Growth of women in poker is difficult to quantify, however, as most tournament operators do not provide gender breakdowns.

The World Series of Poker hosted 95 live tournaments in the summer of 2023, with several dozen more online. The WSOP Online contingent never provides gender breakdowns. The WSOP’s live series is hit or miss. In 2022, I received the number of male and female players in the Main Event and for the entire live series. This year, I asked for both but only received the Main Event number. That makes it very difficult to gauge progress – or lack thereof – for women in poker.

Since the Main Event number is something that the WSOP provides year after year, we can see the trends with women in that $10K buy-in tournament.

First, let’s look at the actual number of women in the WSOP Main Event in each of the last six years. The number itself grew consistently prior to the pandemic, dropped in 2021 (during the F-it-lets-try-it-despite-Covid-wear-a-mask year), and then jumped back into place in 2022. This year, there were 395 women in the Main – 20 more than last year.

From a different angle, we can see the percentage of women was on a solid upward trajectory… until this year. Even in the unusual 2021 circumstances, the percentage of women grew in relation to the overall field. Growth slowed a bit last year and then dropped this year. The record-setting WSOP Main Event attendance left the percentage of women to fall 0.4%.

• Good news? More women played the Main in 2023.
• Bad news? A lower percentage of women played the Main in 2023.

Polling the Public

When Joey Pigtails asked what can be done to positively impact the number, I decided to ask women.

Great question. Women who play…what would make you more interested in playing the $10K Main next year? (Money and time, obv, but what could be done to make it feel accessible?) https://t.co/xegSnRNFyN

— Jennifer Newell (@WriterJen) July 13, 2023

I tracked the answers on Twitter, and I asked the same questions in two popular women’s poker groups on Facebook. I received hundreds of responses, most public but some private.

A Lot of Money

Most women in poker are not full-time professionals, and very few play at the highest buy-in levels of the game. While the WSOP Main Event is not often considered a high-stakes tournament, it does require a $10K buy-in. That is, in fact, a lot of money for one tournament.

That was the most common theme from women’s responses: They can’t afford a $10K buy-in.

These were the most common comments, paraphrased:

• My bankroll doesn’t justify a $10K buy-in.
• If/when I have $10K, I’d rather play more events with smaller buy-ins.
• The WSOP Main is a bucket list item, not a realistic or justifiable expense.

There were other big concerns as well.

• I can’t afford the 7-10 day trip to Vegas.
• If I have to choose between Ladies Week and the Main, I choose Ladies Week.
• I can’t get away from work/family/children for 7-10 days.
• Taxes on winnings for Europeans and Canadians are prohibitively high.
• I don’t like the idea of playing in a male field with 4% or less women.

It’s important to note that time is a factor in the WSOP Main Event like in no other poker tournament. There are four starting flights and two “Day 2” iterations before players combine. And the money bubble may burst late on Day 3 or – like this year – into Day 4. Even if a player competes in Day 1D, they would need to book a six-day stay just to ensure they could play into the money and not have to worry about flight changes until they ran deep enough into the payouts that an airline fee wouldn’t be a second thought. Add on travel days to the beginning and end, and a player could be away from home for 7-8 days at a minimum to play one tournament.

Solutions Abound

Women were quick to include suggestions for ways to solve some of the above issues.

Since the primary hurdle to playing the Main Event is the buy-in itself, the most common suggestion was more satellites. That broke down into a variety of ideas:

• More low (less than $1K) buy-in satellites like step satellites
• More satellites outside of Las Vegas – across the US and around the world
• More online poker satellites
• Home game leagues with money contributed weekly/monthly to a Main Event seat
• Ladies-only satellites
• Satellites at WSOP Circuit event stops
• More satellites through women’s organizations like FLIP, WPA, PLON, etc.
• Some satellite wins that include money for travel expenses and accommodations
• More staking opportunities

Poker League of Nations (PLON) was quick to note that they offered satellites for women to win their way to the Main Event. PLON also offers staking opportunities via its Facebook group.

Staking has been offered on various terms. Some are shared investments (typically going back to the staking fund to support #MoreWomen), or at varying percentages, some are 100% to the player! Depends on who’s offering the staking, and what agreement is in any particular case.

— PokerLeagueOfNations (@PokrLeagNations) July 14, 2023

Some women noted that those who are newest to the game may not be familiar with all of the different women’s groups in poker, nor do they have the time to peruse long Facebook threads or scroll Twitter. They don’t know about staking opportunities, how to organize home games live or online, or how to find the online poker sites that offer sanctioned satellites. Some don’t even know how satellites work and why they are so popular.

