BetMGM Poker has expanded its ambassadors roster with the addition of one of the most respected female competitors on the tournament poker circuit, Esther “E-Tay” Taylor.
Esther joins a respectable team of poker pros that includes Darren Elias and Mike Lavin, and will represent the BetMGM brand across her live streams, tournament appearances, and social media content.
E-Tay joins the team on the wings of her third-place finish at last year’s WSOP $50k Poker Players Championship, one of the most prestigious tournaments in all of poker.
A fierce competitor across different poker formats and a relentless grinder, E-Tay will add a special touch to an already impressive team of BetMGM pros.
- Up to $85 in tournament tickets on top of the bonus
- Frequent MTT series with good guarantees
- Combined player pools in Michigan and New Jersey
Terms & Conditions apply. Must be 21+. PA Only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. If you or someone you know has a Gambling Problem, help is available, Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In Partnership with Hollywood Casino Penn National Race Course.
Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. Must be 21+. NJ only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit and/or tournament entries. Rewards subject to expiry. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Terms & Conditions apply. Must be 21+. MI Only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms.
Bet With Your Head, Not Over It. Must be 21 or over and in Michigan to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the MDHHS Gambling Disorder Help-line at 1-800-270-7117 or visit the MDHHS website.
Who Is Esther Taylor – From Orphan to Poker Champion
Esther Taylor was born in South Korea and was found abandoned at a bus station as a baby. She was adopted in the USA, and her life changed for the better since that day.
A hardcore poker grinder today, Taylor had built a career in banking before switching to poker. Her competitive drive led her to the game, and she never looked back.
Over the course of her career, Esther accumulated more than $3.3 million in tournament poker winnings, with much of that coming from her 10 WSOP final table appearances and one appearance at a WPT final table.
While E-Tay is yet to win her first WSOP bracelet, her performance at last year’s Series was likely what got her the BetMGM sponsorship, as she became only the second female player in the history of poker to make the final table of the Poker Players Championship.
After finishing third there for well over half a million dollars, Esther kept the grind alive. In 2026, she’s already recorded seven WSOPE cashes and seven more in Las Vegas, including a 15th place finish at the $10k Limit Hold’em Championship.
While that major score continues to elude Taylor, the frequency of deep runs in big events means it’s only a matter of time before she captures one, or several, major poker trophies in a single season.
“Beyond Excited” for Her New Role
Taylor spoke briefly about her new role in a press release by BetMGM, saying: “From where I started in life to sitting here as a BetMGM ambassador, it opens my eyes to how precious life is and how one gesture of kindness can change everything. I’m extraordinarily grateful and beyond excited to represent a company I truly believe in and respect.”
Esther joins one of the most respected gaming companies in the US at the peak of her career, and her regular appearances in various events hosted at MGM properties played a big part in that.
Along with her appearances at the 2026 WSOP, Esther is also set to play in the upcoming BetMGM Poker Championship, which is scheduled to take place at the ARIA in early July.
BetMGM’s Director of Poker, David Mileaf, briefly commented: “E-Tay’s life could have gone in many directions. She turned it into something legendary. Her performance in last year’s Poker Players Championship, one of the most highly regarded, really turned heads. She continues to elevate her game, which speaks to both her skill and dedication.”
Join E-Tay and BetMGM at the ARIA Next Week
The BetMGM Poker Championship is coming to the ARIA next week, running from July 1 to 4, and offering a $4,000,000 guaranteed prize pool.
The highlight of the Aria Poker Classic series, which is currently running at the prestigious poker room, the Championship will feature a $3,500 buy-in and lots of qualifying opportunities both online and live.
The coming week will bring a lot of other action at the ARIA as well, with a $500k Guaranteed PLO Mystery Bounty event, and a $1,000,000 Guaranteed PLO Championship among the highlights.
The BetMGM Poker Championship will be a unique opportunity to meet some of your poker heroes, with the likes of Darren Elias and Esther Taylor appearing at the event and eager to get some face time with the fans.
While summer in Las Vegas remains a time mostly reserved for the WSOP, this year’s BetMGM Poker Championship promises to be an event most true tournament grinders won’t want to miss.
