For the third consecutive year, the Queens of Tallinn festival returned to Estonia’s capital, bringing together women from across Europe for four days of poker, community, and celebration. Hosted at the Olympic Park Casino inside the Hilton Park Hotel, the series featured five events, each awarding a signature Queens of Tallinn necklace alongside prize money.
The atmosphere at the venue stood out from the moment players arrived. The casino hall was filled with laughter, encouragement, and the sense of belonging. Newcomers were quickly embraced, becoming part of the growing community that has defined the festival since its launch.
Record Main Event Field
The highlight of the schedule was the €350 Main Event, which drew 96 entries across two starting flights — the largest turnout in the festival’s history. With €27,677 in the prize pool, the competition was fierce.
After three days of play, Lithuania’s Giedre Valgemäe emerged victorious, continuing her impressive run after recently winning the GG Masters. She claimed €5,690 and the exclusive golden Queens of Tallinn necklace.
Equality at the Core
Tournament Director Teresa Nousiainen, a seasoned figure in European poker who also created the Kings of Tallinn, explained that the philosophy behind the event was to treat it with the same professionalism as any major festival.
“We always decided to have it on a TV stream, and do the same things we do for any festival,” Nousiainen said.
She reflected on her initial doubts about launching Europe’s first women-only poker festival but noted how quickly the community embraced it.
“You don’t know if people are going to turn out? Are they coming? But, from the first one, we have had a really nice atmosphere,” she remarked.
Nousiainen was firm about rejecting the notion that women’s poker should be confined to small side events.
“Why is the assumption that women want to play a 100 euro No-Limit Hold’em tournament? What makes you an expert on women, and what they want? I have always decided that I’m not going to do that. I refuse to do that.”
Inspiring Performances
The momentum of the women’s game has been strengthened by success stories across the region. Earlier this year, Jenny Westerlund captured the WSOPC Tallinn Main Event title, a breakthrough moment for women in poker.
“Women’s poker is not the same as it used to be a few years ago. These are really strong, good players,” Nousiainen noted.
For Christer Larsson, Group Poker Director, Westerlund’s victory was particularly meaningful.
“That’s really big for us, to see that the ladies not only play with us, they can actually win the main event.”
Team Competition and Side Events
One of the most distinctive features of the Queens of Tallinn is its team event. Groups of three players accumulate points across different tournaments, with the winning team earning 2% of the Main Event prize pool.
“This is also a way for us to help players to come together, play in new teams, have fun together, and have some horses to cheer on if you just busted out yourself,” said Larsson.
Teams added color to the festival with custom shirts and creative names such as “The Aceholders,” “The Cat Fighters,” “Flip Power,” and “Oops, I’m Bluffing Again.” Even solo participants were able to join a team before the second break in the Main Event, ensuring no one was left out.
Among the side highlights was the €200 Queens Crown Event, a 20-minute blind structure that drew 45 entries. The title went to Anne Bezdek, who earned €2,445 and the trophy.
A Festival of Community and Strength
Looking back at its third edition, the Queens of Tallinn has grown into more than just a tournament series. It has become a festival of community, inclusion, and empowerment, where women come together not only to compete but also to inspire one another.
As Larsson summed up:
“For me, personally, this is so, so important. To give something back to the ladies and see the smiling faces when people come together as friends.”
2025 Queens of Tallinn Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giedre Valgemäe | Lithuania | €5,690* |
| 2 | Annika Abmayr | Germany | €3,890* |
| 3 | Elin Holmgren | Sweden | €4,313* |
| 4 | Aytan Eldarova | United Kingdom | €4,458* |
| 5 | Saara Benlamine | Finland | €1,950 |
| 6 | Helina Tamm | Estonia | €1,580 |
| 7 | Christina Solli | Norway | €1,270 |
| 8 | Elisabeth Harestad | Norway | €1,020 |
| 9 | Annemar Rimmel | Estonia | €810 |
*Prizes adjusted due to a four-way deal.