Mo Problems, Fewer Solutions

There are, of course, issues for which there are no easy solutions.

First, an oft-mentioned concern is the sexism and misogyny still present in poker. Obviously, this is a problem the world over, well beyond poker, but it is more pronounced when women are such a minority at the tables. When a woman knows that she will likely be the only woman at her table at any given time, it can decrease the desire to play that event.

Further, if women are not confident that any sexism or harassment will be met with swift consequences by the tournament staff, it further deters women from wanting to play.

Second, there is the high tax for players from the European Union and Canada, among other parts of the world. For example, Canadian women mentioned a 30% tax off the top of any winnings exceeding $5K, which would be a min-cash in the Main Event. Add to that a plethora of paperwork to apply for some of that money to be reimbursed in the next year or more, plus an unfavorable exchange rate for US currency for everything from hotel to buy-ins, and it becomes a complicated, prohibitive mess.

I know many Canadian women who came down for the Series and I’m not sure why I never thought about the exchange rate…but it’s not $10k to them! If money is a barrier, so is exchange rate. They told me they really had to choose wisely due to that. pic.twitter.com/xVDPS4EVs2

— Malia Miranda (@JMaliaMiranda) July 13, 2023

Third, there is the loneliness that can accompany a journey to Las Vegas and playing the Main Event. If a woman does not have a family member who can afford to also make the trip to Vegas or if the woman has no poker-playing friends, the journey through the Main Event can be a lonely one.

Finally, comments from women expressed a need for child care references in Las Vegas, more education about staking and satellites, a forum to connect with women for traveling in pairs or groups, and online poker satellites in parts of the USA and world that have no WSOP-affiliated options.

There are some groups in poker that address some of these issues, with the exception of child care and online poker satellites. Some Facebook groups provide the space for women to network and connect. Pocket Queens is a group that focuses heavily on game education. PLON and WPA focus on community.

Women can find most of what they seek. However, there is trial and error in finding the right group with the right resources, the one(s) that will benefit them the most.

100%. Hard to believe QQ is just 1 year old, eh? Next year will be even more amazing, as the count down to WSOP 2024 begins today. Time to hit the lab, sisters! https://t.co/HDEWpE043k

— Victoria Livschitz (@VictoriaL_64) July 26, 2023

Perhaps, though, women will never flock to the WSOP Main Event in big numbers. They may stick to lower buy-in events and cash games. Some will always prefer women-only tournaments.

Time and the availability of resources will tell.

The Moneymaker Tour

After such a long time in the game, Chris Moneymaker’s poker legend is such that merch with his name on it typically sells out and every tournament he plays has an atmosphere that is impossible to replicate. The Poker Hall of Famer is a unique player and poker personality and it’s for that reason among others that he commands such a dedicated fanbase. The average poker player still aspires to replicate Moneymaker’s achievements and standing in the game.

The Moneymaker Tour, then, seems the simplest and most effective idea since someone clever decided that the humble loaf of bread would be improved by slicing it. The inaugural stop of the all-new Moneymaker Tour will take place at Florida’s Palm Beach Kennel Club between May 10-24. With $1 million guaranteed across tournaments, excitement is already at fever pitch for fans of the man himself and aspiring poker stars of the future – a large percentage of the poker world.

With the Moneymaker Tour lasting 14 days, a fortnight of fun will see buy-ins ranging from $86 – that original satellite buy-in amount for Moneymaker way back in 2003 before ‘The Moneymaker Effect’ was even a thing — to $2,500 for the high rollers who want to play in the Main Event.

The Moneymaker Poker Tour is coming to Florida… and you can win a seat for FREE!

Kennel Club “Excited” to Host Inaugural Event

“We’ve put together a very exciting poker tour that will appeal to every type of tournament player.”

The Palm Beach Kennel Club cannot wait to welcome players to its popular poker room as it plays its own part of poker history by playing host to the first-ever Moneymaker Tour event.

“We are very excited to be hosting the inaugural Moneymaker Tour to the Poker Room at PBKC,” said Palm Beach Kennel  Club Poker Room Director & Assistant General Manager, Noah Carbone. “It’s going to be an amazing event featuring our largest buy-in event ever as well as a full line-up of great tournaments. This event will bring people to us from all over the country who haven’t experienced this facility before, and many are first-time visitors to beautiful Palm Beach County.”

Calling Florida the ‘epicenter for exciting and competitive poker ‘, Carbone believes that the Poker Room at PBKC is a perfect fit for the Moneymaker Tour.

“Collectively, we have put together a very exciting poker tour that will appeal to every type of tournament player,” Moneymaker Executive Manager Tony Burns said. “We are very excited that many amazing poker players will now include Palm Beach Kennel Club on their schedule for tournament stops.”

