LONDON – TECH – The first-ever Women’s Winter Festival, sponsored by PokerStars, has set a new record as the largest women’s poker event held outside of Las Vegas.
The festival, which took place at The Hippodrome Casino London, saw 271 female players enter the £400 buy-in Main Event. Argentinian poker pro Maria Lampropulos took home the top prize of £20,000 and the coveted PokerStars trophy.
With women making up only a small percentage of tournament players, the festival aimed to create a welcoming and supportive environment for women to compete at higher levels.
“This event was a celebration of women, and about championing and empowering women in poker,” said Kerryjane Craigie, founder of the festival and PokerStars Ambassador.
The festival also featured a Women’s High Roller event and a unique 50/50 event with an equal number of female and male players.
“The innovative 50/50 event, with half women and half men was the most fun I’ve ever had at a poker tourney,” said PokerStars Ambassador Jennifer Shahade.
The event, held from November 21st to 24th, included poker tournaments, bootcamps, and tutorials for female players of all skill levels.