PokerStars Women's Winter Festival Achieves Historic Milestone with Largest Women's Poker Event Outside Las Vegas

Record-Breaking Women's Winter Festival

The first-ever Women’s Winter Festival, held at London’s Hippodrome Casino and sponsored by PokerStars, has set a remarkable record for the largest women's poker tournament ever held outside of Las Vegas. This groundbreaking event attracted 271 female players who entered the $400 buy-in Main Event, which featured an impressive guaranteed prize pool of £100,000. The festival celebrated the empowerment of women in the poker world, creating an inclusive atmosphere for female players of all skill levels.

Argentinian poker professional Maria Lampropulos emerged victorious in the Main Event, clinching the top prize of £20,000 along with the coveted PokerStars trophy. This triumph marks a significant moment not only for Lampropulos but for female representation in a sport where women have historically been underrepresented—comprising around only 3% of tournament participants on average.

The Women’s Winter Festival aimed to change the narrative by encouraging more women to engage with and excel in poker. Kerryjane Craigie, the event’s founder and a PokerStars Ambassador, expressed her excitement about the festival: "This event was a celebration of women, championing and empowering them in poker. I’m thrilled that we created such an incredible community that was fun, supportive, and filled with laughter."

In addition to the Main Event, the festival featured exciting new initiatives, including PokerStars' first-ever Women’s High Roller Event. One unique aspect was the 50/50 event, which saw an equal number of male and female players competing together, a move that was well-received for its innovation and inclusiveness. Jennifer Shahade, another PokerStars Ambassador, participated in this event, stating that it was "the most fun I've ever had at a poker tournament. It included toasts, singing, and a lot of laughter."

The Women’s Winter Festival was not just about competition; it also offered a range of activities aimed at skill enhancement and community building. Female players—from newbies to seasoned professionals like Marle Spragg, Kyna England, and Vanessa Kade—enjoyed four days filled with poker action. Numerous off-the-felt activities were provided, including poker boot camps and tutorials that aided in skill development and addressed various gameplay strategies.

This event signifies a broader movement within the poker community to enhance female participation and support. It aims to shift perceptions and make poker a welcoming space for women, where they feel empowered to compete at any level.

For anyone interested in learning more about the Women's Winter Festival or getting involved, details can be found on the PokerStars website.

PokerStars has been at the forefront of the online poker world since its launch in 2001, consistently offering players a safe and secure environment. With millions of players and a staggering number of daily tournaments, PokerStars continues to be the ultimate platform for poker enthusiasts globally.

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