Poker has long been seen as a man’s game — but that stereotype is rapidly fading. Today, women in poker are rewriting the game’s history, competing — and winning — at every level, from local clubs to the bright lights of the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

The story of female poker players began long before televised tournaments. Pioneers like “Poker Alice” Ivers and Barbara Enright broke ground for generations to come, proving that skill and instinct transcend gender. In the modern era, icons such as Vanessa Selbst and Jennifer Harman set new standards of excellence — paving the way for today’s elite competitors like Kristen Foxen, Natasha Mercier, and Leo Margets. Their consistent performances across global tours and major WSOP events highlight just how far women have advanced in the game’s most competitive arenas.

In recent years, the movement has only accelerated. Foxen’s fifth GPI Female Player of the Year title and Margets’ 2025 WSOP final-table run symbolize not just individual triumphs but the growing global presence of women in poker. With new women-only tournaments, training communities, and inclusive events, more women than ever are finding their edge at the felt.

Whether you’re learning the game, exploring women-led events, or looking for supportive poker circles, this guide highlights how women are transforming poker — and what comes next.

Women in Poker Hall of Fame

To commemorate women’s contributions to poker, the Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) was established in 2008 as a dedicated institution celebrating female achievers in the industry. Unlike the broader Poker Hall of Fame, WiPHoF focuses solely on women — both players and industry contributors — whose achievements have helped shape the game.

The Women in Poker Hall of Fame operates as a non-profit organization governed by a formal charter with a mission to honor excellence, achievement, and lasting impact. Selections are made via a voting process that includes current Hall members and invited media and industry panelists. Over time, voting has also included input from the poker community, though final selections remain curated by experienced stakeholders.

Notable inductees include legendary players such as Linda Johnson, Barbara Enright, Kathy Liebert, Jennifer Harman, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Maria Ho, Angelica Hael, and most recently, Kristen Foxen and Jeanne David among others. Pioneer categories have also been added to highlight trailblazers whose contributions pre-date formal recognition.

Induction celebrations are typically held annually — for example, the 2024 ceremony took place in December at the historic Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas — and include community-focused events and bounty tournaments tied to the honor.

Women’s Poker Communities

In recent years, a vibrant ecosystem of communities and resources designed to support women in poker has emerged, spanning online forums, grassroots groups, mentorship programs, and festival circuits:

• It has grown to include thousands of members in over 25 countries.
• World Poker Federation (WPF) Women’s Committee — Organizes global initiatives such as the WPF Ladies Weekend, designed to unite women players worldwide and encourage participation in local events.
• Women’s Poker Festivals & Series — Events like the WPT Ladies Championship and PokerStars Women’s Winter Festival also serve as community builders, offering networking, support, and beginner-friendly spaces.
• Social & Educational Groups — Various online Discords, Facebook groups, and informal meetups allow women to share strategy, confidence-building resources, and meet peers before stepping into live events.

These communities play a crucial role in knocking down barriers, sharing knowledge, and creating social support for women stepping into poker — both recreational and competitive.

All-Time Money List for Women

Tournament earnings are one tangible way to gauge competitive success. According to the Hendon Mob database:

• Kristen Foxen (Bicknell) — A powerhouse with multiple WSOP bracelets and multi-million dollar earnings sits at the top of the all-time list.
• Vanessa Selbst — since retired but has over $11 million in tournament cashes, 14 titles, and multiple deep runs in major events.
• Others making significant earnings include Leo Margets, Xuan Liu, Cherish Andrews, and Maria Ho among the top women cashers in recent years.

Additionally, Liv Boeree still ranks among the top female earners, holding the record for the largest single payout by a woman at $2.8 million and unique achievements across both WSOP and EPT titles.

Women-Only Events

Women-only poker events have become fixtures on the tournament calendar, serving several roles:

• WSOP Ladies Championship — A long-standing feature at the World Series of Poker with record fields exceeding 1,300 players in recent years.
• WPT Ladies Championship — A marquee event on the World Poker Tour schedule encouraging competitive play among women.
• PokerStars Women’s Winter Festival — A record-breaking festival aimed at inclusivity and beginner engagement.
• WPF Ladies Weekend — A global women’s-poker weekend spanning dozens of cities worldwide.

Arguments for women-only events include: creating welcoming, supportive environments; building confidence and community; and reducing intimidation in early-stage tournament experiences.

Arguments against them often focus on the risk of segregation, the view that poker is a skill game where mixed-field competition best prepares players for elite play, and concerns that women-only fields carry softer reputations versus open fields.

Overall, many advocates see women-only events as stepping stones that grow the player base and feed more women into open competition.

How to Get Started Playing Poker

For women and beginners looking to start poker seriously:

• Learn the basics — Understand hand rankings, betting structures, and common variants like Texas Hold’em.
• Play free online games — Practice without financial risk to build comfort.
• Study strategy — Use books, videos, and courses tailored to beginners.
• Join women-focused communities — They provide mentorship and shared learning.
• Step into live events — Start with low buy-in tournaments or local club games to build confidence.
• Set goals and bankroll rules — Treat poker as a long-term skill game with responsible bankroll management.

Despite progress, women still encounter obstacles:

• Low participation rates: Women historically make up a small percentage of competitive fields — often in the single digits at major tournaments like the WSOP.
• Perception and bias: Some players report feeling disadvantaged or intimidated in male-dominated environments.
• Access to networks: Women often have smaller competitive networks, making it harder to find study partners and high-quality games.
• Social barriers: Stereotypes and social expectations can discourage sustained engagement.
• Communities and advocacy groups continue working to address these issues through mentorship, introduction events, and targeted outreach.

Top Links & Resources for Women in Poker

Whether you’re just starting out or already playing regularly, there are now more resources than ever designed to support, educate, and connect women in poker. Below is a curated list of the most relevant organizations, communities, media outlets, and learning tools.

Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF)

🌐 https://womeninpokerhalloffame.com

The official home of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. The site includes inductee biographies, historical information, and details on annual induction events. A cornerstone resource for understanding women’s contributions to poker history.

Poker League of Nations (PLON)

🌐 https://www.pokerleagueofnations.com

One of the largest global women’s poker communities, with members across more than 25 countries. PLON focuses on grassroots growth, education, and connecting women players through online platforms and live meetups at major poker festivals.

World Poker Federation

🌐 https://worldpokerfederation.org

Fantastic Ladies in Poker (FLIPs) Facebook Group

Run by Daiva Byrne, professional poker player and advocate for women in poker, the Facebook group is a place to celebrate all things women in poker.

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasticladiesinpoker/

The WPF Women’s Committee promotes international initiatives such as WPF Ladies Weekend, encouraging women to play simultaneously in events around the world. A key organization pushing participation at a global level.

Globetrotting Poker, Women’s Poker Calendar

Follow along with Maureen Bloechlinger, founder of Globetrotting Poker, Women’s Poker Calendar and one of the best sources on the internet to follow for ladies events.

🌐 https://www.instagram.com/mjbloech/

Women in Poker by the Numbers

A few key data points help quantify women’s involvement:

Women historically represent a small fraction of live tournament fields, often around 4–5% at major WSOP events — though this is slowly increasing. Survey data suggests women may make up over 20% of casual or online poker players — a much higher share than live tournament representation. Participation in women-centric events has seen notable growth, with record-breaking fields in recent years.

Women in poker have moved from the fringes to the forefront of competitive play, carving out spaces both in open competition and supportive communities. With rising participation, historic achievements, and dedicated recognition platforms like the Women in Poker Hall of Fame, the future is bright for women at the poker table. Whether through mixed fields or women-focused festivals, opportunities for growth and influence continue to expand.