We are excited to be the first stop on the Moneymaker Tour, May 10-24, 2023! Tournaments for Everyone! Over $1 Million in Guarantees! 20 Trophy Events! Buys in from $86 to $2500! $500k Main Event! @PokerNews @PokerAtlas @MoneymakerTour pic.twitter.com/XyNzg51ZSk

— PBKC Poker Room (@PBKCPokerRoom) April 6, 2023

With Burns and Moneymaker creating the tour together, there is a familiar feel around the 2003 world champion’s project. The Americas Cardroom [ACR] Team Pro will be hoping that The Moneymaker Tour Main Event, which has the $2,500 entry fee, fills up like that famous WSOP Main Event 20 years ago. It alone has a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool and is scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 18th and conclude six days later on Wednesday, May 24th. With three starting flights on May 18-20, the live-streamed final table takes place on May 24th at 12pm noon local time.

Win One of Four Entries into the Moneymaker Tour

The series’ Main Event certainly isn’t the only tournament worth travelling out to Florida for. In fact, the very first event, The Moneymaker Opening Event costs just $500 to play and has an incredible $250,000 guaranteed prize pool. Running from Wednesday, May 10th until Saturday, May 13th, there are six starting flights to take part in order to battle your way towards the money places and beyond.

To celebrate the grand kickoff, the Moneymaker Tour team are giving four lucky players the chance to win a $500 entry to the opening event with that amazing $250,000 guarantee at the Palm Beach Kennel Club in Florida. All you have to do to put your name in the hat is sign up via the Moneymaker Poker Tour website and you could be lifting this trophy, as Chris Moneymaker and Tony Burns recently shared.

We aren’t kidding around with these trophies! 20 of them will be awarded @PBKennelClub @PBKCPokerRoom on May 10th thru 24th during the Inaugural @MoneymakerTour stop! Visit https://t.co/A2urM3gCAV for more details! pic.twitter.com/lS4yMy8UlR

— Tony Burns (@MMTonyB) April 1, 2023

Time is running out, as you must enter between April 10-30, but it couldn’t be simpler to do; just click on ‘FREE SEAT GIVEAWAY: PALM BEACH KENNEL CLUB’ at the top of the page.

The four winners will be chosen on May 1st and notified by direct message on social media or email.

Want to become the next Moneymaker and emulate a poker hero by winning big money in the process? We’re checking hotel deals in the area already!

Rob talks about how he got started in poker, how he likes to learn things, and how he met Steve and joined RecPoker. He also discusses playing in home games, early podcast editions, his favourite books, playing in the WSOP Main Event, how to improve as a new player, mindfulness, and a lot more!

Rob is active on Twitter as @rabman50

We also go over this week’s home game results and discuss these topics:
How to help us out – https://rec.poker/support/
Home Games – https://rec.poker/homegame/
Go Premium! – https://rec.poker/premium/

RecPoker is a vibrant and encouraging poker learning community. We are committed to learning the game, but our priority is building healthy relationships where we can not only grow in the game, but grow in our enjoyment of life. The membership website at rec. poker is awesome, but it’s just a tool to help us build that community. You can join for FREE, giving you access to the groups, forums, and other member benefits. If you want to enjoy the premium content, or become part of the RECing Crew, those options are available, and you can get $10 off your first payment using the code RECPOKER.

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Matt is active on Twitter as @Matt_Matros

We also go over this week’s home game results and discuss these topics:
How to help us out – https://rec.poker/support/
Home Games – https://rec.poker/homegame/
Go Premium! – https://rec.poker/premium/

RecPoker is a vibrant and encouraging poker learning community. We are committed to learning the game, but our priority is building healthy relationships where we can not only grow in the game, but grow in our enjoyment of life. The membership website at rec. poker is awesome, but it’s just a tool to help us build that community. You can join for FREE, giving you access to the groups, forums, and other member benefits. If you want to enjoy the premium content, or become part of the RECing Crew, those options are available, and you can get $10 off your first payment using the code RECPOKER.

Time Stamps

Four-time WSOP champ, Robert Mizrachi talks about his new book, Getting Started with HORSE Poker

2014 WSOP Main Event champ Greg “Fossilman” Raymer remembers dear friend, Rich Korbin

NOTE: PLEASE SUBSCRIBE To Bernard’s YouTube page AND LIKE any videos that you enjoy

Robert Mizrachi, plus Norman Chad, Joe Cada, Kevin Mathers, Greg Raymer

In this episode of The Bernard Lee Poker Show on the Cardplayer Lifestyle Podcast Family, Bernard Lee initially interviews four-time WSOP champ, Robert Mizrachi about his new book and then talks with others (Norman Chad, Joe Cada, Kevin Mathers, Greg Raymer) discussing the WSOP transition to Bally’s/Paris.

