Kristen Foxen: A Trailblazer in the World of Poker
Throughout the history of modern poker, women have shattered expectations, dominated tables, and built legacies. From Annette Obrestad conquering online games as a teenager to Vanessa Selbst reaching world number one in 2014, women have played pivotal roles in poker’s evolution. Names like Maria Ho, Liv Boeree, and Gaelle Baumann highlight the depth of female talent that enriches the game. However, in 2024, no name shone brighter than Kristen Foxen.
Kicking Things Off on the PokerGO Tour
As many were recovering from the holiday season, Kristen Foxen hit the ground running in January 2023. Those first two weeks of the year were nothing short of spectacular for Foxen; she cashed for over $300,000 and secured a title in the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas. During the Last Chance and Kickoff festivals, she demonstrated her prowess, culminating in a significant victory when she defeated poker legend Daniel Negreanu in the heads-up for the PokerGO Tour Kickoff, earning herself a whopping $165,000.
| Event | Place | Payout (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| PokerGO Tour Last Chance #1: $10,100 NLHE | 13th | $18,200 |
| PokerGO Tour Last Chance #2: $10,100 NLHE | 6th | $52,800 |
| PokerGO Tour Last Chance #3: $10,100 NLHE | 12th | $16,400 |
| PokerGO Tour Last Chance #6: $10,100 NLHE | 11th | $23,700 |
| PokerGO Tour Kickoff #3: $5,100 NLHE | 3rd | $49,275 |
| PokerGO Tour Kickoff #5: $10,100 NLHE | 1st | $165,000 |
Tim Duckworth, the PokerGO Director of Live Events & Content, remarked on Foxen’s work ethic and friendly demeanor, saying, "One player that always has a smile on their face is Kristen Foxen. But you can’t let that smile fool you, as she’ll happily cut you up on the poker table if you stand in her way." Foxen has since accumulated a staggering $1,966,728 in PGT events, solidifying her standing as a leading contender for the GPI Player of the Year award.
Time for the World Series of Poker
With her momentum carrying into the summer, Foxen made her highly anticipated appearance at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Although she cashed ten times that summer with no final tables, her persistence was evident. Among the highlights was her participation in the prestigious $25,000 High Roller event, where she noted a burgeoning presence of women competing at higher buy-ins, an encouraging sign for the future of the game.
Foxen’s performance peaked during the Main Event, where she progressed impressively through the ranks. Starting Day 1d, she doubled her stack and entered Day 3 well within the top 500 as the money bubble loomed. By the end of Day 5, she found herself sitting 36th among the remaining 160 players. Her excitement was palpable; midway through Day 6, she admitted, “Today it started to feel real.”
She monitored her strategy closely, emphasizing a balanced approach as the stakes rose. In her rally of determination, she aimed to inspire other women in poker, exclaiming, “I’m just hoping that I can show other women not to be intimidated. To feel confident, like we belong here. Let’s beat them if we want to.”
Despite the support from players and industry veterans, Kristen’s remarkable run would end in 13th place after facing Joe Serock, earning her a substantial $600,000. Reflecting on her experience, she described it as "a very unique, grueling experience” filled with the kind of pressure that would contribute to her growth as a player.
Online Success
Although Foxen did not claim a bracelet at the WSOP Main Event, she found success on the online felt just a few months later. She triumphed in Event #17: $500 Pot-Limit Omaha Mystery Bounty 6-Max, taking home $20,064 (plus an additional $19,207 in bounties), thereby securing her status as a five-time WSOP champion.
| Date | Event | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Oct-24 | WSOP Online Bracelet Event #19 – $1,000 Hold’em 6-Max | $56,703 |
| Sep-23 | WSOP Online Bracelet #6: $888 Crazy 8’s | $92,142 |
| Jul-20 | WSOP Online Bracelet Event #44: $2,500 6-Handed | $356,412 |
| Jun-16 | Event #46: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Bounty | $290,768 |
| Jun-13 | Event #51: $10,000/$1,000 Ladies Championship | $173,922 |
Women in Poker Hall of Fame Induction
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the poker community, Foxen was inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame in November 2024. With five bracelets and over $8.5 million in lifetime earnings, her achievements signify more than personal triumph; they represent a broader movement within the game.
In her acceptance speech, Foxen articulated her driving motivation: "In my career, I decided I was pretty determined to try and show that women can compete. I just wanted to be as successful as I could be, and here I am almost 20 years later."
Foxen remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female players, demonstrating that success is attainable with tenacity and skill. As she continues to break barriers at the tables, Kristen Foxen’s journey heralds a new chapter in poker, one characterized by inclusivity and empowerment.
Kristen Foxen exemplifies the strength and resilience of women in poker, serving not only as a champion in her own right but also as a trailblazer paving the way for future generations. Her persistence and talent solidify her place among the greats in poker history, ensuring her legacy will inspire players for years to come.
