The anticipation builds as the Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) prepares to induct an inspiring new class of remarkable women who have profoundly impacted the world of poker. With eight outstanding nominees contending for this prestigious honor, it’s clear that the competition is fierce. Each of these women has not only excelled at the poker tables but also played a vital role in shaping the industry’s future. Let’s meet the nominees and discover their incredible journeys.

Meet the Nominees

Kristen Bicknell Foxen

Kristen Bicknell Foxen is a name synonymous with success in poker. With four World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and over $8.40 million in earnings, she ranks among the top 200 money earners of all time and is one of only two women to achieve such a feat. Transitioning from an online poker prodigy—where she achieved three-time Supernova Elite status—to a dominant force in live tournaments, her latest triumph was a commendable 13th-place finish in the 2024 WSOP Main Event, earning her $600,000. Bicknell Foxen is undeniably a poker legend in the making.

Kristen Bicknell

Liv Boeree

Liv Boeree is another powerhouse in the poker scene. With over $3.80 million in winnings, she boasts a unique accomplishment as the only woman to have won both a WSOP bracelet and an EPT Main Event, highlighted by her historic victory at EPT Sanremo in 2010. Beyond her poker success, Boeree is a vocal advocate for rational thinking and effective altruism. Through her organization, Raising for Effective Giving, she promotes evidence-based philanthropy, making her contributions to the game and society profound.

Liv Boeree

Jeanne David

Jeanne David is a trailblazer in poker, with a particular passion for mixed games, amassing $250,000 in winnings primarily through these complex variants. But her impact extends beyond mere statistics; as the former head of responsible gaming for PokerStars, she was instrumental in the legalization of online poker across the US and Europe, creating pathways for many players to engage with the game online. Her unwavering advocacy for responsible gaming practices has made her a revered figure in the industry.

Jeanne David

Jamie Kerstetter

Jamie Kerstetter is not just a talented poker player with nearly $1 million in live tournament winnings; she’s also a savvy social media personality and commentator. A two-time Global Poker Award winner for “Best Twitter Personality,” Kerstetter uses her platform to provide unique insights and humor to the poker community. Her quick-witted commentary has entertained fans, and she remains a strong presence in the poker broadcasting realm, continuously championing the game’s growth and inclusivity.

Jamie Kerstetter

Kara Scott

Kara Scott embodies the essence of a true poker Renaissance woman. As a prominent TV personality and former 888poker ambassador, she has been a prominent figure at numerous WSOP events and shows. Her playing prowess is just as impressive, with over $660,000 in earnings. Scott has demonstrated her versatility not only as a presenter but also as an insightful commentator, solidifying her status as an icon both on and off the felt.

Kara Scott

Rebecca McAdam Willetts

Rebecca McAdam Willetts is a dedicated advocate for women in poker, having spearheaded initiatives such as women-only boot camps and the first female insights community. Beyond her contributions to poker, she has raised over $1.50 million for charity through significant PokerStars events, showcasing her commitment to giving back. Recently, Willetts launched QueenBHive, a PR and marketing company supporting women in male-dominated fields. Her tireless efforts make her one of the most inspiring figures in the industry.

Rebecca McAdam Willetts

Annette Obrestad

Annette Obrestad, known in the poker world as "Annette_15," exploded onto the scene as a teenager, building her bankroll from freerolls. She famously won a tournament without looking at her hole cards. Just before her 19th birthday, she triumphed in the inaugural WSOP Europe Main Event, becoming the youngest bracelet winner at the time. With over $3.90 million in career earnings, she has become a role model for aspiring female players, inspiring them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Annette Obrestad

Jennifer Shahade

Jennifer Shahade is a dual-threat in the worlds of chess and poker. As a Woman Grandmaster and two-time US Women’s Chess Champion, she carries a strategic mindset that has translated well into her poker career. A respected author and advocate for gender equality in both games, Shahade has garnered notable poker victories and serves as PokerStars’ MindSports Ambassador. Her influence reaches far beyond competition, inspiring change and equality in both chess and poker communities.

Jennifer Shahade

A Legacy of Excellence

The Women in Poker Hall of Fame, established in 2008, stands as a testament to the achievements of women in the poker arena. Currently, the hall consists of 25 extraordinary women who have significantly contributed to the game, including legends like Linda Johnson, Barbara Enright, Jennifer Harman, Maria Ho, and Jennifer Tilly. The induction of the Class of 2024 will further enrich this legacy, recognizing the ongoing influence of women in shaping the future of poker.

Voting for the WiPHoF Class of 2024 is open until midnight PST on October 30, 2024. A panel of media and industry experts, alongside the public, will determine which nominees will be honored. The results will be revealed in November, culminating in a celebratory ceremony in Las Vegas on December 11, 2024.

As we celebrate these phenomenal women, it’s important to recognize their tireless contributions and the paths they continue to forge for future generations in the poker world. Each nominee not only showcases exceptional talent but also embodies the spirit of resilience and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in the game.

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The journey toward gender equality is an ongoing struggle that transcends industries, and the realm of online gambling is no exception. While significant strides have been made in recent years, women still face formidable challenges in reaching leadership roles. Historically dominated by men, the online gambling industry is now witnessing an encouraging shift as more women break the proverbial glass ceiling and take on influential positions. These leaders are not only driving change and innovation but are also playing a significant role in shaping the future of this rapidly evolving field.

The Historical Context: A Male-Dominated Industry

For decades, the gambling industry has been largely portrayed as a male-dominated domain. The landscape is filled with stories of men on casino floors and in boardrooms, where women have often found themselves outnumbered and underrepresented in decision-making capacities. Recent years, however, have seen a notable change, with an increasing number of women taking up senior positions in online gambling companies.

Gender Representation: A Comparative Overview

To better understand the state of gender representation in various sectors, it is essential to look at the statistics related to male and female leadership. The following table provides a clear comparison across different industries.

As seen in this table, the online gambling industry lags behind sectors like finance and retail in terms of female representation. However, with a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, there is hope for a more balanced future.

Profiles of Female Leaders in Online Gambling

Increasing numbers of women are emerging as trailblazers in the online gambling sector, each contributing to reform and innovation.

One of the most inspiring figures is Denise Coates, the CEO of Bet365. Under her leadership, Bet365 has grown into a multibillion-dollar enterprise, driven by her commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and strategic data use.

Another notable leader is Laila Mintas, known for her pivotal role at Bet.Works, where she has focused on regulatory advocacy and technological integration within the sports betting realm.

Other remarkable women shaping the industry include:

• Anna Sainsbury, co-founder of GeoComply, a company specializing in geolocation compliance for online gambling.
• Karolina Pelc, founder of BeyondPlay, focusing on enhancing online casino experiences.
• Fiona Hickey, director at Push Gaming, known for her work in business development.

These women exemplify the new wave of leaders demonstrating that gender does not dictate capability or vision in the gambling world.

Overcoming Challenges and Barriers

Despite these advancements, women in online gambling continue to face significant obstacles. Gender bias remains prevalent, often leading to women being overlooked for key roles or lacking access to crucial networking opportunities.

Nevertheless, many women have successfully navigated these challenges by forming robust professional networks and seeking mentorship. The importance of mentorship—in both formal and informal capacities—cannot be overstated. Mentors offer vital support, guidance, and connections, allowing women to escalate their careers within the industry.

Moreover, advocacy groups dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion have emerged as critical resources. These organizations foster environments where women can share their experiences, building a community that supports equality in the workplace.

Initiatives and Programs Supporting Women in Gaming

To propel women into leadership roles, various programs have been established within the gaming industry. These initiatives provide vital resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to empower women in their careers.

These programs not only help individual women advance but also raise awareness of the necessity for diversity in the workplace.

The Business Case for More Women in Leadership

Increasing the representation of women in leadership within online gambling isn’t merely a matter of equity; it makes sound business sense. Research indicates that organizations with diverse leadership teams often outperform their less diverse counterparts. Different perspectives facilitate innovative solutions and enhance decision-making processes.

In a competitive industry characterized by constant evolution, companies led by diverse teams are better equipped to understand and address the diverse needs of their customer base, including female players. Additionally, diverse teams foster a more positive work environment, leading to increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.

Future Outlook: Increasing Women’s Representation in Online Gambling

While the future appears brighter for women in the online gambling industry, the journey is far from over. Companies must persist in championing diversity and inclusion by implementing policies aimed at promoting women’s advancement. This includes mentorship initiatives, flexible working conditions, and equitable access to professional opportunities.

Practical steps that organizations can take include:

• Promoting gender diversity in recruitment by actively seeking female candidates for senior roles.
• Ensuring flexible working options to accommodate those balancing career and familial responsibilities.
• Establishing mentorship programs that target the development of female talent for future leadership roles.
• Involving women in key decision-making processes to guarantee their voices are heard in strategic initiatives.

By prioritizing these measures, the online gambling industry can enhance its innovative capacities while contributing to a more equitable society.

Conclusion

The changing tides in the online gambling industry illustrate the growing presence of women in leadership, reflecting broader trends toward gender equality. As more women assume positions of influence, they not only break down barriers but also forge pathways for future generations. The collective effort to advance diversity and inclusion will pave the way for a more dynamic, innovative, and equitable future in online gambling, ensuring that the industry thrives on the strength of diverse leadership.

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In an exciting recent announcement at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus, PokerStars unveiled a remarkable addition to its newly launched poker series—the Women’s Winter Festival. This innovative event is set to make its debut in London on November 21, 2024, and will feature the groundbreaking first-ever women-only £1,100 High Roller event. This initiative promises to foster inclusivity and create competitive opportunities for female players, marking a significant milestone in the poker community.

A Vision for Change

The Women’s Winter Festival traces its roots back to EPT Barcelona, where PokerStars first introduced the concept as a means to encourage greater participation of women in live poker environments. Their stated mission is not just to increase female representation but to alter the narrative surrounding women in poker—transforming the game into a welcoming space that celebrates female talent and fosters growth.

Kerryjane Craigie, the Hippodrome Director of Poker and PokerStars Ambassador, emphasized the importance of responding to community feedback. She stated, “The Women’s Winter Festival is all about elevating the game for women and women’s participation in poker. The addition of the High Roller provides our players with more variety and more games they want to access.” This sentiment is echoed by many female players eager to seize more high-stakes opportunities in a supportive environment.

The High Roller Tournament

The introduction of the £1,100 High Roller event is a major highlight of the festival. Designed to attract notable female players, the tournament not only aligns with PokerStars’ mission but also coincides with the £100,000 guaranteed Main Event. This combination ensures a robust lineup and encourages elite competition among participants.

Prominent players such as 2018 PCA Main Event winner Maria Lampropulos, PokerStars Ambassador Jen Shahade, and EPT Prague final tablist Marle Spragg are expected to participate. Spragg has expressed her enthusiasm for the event, commenting, “I’m really looking forward to playing the High Roller in London. Hopefully, this will be the first of many more events like this that make poker more welcoming to all players.”

Cédric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events Operations at PokerStars, highlighted the significance of the event, reinforcing that “It’s clear from talking to our players that women want more opportunities to play in high roller events, so this is a fantastic addition to the schedule that will make the Women’s Winter Festival a truly unmissable event.”

What’s on the Schedule?

The Women’s Winter Festival will feature a series of exciting tournaments:

• November 21:

  • £1,100 Women’s Winter Festival High Roller (12:00)
  • £400 Women’s Winter Festival Main Event Day 1a (13:00)
  • £40 Qualifier to Main Event (19:00)

• November 22:

  • £400 Women’s Winter Festival Main Event Day 1b (12:00)
  • £400 Women’s Winter Festival Main Event Day 1c (18:00)

• November 23:

  • £220 NLH 50/50 Freezeout (16:00) – Special rules require pairs of men and women to enter together.
• November 24:
  • Final Day of the Women’s Winter Festival Main Event (12:00)
  • £220 NLH – Single Re-Entry (13:00)
  • Women’s Closer Freeroll with a chance to win a package to EPT Prague (18:00)

The schedule is designed to cultivate an engaging and competitive atmosphere, alongside ensuring a sense of community among players.

Unique Tournament Formats

The 50/50 NLH Freezeout on November 23 stands out by incorporating a novel format aimed at fostering collaboration between male and female players. While the event does not involve tag-team mechanics, there will be added value in the form of rewards for the partnership that accumulates the most points during the tournament leaderboard. Such innovations emphasize PokerStars’ commitment to inclusivity and participation.

Additionally, the Women’s Closer Freeroll will offer a chance to win a women’s package to EPT Prague, valued at €1,600, which includes a buy-in for the Women’s Event and accommodation, further motivating participants to engage actively.

Pathways to Participation

Participants can qualify for the Women’s Winter Festival through various pathways. Women-only online satellites are available on PokerStars within the .COM market, and players in France, Spain, and Portugal can redeem a Power Path Silver Pass for a dedicated event package. Furthermore, live satellites in the U.S. will provide additional opportunities, as will a £40 buy-in registration fee-free live qualifier on November 21 at the Hippodrome, designed to offer five more entries to the Main Event.

Conclusion

The Women’s Winter Festival is more than just a poker tournament—it’s a movement toward inclusivity and recognition of the vital role women play in the world of poker. By creating spaces that allow women to compete at higher levels while receiving support and encouragement, PokerStars is taking substantial steps to enhance the playing field. As the festival approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark event in the poker calendar.

With events like the Women’s Winter Festival, the future of poker is looking not only brighter but also more inclusive—encouraging women to claim their rightful place at the table.

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