Celebrating Female Excellence: The Women in Poker Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 Nominees
The anticipation builds as the Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) prepares to induct an inspiring new class of remarkable women who have profoundly impacted the world of poker. With eight outstanding nominees contending for this prestigious honor, it’s clear that the competition is fierce. Each of these women has not only excelled at the poker tables but also played a vital role in shaping the industry’s future. Let’s meet the nominees and discover their incredible journeys.
Meet the Nominees
Kristen Bicknell Foxen
Kristen Bicknell Foxen is a name synonymous with success in poker. With four World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and over $8.40 million in earnings, she ranks among the top 200 money earners of all time and is one of only two women to achieve such a feat. Transitioning from an online poker prodigy—where she achieved three-time Supernova Elite status—to a dominant force in live tournaments, her latest triumph was a commendable 13th-place finish in the 2024 WSOP Main Event, earning her $600,000. Bicknell Foxen is undeniably a poker legend in the making.
Kristen Bicknell
Liv Boeree
Liv Boeree is another powerhouse in the poker scene. With over $3.80 million in winnings, she boasts a unique accomplishment as the only woman to have won both a WSOP bracelet and an EPT Main Event, highlighted by her historic victory at EPT Sanremo in 2010. Beyond her poker success, Boeree is a vocal advocate for rational thinking and effective altruism. Through her organization, Raising for Effective Giving, she promotes evidence-based philanthropy, making her contributions to the game and society profound.
Liv Boeree
Jeanne David
Jeanne David is a trailblazer in poker, with a particular passion for mixed games, amassing $250,000 in winnings primarily through these complex variants. But her impact extends beyond mere statistics; as the former head of responsible gaming for PokerStars, she was instrumental in the legalization of online poker across the US and Europe, creating pathways for many players to engage with the game online. Her unwavering advocacy for responsible gaming practices has made her a revered figure in the industry.
Jeanne David
Jamie Kerstetter
Jamie Kerstetter is not just a talented poker player with nearly $1 million in live tournament winnings; she’s also a savvy social media personality and commentator. A two-time Global Poker Award winner for “Best Twitter Personality,” Kerstetter uses her platform to provide unique insights and humor to the poker community. Her quick-witted commentary has entertained fans, and she remains a strong presence in the poker broadcasting realm, continuously championing the game’s growth and inclusivity.
Jamie Kerstetter
Kara Scott
Kara Scott embodies the essence of a true poker Renaissance woman. As a prominent TV personality and former 888poker ambassador, she has been a prominent figure at numerous WSOP events and shows. Her playing prowess is just as impressive, with over $660,000 in earnings. Scott has demonstrated her versatility not only as a presenter but also as an insightful commentator, solidifying her status as an icon both on and off the felt.
Kara Scott
Rebecca McAdam Willetts
Rebecca McAdam Willetts is a dedicated advocate for women in poker, having spearheaded initiatives such as women-only boot camps and the first female insights community. Beyond her contributions to poker, she has raised over $1.50 million for charity through significant PokerStars events, showcasing her commitment to giving back. Recently, Willetts launched QueenBHive, a PR and marketing company supporting women in male-dominated fields. Her tireless efforts make her one of the most inspiring figures in the industry.
Rebecca McAdam Willetts
Annette Obrestad
Annette Obrestad, known in the poker world as "Annette_15," exploded onto the scene as a teenager, building her bankroll from freerolls. She famously won a tournament without looking at her hole cards. Just before her 19th birthday, she triumphed in the inaugural WSOP Europe Main Event, becoming the youngest bracelet winner at the time. With over $3.90 million in career earnings, she has become a role model for aspiring female players, inspiring them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Annette Obrestad
Jennifer Shahade
Jennifer Shahade is a dual-threat in the worlds of chess and poker. As a Woman Grandmaster and two-time US Women’s Chess Champion, she carries a strategic mindset that has translated well into her poker career. A respected author and advocate for gender equality in both games, Shahade has garnered notable poker victories and serves as PokerStars’ MindSports Ambassador. Her influence reaches far beyond competition, inspiring change and equality in both chess and poker communities.
Jennifer Shahade
A Legacy of Excellence
The Women in Poker Hall of Fame, established in 2008, stands as a testament to the achievements of women in the poker arena. Currently, the hall consists of 25 extraordinary women who have significantly contributed to the game, including legends like Linda Johnson, Barbara Enright, Jennifer Harman, Maria Ho, and Jennifer Tilly. The induction of the Class of 2024 will further enrich this legacy, recognizing the ongoing influence of women in shaping the future of poker.
Voting for the WiPHoF Class of 2024 is open until midnight PST on October 30, 2024. A panel of media and industry experts, alongside the public, will determine which nominees will be honored. The results will be revealed in November, culminating in a celebratory ceremony in Las Vegas on December 11, 2024.
As we celebrate these phenomenal women, it’s important to recognize their tireless contributions and the paths they continue to forge for future generations in the poker world. Each nominee not only showcases exceptional talent but also embodies the spirit of resilience and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in the game.
