Women in Poker Winter Festival Returns to Las Vegas: A Celebration of Skill and Community
This December, the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas will once again be the backdrop for a week dedicated to female poker enthusiasts. The Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS) has teamed up with the Women in Poker (WIP) organization to present the eagerly anticipated Women in Poker Winter Festival, running from December 9-15, 2023. This annual event promises to be a vibrant celebration of women in poker, featuring a variety of tournaments and social gatherings designed to empower and connect female players.
A Thriving Community
The Women in Poker Winter Festival has established itself as a cornerstone event for women in the poker world. Now in its third year, this festival coincides with the World Poker Tour World Championship, enhancing its prestige and drawing even more participants. One of the highlights of the festival is the $1,100 Ladies Championship, which boasts a promising $250,000 guaranteed prize pool. This high-stakes tournament will take place at the famed Wynn Las Vegas on December 14-15.
In the previous year’s event, the stakes were high, and the competition fierce. A notable performance came from Lisa Costello, a local player who triumphed with an incredible 457 entries, leading to a prize pool of $443,290. Costello walked away with $85,297 in her pocket, marking a momentous achievement in her poker career. The success of the 2023 championship underscores the growing popularity and competitiveness of female poker events.
Diverse Events for Every Player
The festival is not only about high-stakes tournaments; it includes an array of activities catering to different styles of play and personal preferences. Female participants can look forward to a mixed bag of events, such as a mystery bounty tournament, casual meet-up cash games, and various mixed-game competitions. This blend of gaming styles fosters an inclusive atmosphere, allowing players to engage with one another and share experiences.
Lupe Soto, the founder of the Women’s Poker Association, emphasized the festival’s comprehensive approach in her remarks: “The Women in Poker Winter Festival is packed with an amazing week of poker, fun, and memory making! This series includes some new and some favorite events of the year.” Soto’s passion for promoting women’s participation in poker is evident throughout the programming and community spirit.
Exciting Tournament Lineup
Here’s a closer look at the detailed schedule for the week:
- Dec. 9 – $300 NLHE Ladies Championship, Orleans Casino, 11 a.m.
- Dec. 10 – $240 NLHE Mystery Bounty, Resorts World, 11 a.m.
- Dec. 10 – Poker Friends Forever Holiday Meet-Up Cash Games, gift exchange, prizes, 7 p.m.
- Dec. 11 – Women in Poker Hall of Fame, details to be released soon.
- Dec. 11 – $185 NLHE Women in Poker Hall of Fame Bounty, Resorts World ($50 bounties on each player and special prizes for eliminating hall members).
- Dec. 12 – $360 WIP NLHE Championship, Resorts World, $30,000 guaranteed (Day 1A at 11 a.m., Day 1B at 6 p.m.).
- Dec. 13 – $360 WIP NLHE Championship restart at 11 a.m., Resorts World.
- Dec. 14 – $1,100 WPT Ladies Championship, $250,000 guaranteed, Wynn Casino, 11 a.m.
- Dec. 15 – $200 NLHE LIPS Toast to 20, Resorts World, 11 a.m.
- Dec. 15 – $240 ROSE (Razz, Omaha 8, Stud, Stud 8), Resorts World, 6 p.m.
This lineup includes something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the game. The variety of formats and limits allows participants to choose events that fit their skills and comfort levels, further enhancing the inclusivity of the festival.
Celebrating Women’s Poker
As the Women in Poker Winter Festival approaches, excitement is building within the community. It serves as a reminder of the important role women play in the poker industry and the progress being made toward greater inclusivity in the game. By providing female players with exclusive events and opportunities, the festival not only highlights their contributions but also empowers new generations of female poker enthusiasts.
For more information on upcoming events, results, and interviews, interested players can explore Card Player’s Women In Poker page, which is dedicated to all things related to women in the poker world.
As we gear up for another thrilling week of poker action in Las Vegas, one thing is clear: the future of women’s poker is bright, and the Women in Poker Winter Festival is set to be a spectacular showcase of talent, camaraderie, and love for the game.
