How Women Players Are Shaping the Future of Poker

Poker has long been considered a male-dominated game, as its player pool has overwhelmingly consisted of men. Before poker became a worldwide phenomenon, real money play was primarily enjoyed by shady gentlemen in smokey backrooms, environments where women were not typically included. As a result, a stereotype existed that poker was a male-centric entertainment and gambling form, which did not appeal to women. This perception persisted even as the WSOP began running a Ladies Championship over four decades ago, originally held on Mother's Day.

In the 2000s, this perception began to change. As interest in poker swelled globally, and more women started participating in the game. The number of WSOP Ladies Championship entrants jumped from 112 in 2003 to 1,100 in 2006. However, women still make up less than 5% of poker players, despite efforts by the industry to open the game for all. Additionally, only three women have been inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. Despite these statistics, many women are breaking through barriers, leaving a significant mark on poker, and opening doors for future players.

Changing Perceptions

While the mainstream poker community has been welcoming to women, they have faced discrimination from certain individuals. The skill of women players has often been underestimated, as they are sometimes judged more on their appearance than their abilities. However, as more women break into the poker scene and challenge these absurd and outdated notions, the landscape is evolving, with increasing recognition of women’s talents and contributions. The growing support and representation of women in the game signals that a more inclusive and respectful environment is taking root, offering women exciting opportunities to thrive in poker.

There are several prominent women in poker today who are reshaping these perceptions. Vanessa Selbst, Jennifer Harman, and Kristen Foxen are among the most vocal advocates for gender equality in poker, encouraging more women to participate in major tournaments. Jennifer Harman is one of three women in the Poker Hall of Fame and has won two World Series of Poker bracelets in open events. Her first WSOP bracelet was won in 2000, and her second bracelet was won in 2002. Harman starred in the American reality television series Sin City Rules on TLC. She also appeared in the 2007 Warner Bros. film Lucky You. As of 2021, her total live tournament winnings exceed $2 million dollars. Jennifer Harman has served as a significant inspiration for Kristen Foxen, who has live earnings of over $7.6 million.

In 2023, Kristen Foxen became the first female player to win a fourth World Series of Poker bracelet by winning the 2023 WSOP Online $888 No Limit Hold'Em Crazy 8's event. Foxen credits Harman's appearances on the NBC TV show Poker After Dark as one of the factors that inspired her to pursue poker professionally. Foxen hit Supernova Elite on PokerStars in 2011, 2012 and 2013. This required her to play approximately 2.5 million hands per year. Foxen was the highest ranked live tournament female poker player in 2017 with a total GPI points of 2,627.75

Vanessa Selbst, another iconic figure, was the first woman to reach the number one spot on Global Poker index leaderboard. Selbst won three World Series of Poker bracelets and has made over $11 million dollars in live tournament winnings. Selbst was also a coach and executive producer for DeucesCracked, an online poker training site who advises gamblers to research platforms by searching phrases concerning famed brands like Everygame Poker Review.

Rising Initiatives and Support for Female Players

The push for a more inclusive poker environment has become exceedingly evident in recent years. Several initiatives and organizations have emerged to support the advancement of women in poker. One of the most notable is the Women's Poker Association (WPA), founded in 2018. This global organization promotes the advancement of women in poker by providing exposure to current women players, running workshops, and organizing conferences and social events for networking and skill development. The WPA is a volunteer-based group, with Tara Smith as acting president.

The Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS), founded in 2004, remains a strong force in the poker world, offering women the chance to enjoy and excel in the game through casino partnerships. Poker League of Nations (PLON), is another influential organization, recognized as the world's largest women's poker group. PLON supports participation through live and online events, staking opportunities, and free poker courses.

The Impact on the Future of the Sector

As more women take their place in poker, the game will continue to evolve, creating a more diverse and vibrant community. This shift will impact the entire poker ecosystem, from tournament structures to marketing strategies and broadcasting. Major poker brands have already begun featuring more women in their promotional efforts, aiming to present poker as a game for everyone and to expand their target demographics. Top operators are now signing talent, such as EvolveEpic signing Lucia Navarro as their Poker Ambassador.

In addition to increased visibility in marketing, live poker streams are now more likely to feature women as commentators, analysts, and hosts, reflecting the desired diversity the industry hopes to achieve. A higher presence of women at the tables fosters a more inclusive and respectful atmosphere making the game more accessible to all.