Introduction: Celebrating Women’s Impact in Poker
The poker world is often synonymous with a male-dominated environment, but history and the present-day game have been significantly enriched by the achievements, voices, and strategies of female players. From trailblazing leaders to rapidly rising stars, women in poker are challenging conventions and making their mark at the highest levels of competition.
The Evolution of Women in Poker
Women have historically faced obstacles in tournament poker, resulting in lower participation numbers compared to men. However, times are changing—female players are breaking into the highest-stakes games and achieving remarkable results on the international stage. Organizations such as the Women’s Poker Association and Ladies International Poker Series are fostering supportive environments, further encouraging women to play, learn, and thrive at the tables. Their advocacy and tournaments, specifically designed for women, help grow a diverse and innovative poker community.
- Pioneering Figures: Icons like Maria Ho, Jennifer Harman, and Liv Boeree have gained global respect for their tournament victories.
- Major Achievements: Players like Gaëlle Baumann and Kristen Foxen have impressive finishes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), showing that women can excel at poker’s highest levels.
- Active Growth: Increased visibility and support networks are leading to more women entering and succeeding in major events worldwide.
- Significance of Representation: Their success challenges outdated stereotypes and brings diversity in playing styles, strategies, and thinking to the game.
Title Image Credit: Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock
Elevating Women’s Voices: Authentic Perspectives on the Game
Female players not only enrich the tables with their skill but also by sharing authentic stories and unique perspectives. Many women enter poker simply out of a love for the game, not because they want to play a “female” version but to play their strongest game. As the author of A Girl’s Guide to Poker, I never set out to write a book specifically for women, but naturally, my life experiences and point-of-view brought something new to the poker bookshelf.
The importance of having women’s voices in poker goes far beyond representation—it opens doors for other women, empowers beginners, and encourages authenticity at every level of the game. Female players often bring distinct energy, resilience, and ways of thinking, reinforcing that poker excellence knows no gender.
Pioneers: Legendary Women Who Changed Poker
Over the years, several women have become synonymous with skill, discipline, and leadership in poker. Let’s take a closer look at three pivotal figures:
- Barbara Enright: Renowned for breaking barriers and setting records in tournament play.
- Jennifer Harman: Lauded as one of the toughest competitors in high-stakes poker rooms worldwide.
- Vanessa Selbst: Known for her fearless, cerebral style and record-shattering earnings.
Barbara Enright: Breaking Barriers
Barbara Enright was a dominant force long before televised poker made celebrities of its stars. At a time when both poker and high-stakes tournaments were almost exclusively male arenas, Enright consistently proved her prowess.
- Holder of three WSOP bracelets, with her first win in 1986.
- Only woman to reach the final table of the WSOP Main Event, finishing fifth in 1995 and winning $114,180—a feat yet to be matched.
- Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2007 alongside Phil Hellmuth.
Her achievements continue to inspire a new generation of women to pursue their own poker dreams.
Jennifer Harman: The Queen of High Stakes
A staple of televised poker and feared in the highest-stakes cash games, Jennifer Harman’s influence on the game is profound. Known for her cool under pressure, Harman has amassed over $2.7 million in live tournament earnings and captured two WSOP bracelets.
- Author of an essential chapter in Doyle Brunson’s Super System 2.
- One of the few women regularly competing in the exclusive high-stakes “Big Game” at Las Vegas’ Bobby’s Room.
- Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2015, admired by poker’s elite for her skill and pioneering spirit.
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Vanessa Selbst: Dominance and Depth
Vanessa Selbst’s sharp analytical mind and fearless table presence earned her the top spot on the all-time female live poker winnings list with $11.9 million. She holds three WSOP bracelets and is the only woman to ever top the Global Poker Index rankings.
- First woman ranked #1 worldwide on the Global Poker Index.
- Renowned for integrating mind games and psychological strategies into her play—for instance, frequently referencing bluffs in conversation to shape her table image.
Selbst’s ability to think multiple steps ahead of opponents places her among the most respected and studied players in the game’s history.
Maria Ho: Consistent Excellence Across Generations
Maria Ho has demonstrated remarkable staying power and adaptability, remaining a household name in poker for more than a decade.
- Nearly $5.5 million in live tournament earnings, ranking #4 among female players globally.
- Second-place finish in a $5,000 No Limit Hold’em event for $540,020 in 2011.
- Winner of the 2023 GG Poker “Game of Gold,” where she triumphed over elite competitors.
Maria’s consistent results have won her the respect of peers and fans alike. Her clarity in decision-making and her willingness to publicly defend her plays—such as folding a set of tens for strategic reasons—highlight her as a model of discipline and advanced game theory.
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Kristen Foxen: A Modern Star Redefining Success
Kristen Foxen (previously Kristen Bicknell) is a dominant figure among contemporary poker professionals. Together with husband Alex Foxen, she forms one of poker’s most formidable partnerships.
- Over $8.3 million in live tournament winnings—and counting.
- In 2024, she finished as the last woman standing in the WSOP Main Event, reaching 13th place out of more than 10,000 players.
- Maria Ho still holds the record for “last woman standing” on three separate occasions.
Respected not only for her playing strength but for her integrity and warmth, Kristen personifies the combination of competitive fire and grace that the modern game celebrates.
Challenging Stereotypes: Playing Poker As a Woman
Poker’s image as a “boys’ club” has discouraged many women from joining or continuing in the game. While female-targeted poker materials sometimes tread a fine line between inclusion and condescension, genuine resources—like A Girl’s Guide to Poker—demonstrate that being feminine and being a world-class player are not mutually exclusive. Poker played with authenticity breaks barriers just as surely as tournament victories do.
Women and the World Series of Poker: Breaking New Ground
While no woman has yet claimed the coveted WSOP Main Event title, multiple female players have seized victories in open events. Barbara Enright was the first woman to secure a win in a WSOP open event in 1996, and Vanessa Selbst has won three open-event bracelets. Enright’s fifth-place finish in the 1995 Main Event remains the highest to date—a testament to both her talent and the milestone yet to be reached.
Driving Participation: Role Models and the Future of Women in Poker
Poker is a game best learned through experience—by sitting at the table with others, not just studying charts online. For many women, however, finding a welcoming environment has been a challenge, making representation and mentorship all the more important.
The numbers reveal that women currently make up less than 4% of the WSOP Main Event field, and in some years the percentage is declining. The visibility of skilled female players is essential to draw new talent and provide role models for aspiring stars.
Chart courtesy of poker reporter Jennifer Newell.
Poker remains one of the most accessible competitive arenas—anyone, regardless of gender, can compete and win with skill and perseverance. Supporting and celebrating women in poker isn’t just good for diversity, it’s vital for the ongoing evolution and unity of the game.
Conclusion: Why Women’s Contributions Transform Poker
Women have become an integral force in the poker world, delivering innovative strategies, fresh perspectives, and landmark achievements. As more female players enter tournaments, claim victories, and share their stories, they inspire lasting changes in both the culture and success of the game.
Beyond competition, poker is a meeting point for people of all backgrounds—where respect, camaraderie, and skill transcend gender. Championing female poker players ensures poker’s future is not only inclusive but richer and stronger than ever before.
Title Image Credit: Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock
