The inaugural Women’s Winter Festival, sponsored by PokerStars, made history with an unprecedented turnout, solidifying its place as the largest women’s poker event ever held outside of Las Vegas. Hosted at London’s iconic Hippodrome Casino, the festival saw 271 female players compete in the $400 buy-in Main Event, which boasted a £100,000 guaranteed prize pool. Argentine poker professional Maria Lampropulos emerged victorious, claiming the £20,000 top prize and the coveted PokerStars trophy. This landmark event highlights a growing movement aimed at increasing female participation in the traditionally male-dominated poker world.

Main Event Draws Record-Breaking Attendance

The Women's Winter Festival achieved a historic milestone, attracting 271 participants for its $400 buy-in Main Event. The competition showcased exceptional talent, with players vying for a share of the £100,000 guaranteed prize pool.

Maria Lampropulos, an Argentine poker pro, claimed victory in the Main Event, taking home a £20,000 prize and the prestigious PokerStars trophy.
The turnout underscores the success of initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and confidence for women in high-level poker tournaments.

Fostering Inclusivity and Empowerment in Poker

The festival was designed to empower women and encourage greater participation, addressing the stark statistic that women account for only 3% of poker tournament fields.

PokerStars Ambassador Kerryjane Craigie, the festival’s founder, emphasized its mission to champion and celebrate women in poker.
“This event was a celebration of women and about empowering them in poker,” Craigie said. “It created an amazing community event filled with fun, laughter, and fantastic poker.”
The festival’s supportive environment bridged gaps, enabling players of all skill levels to engage confidently in competitive poker.

Innovative Events Add Excitement

In addition to the record-breaking Main Event, the festival featured several innovative poker formats:

Women’s High Roller Event: PokerStars’ first-ever high-stakes tournament exclusively for women.
50/50 Event: A unique format with equal participation from female and male players, offering a refreshing blend of competition and camaraderie.
PokerStars Ambassador Jennifer Shahade described the 50/50 event as “the most fun I’ve ever had at a poker tourney, with toasts, singing, and belly laughs.”

Professional and Amateur Players Unite

The festival attracted a diverse group of participants, ranging from newcomers to seasoned poker professionals, including prominent names such as:

Marle Spragg
Jennifer Shahade
Kyna England
Vanessa Kade
These players joined forces with amateur enthusiasts for four days of thrilling on-the-felt action and off-the-felt activities.

Beyond Poker: Building Skills and Community

The festival wasn’t just about poker games; it offered educational and social opportunities for participants:

Poker Bootcamps: Tailored tutorials aimed at honing skills for players of all levels.
Community Building: Events designed to foster a sense of belonging, encouraging players to connect, learn, and grow together.
From November 21-24, participants enjoyed a blend of competition and camaraderie, leaving with improved skills and unforgettable memories.

Shaping the Future of Women in Poker

The Women’s Winter Festival underscores a broader movement to elevate female participation in poker, breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks.

By creating inclusive and supportive environments, initiatives like this festival are reshaping the poker landscape.
The success of the Women’s Winter Festival serves as a blueprint for future events, championing diversity and empowerment in poker.
As the poker community continues to embrace change, events like this ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for players of all backgrounds.