual tradition. Over the following years the tournament grew into a recognized fixture, drawing players from across the UK poker community.
That origin story explains the event's spirit. Unlike big commercial festivals, the Kav Cup was driven by friends, fellow players and a shared sense of purpose. It shows how poker communities can mobilize quickly when one of their own needs support, and how sustained effort can produce results well beyond what any single night could achieve.
Ian Simpson's Gesture
Simpson is one of the more recognizable faces of UK poker, and the gesture fits the event's tone. After winning KC10 and receiving £4,950, he handed the prize to charity. His comment was characteristically low-key: "Whilst the £100,000 target was hit and the Kav Cup has come to a close, keep charity on your minds, gang."
It is a sentiment that deserves a wider audience. A tournament that has run for a decade and raised six figures does not need further sentimentality; it needs people to carry the idea forward. Players looking for ways to give back can run their own charity events, donate part of their winnings or support existing fundraisers.
Why Charity Tournaments Work
Charity poker events succeed for several reasons.
They suit the format. A tournament is a natural fundraiser. Players pay a fixed entry, the prize pool is set in advance, and organizers can allocate registration fees to charity while using a portion for prizes. Entrants get a competitive experience and the satisfaction of contributing.
They build community. Players return year after year because they know the people, the cause and the atmosphere. The Kav Cup's 2,277 total entrants across ten editions suggests a loyal base of regular participants as well as newcomers.
They run on low overheads. When venues, dealers and organizers donate time or space, a higher percentage of the entry fee can reach the cause. That is why 100 percent of registration fees going to charity is such a striking claim.
They make poker look good. The game has an image problem in some circles, so a decade-long fundraising campaign carries real reputational value. It shows a side of poker that is generous, supportive and community-minded.
What Players Can Learn
There is also a practical angle for players. Charity events often have softer fields, relaxed atmospheres and generous structures. If you are new to live tournaments, a charity event is a low-pressure way to learn how a live poker room works, from seating to chip handling to clock etiquette. You can also practice fundamentals such as position and pot odds without the pressure of a high-stakes buy-in. The texas hold'em page explains the basic rules if you need a refresher.
If you are looking for more ways to play and give back, consider the following:
- Check local clubs and festivals. Many run charity events as part of their regular schedule.
- Organize your own. A home game with a small buy-in can raise money for a cause that matters to you.
- Donate winnings. Even a small share of a cash can make a difference.
- Share information. Talk about charity events in your community so more players can take part.
The Legacy of the Kav Cup
The Kav Cup is closing, but its legacy remains. More than £100,000 raised, 2,277 entries and a decade of tournaments suggest a model others can follow. A single poker night in 2015 became an annual institution thanks to the dedication of organizers and players who kept showing up.
For the UK poker scene, the end of the series is a moment to reflect on how much can be achieved by a small group with a clear goal. For the wider poker world, it is a reminder that the game is at its best when it connects people. If you want to learn more about the UK scene, including where to play and how the market is regulated, our UK poker page is a good next step.
Figures are drawn from PokerNews reporting on KC10 at GUKPT Blackpool. PokerNews did not name the specific charity in its report.