At the start of the interview, Robert shares his thoughts about the WSOP transition to Bally’s/Paris. Robert discusses how he became involved with Chris Wallace in writing the new book, Getting Started with HORSE Poker. Robert reveals which games he enjoys the most and strategies when playing HORSE. Follow Bernard on Twitter, Instagram (@BernardLeePoker) and Subscribe to his YouTube channel for a chance to win this book.

During the second part of the interview, Bernard speaks with Norman Chad, Joe Cada, Kevin Mathers, Greg Raymer about the WSOP transition to Bally’s/Paris from the Rio. Finally, Greg Raymer and Bernard also pay tribute to good friend, Rich Korbin who recently passed away.

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Bernard Lee, Robbie Strazynski and Chad Holloway Discuss and Wrap-Up 2021 WSOP Main Event

Discussing 2021 WSOP and Future Nomination and Inductions Ideas for the Poker Hall of Fame

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Robbie Strazynski & Chad Holloway

In this episode of The Bernard Lee Poker Show on the Cardplayer Lifestyle Podcast Family, Bernard Lee reviews the 2021 WSOP with special guests, Robbie Strazynski, Founder of CardplayerLifestyle, and Chad Holloway Executive Editor, U.S. for PokerNews.

At the start of the interview, the three poker media stalwarts discuss their impressions of the 2021 WSOP amidst the COVID 19 pandemic and vaccine mandate. Then, they talk about the stories that stood out to them beyond the Main Event. Finally, they talk about the 2021 Poker Hall of Fame induction of Eli Elezra and a possible future backlog of HOF candidates.

During the second part of the interview, the trio discuss the highlights of the 2021 WSOP Main Event, including the final table. They conclude by offering their final thoughts and stories.

Whatever group you may belong to, StakeKings are the leading online platform connecting players to prospective backers. The site makes it very easy to find players offering shares in single events or tournament packages and purchase a percentage you want.

Now, you can get involved in staking with no risk involved and win valuable prizes, including a 2022 WSOP Main Event seat worth $10,000!

StakeKings have come up with a generous promo for new and existing users alike. Simply join the site by creating a free account if you don’t have one yet, and you’ll be in with a chance to win!

Back Your Favorites for the 2021 WSOP Main Event

Upon joining StakeKings, all newcomers can claim 25,000 coins from their Challenges section. The coins will be added to your account immediately and you can put them to good use.

Navigate to the Challenge Marketplace and check out available Main Event deals. The platform makes it easy to search for players by name, so if you have any favorites you’d like to back, you can see if they’re on the list.

If not, you can send a request to StakeKings and ask for a player to be added. However, this option is only available to users who’ve made a real money stake after October 25. Every user can add a maximum of five players.

The Challenge Marketplace doesn’t deal in real money. Instead, you will use your coins to purchase percentages in the players and you’ll receive leaderboard points based on the success of your investments.

For every coin you win back from a staking deal, you’ll receive one leaderboard point. So, if you buy 5% in a player who ends up cashing for $100,000, you’ll receive 5,000 points.

It’s important to note that you can only invest up to 4,500 coins on any individual player, so take your time and make your picks wisely.

25 Prizes up for Grabs – Including a WSOP Main Event Entry

Once the contest is over, everyone who makes it into top 25 spots on the leaderboard will receive prizes. The winner will receive the lion’s share of the prize pool as they will get to choose between a $10,000 Main Event entry for the next WSOP or a $5,000 bonus with StakeKings.

Note that to be eligible for this prize, you will need to have placed a real money stake with the site between October 25 and November 4. If you win but don’t meet this requirement, you’ll still receive $500.

Other available prizes include:

• 2nd place: $1,000 for real money players or $100 available for everyone
• 3rd place: $500 for real money players or $50 for all users
• 4th place: $250 or $25
• 5th place: $100 or $10
• 6th – 10th: $50 or $5
• 11th – 25th: $10 or $1

The deadline to enter the competition is November 4, which is when the first Day 1 of the 2021 Main Event kicks off, so act now and be sure to get involved in time!

Be advised of the fine print as well: All cash prizes are issued as StakeKings credits and have 1x wagering requirements. This means you’ll need to use them to buy shares in players listed on the site before you can actually withdraw the money.

Daniel Negreanu talks about winning the 2021 PokerGo Cup and also the 2021 WSOP.

