Women in Poker Make History: Records, Titles, and a Path to the WSOP Ladies Championship

The year 2025 has become a defining moment for women in poker, marked by historic victories and breakthrough performances on the game’s biggest stages. From international triumphs to long-awaited milestones at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), female players are showcasing unprecedented strength—and the summer still has more in store with the WSOP Online $500 Ladies NLH Championship set for August 30.

Breaking Records on the Global Stage

The wave of success began in May when Xuan Liu lifted the $25,000 WPT Global Slam in Montenegro for $860,000, becoming the first woman to capture a Triton Poker title.

At the WSOP in Las Vegas, the spotlight was firmly on women. Shiina Okamoto successfully defended her Ladies Championship crown, going back-to-back after finishing runner-up in 2023. Esther Taylor pushed deep into the $50,000 Poker Players Championship, finishing third for $595,136—the deepest result ever for a woman in that marquee event. Meanwhile, Leo Margets reached the final table of the WSOP Main Event, ending a 30-year drought since Barbara Enright’s run in 1995, and reminding the poker world that women belong on the game’s biggest stage.

Success Beyond the WSOP

Away from Las Vegas, victories continued to pile up. Jenny Westerlund outlasted a record-setting 888-entry field at the WSOP Circuit Main Event in Tallinn, banking $233,524. Giedre Valgemae turned a modest $15 satellite entry into a $142,000 payday by taking down the GGPoker Masters. In Cyprus, Elena Litviniuk narrowly missed out on a WPT title, finishing fourth for $142,000.

Women-only series are also gaining traction. Jen Shahade captured the Main Event of a major summer festival dedicated to female players, while the Queens of Tallinn is set to return later this month as one of Europe’s most prominent women’s events.

Recognition Across the Industry

The year’s achievements extend well beyond the felt. At the Sixth Annual Global Poker Awards in February, Cherish Andrews was honored as GPI Female Player of the Year, Rania Nasreddine claimed Breakout Player after consecutive deep runs at EPT Main Events, and Francine Watson was named Best Industry Person. Rising content creators also shined, with Abby Merk, Nikki Limo, and Marle Spragg all earning awards, highlighting women’s growing influence across every corner of the poker industry.

The Next Spotlight: WSOP Online Ladies Championship

The summer’s momentum now turns to the WSOP Online $500 Ladies NLH Championship on August 30. The winner will secure a coveted gold bracelet along with a $30,000 package to WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas this December.

Daiva Byrne, founder of Fantastic Ladies in Poker (FLIP), expressed her excitement:

“After a stellar summer for female poker players, the WSOP Online $500 Ladies NLH Championship is almost upon us. Not only is a gold bracelet up for grabs, but the winner will also receive a $30K WSOP Paradise 2025 package in the Bahamas. I can’t wait to see the fierce competition at the tables at the end of this month.”

With history already written this year, the Ladies Championship offers one more chance for women to add another unforgettable chapter in 2025.

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