It’s no secret that women only represent a small fraction of the field in most open World Series of Poker (WSOP) events, and an even smaller percentage of entries in high roller events.
But on Day 1 Sunday in Event #26: $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em (8-Handed), the turnout was higher than normal, and one of the players in the field — Victoria Livschitz — tweeted out her enthusiasm.
Shortly after posting that tweet, the female representation in the High Roller reached seven out of 274 Day 1 entrants. To those who don’t follow high stakes tournaments closely, that is a few players higher than the normal turnout, a positive sign for those who support the growth of women in poker.
Women in the High Roller Chat with PokerNews
Livschitz was unable to find a bag on Day 1, and the same can be said for author Maria Konnikova and Rania Nasreddine. But there were four women who advanced to Day 2 — Maria Ho, Nadya Magnus, Min Zhang, and Kristen Foxen. PokerNews caught up with three of the players in that group to find out their thoughts on the high female turnout in the High Roller.
Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2024 WSOP is here.
“Lately we’ve seen a significant increase in women in poker and especially women in high rollers. I’m not sure what we can attribute it to. But I’ve been putting some work in, so has Victoria Livschitz. And I think women are starting to feel more comfortable,” Magnus said.
Magnus, a former “Loose Cannon” on the PokerStars Big Game and relentless promoter of women in poker, continued to say that the $25k having such a large female turnout “shows to other women that it can be done. It’s not just a male-dominated sport or game.”
Foxen, who has been competing in high roller events for many years and is widely considered one of the best female poker players ever, echoed those sentiments.
“It’s very clear that, especially with Victoria entering the high roller scene, just that the numbers are growing. You see that every year. I think this is the strongest female presence I’ve ever seen in a 25k, for sure,” Foxen said.
“I’ve always wanted to play high rollers to make poker more welcoming for women, and I thought my presence will do that. Just by showing up as this little, not very intimidating girl.” – Kristen Foxen.
Maria Ho Gives Her Two Cents
Ho, winner of the first Poker After Dark: Game of Gold show, isn’t surprised with the high turnout.
“I think it’s more than usual, but I wouldn’t say it’s unexpected given the trend of how more women are getting into poker and are more competitive than ever,” she argued. “I just think women are getting better, and the ones that are playing higher stakes are continuing to move up as they get big scores.”
With over $5.3 million in live tournament cashes, according to The Hendon Mob, Ho is no stranger to big scores and large buy-in events. The $25k High Roller has over $6.4 million in the pot prior to Day 2, which begins at noon PT, with registration still open.
“There are a lot of recreational women out here for the WSOP, and I can’t even tell you how many have said how motivating and inspirational it is seeing me or another female pro make deep runs,” Ho said.
If Ho were to make a deep run in this event, she’d lock up the biggest win of her career. And, as she said, it could inspire more women to give these high rollers a shot.
Follow the Four Remaining Women in the $25k High Roller at PokerNews
Managing Editor
Based in the United Kingdom, Will started working for PokerNews as a freelance live reporter in 2015 and joined the full-time staff in 2019.
He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German. He also holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.