NOTE: PLEASE SUBSCRIBE To Bernard’s YouTube page AND LIKE any videos that you enjoy

 Jack Effel and Daniel Negreanu

In this episode of The Bernard Lee Poker Show on the Cardplayer Lifestyle Podcast Family, Bernard Lee first interviews WSOP VP, Jack Effel and six-time WSOP bracelet winner, Daniel Negreanu.

During the first half of the podcast, Jack Effel talks about his initial impression of the 2021 WSOP and adding a couple of Day 1 flights to the 2021 WSOP Main Event. Jack talks about the 2021 WSOP including the COVID-19 vaccination policy with no incidents to date and the registration methods including FastTrac system. Also, talks about the events and the names that Ty Stewart came up with including this year’s Reunion event.

During the second part of the podcast, Daniel Negreanu talks about winning his first title at PokerGO Cup since 2013. Daniel also talks about playing in the high roller events and also the events he is looking forward to during the 2021 WSOP. Daniel discusses how he determines his 2021 WSOP event schedule. Daniel talks about the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines for the 2021 WSOP.  Finally, Daniel talks about how he feels entering the 2021 WSOP.

Ari Engel wins his 2nd WSOP bracelet, 2021 WSOP $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship

Greg Raymer wins Inaugural Mixed $200 H.O.R.S.E tourney along with $30,000 Pokerstars Platinum Pass

NOTE: PLEASE SUBSCRIBE To Bernard’s YouTube page AND LIKE any videos that you enjoy

Ari Engel and Greg Raymer

In this episode of The Bernard Lee Poker Show on the Cardplayer Lifestyle Podcast Family, Bernard Lee first interviews 2021 WSOP $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or better Championship winner, Ari Engel.  This win was his second WSOP bracelet. Then, Bernard interviews Greg Raymer, the 2004 WSOP Main Event champion, who captured Cardplayer Lifestyle’s Inaugural Mixed Game $200 H.O.R.S.E. buy-in tournament, along with a $30,000 PokerStars Platinum Pass.

READ MORE about Greg’s latest win here

During the first half of the podcast, Ari Engel talks about winning his 2^nd WSOP bracelet in the 2021 WSOP $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship. Ari also talks about things that players can improve on in Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or better. He talks about taking advantage of being the chip leader at final table and also all of the focus on Phil Hellmuth. Ari discusses how he determined his 2021 WSOP event schedule and the specific events he is looking forward to playing in 2021. Finally, Ari discusses his time playing online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the second part of the podcast, Greg Raymer talks about winning the Cardplayer Lifestyle Inaugural Mixed Game $200 H.O.R.S.E. tournament. Greg discusses how he determined his 2021 WSOP event schedule and the specific events he is looking forward to playing in 2021. Fainlly, Greg talks about his comfort playing in the WSOP.

Jeremy Ausmus wins his 2nd WSOP bracelet, 2021 Covid-19 Relief No-Limit Hold’em Charity Event

Robbie Strazynski discusses the Inaugural Mixed Game Festival during the 2021 WSOP

NOTE: PLEASE SUBSCRIBE To Bernard’s YouTube page AND LIKE any videos that you enjoy

Jeremy Ausmus and Robbie Strazynski

In this episode of The Bernard Lee Poker Show on the Cardplayer Lifestyle Podcast Family, Bernard Lee first interviews 2021 WSOP Covid-19 Relief No-Limit Hold’em Charity Event champion, Jeremy Ausmus.  This win was his second WSOP bracelet. Then, Bernard interviews Robbie Strazynski who discusses the Inaugural Mixed Game Festival held this week during the 2021 WSOP.

During the first half of the podcast, Jeremy Ausmus talks about winning his 2nd WSOP bracelet in the interviews 2021 WSOP Covid-19 Relief No-Limit Hold’em Charity Event. Jeremy also discusses his time at home with the family and playing online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Playing in high roller events, Jeremy talks about adjusting when playing between the lower buy-in and high roller events. He also talks about how he felt entering the 2021 WSOP and the registration process and COVID-19 protocols. Finally, Jeremy discusses how he determines his 2021 WSOP event schedule and the specific events he is looking forward to playing in 2021.

During the second part of the podcast, Robbie Strazynski gives his initial impression of the 2021 WSOP. Robbie talks about his Inaugural Mixed Game Festival held at the Westgate Casino, formerly the Hilton. Also, he talks about the $200 H.O.R.S.E. buy-in tournament on October 7, with a PokerStars Platinum Pass ($30,000 value) for the winner. Robbie and Bernard discuss the different mixed games including explaining all the games that make up H.O.R.S.E. Also, during the interview, Robbie discusses the new format of CardplayerLifestyle.com.