Historically, poker rooms and competitions were predominantly male environments, with very few women participating at the tables. Major poker tournaments events featured primarily male competitors, and the number of women joining in on the games was minimal.
Even though there is still a significant disparity, with fewer women than men attending tournaments and poker venues, the landscape has evolved significantly. Female players are now experiencing greater acceptance, and special events for women have encouraged more women to enter the game.
Founded in 2008, the Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of female players by recognizing excellence in the field, welcoming new members biennially. poker We are thrilled to announce the newest members of the WiPHoF Class of 2024, which includes an innovative Pioneer category that recognizes influential but lesser-known figures in poker. The inaugural posthumous inductee for this category is Starla Brodie. Congratulations to all inductees!
Women in Poker Hall of Fame - Class of 2024
Kristen Foxen and Jeanne David will officially join the Hall during an induction ceremony taking place on December 11 at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. @krissyb24poker & @jeanriders The selection journey involved a public nomination process where 52 women were put forward, which was then narrowed down to eight candidates. The current hall members and over 1,200 votes from the poker community helped decide the final inductees. https://t.co/fJ0S3KciW2 pic.twitter.com/fDCCoxaxjv
β Women in Poker Hall of Fame (@WIPHOF) November 11, 2024
In addition to Foxen and David, Starla Brodie has been recognized as the first inductee in the Pioneer category of the hall.
The hall expressed admiration for the Class of 2024, stating, \"This group of women is truly exceptional, and we are excited to honor them.\"
Few competitors can rival the remarkable achievements of this player from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Foxen began her journey by playing casual games during her college years before diving into tournament play on weekends.
As her winnings grew, Foxen made the decision to leave her educational pursuits and commit to poker as her full-time career.
What aspects of poker does she find most enjoyable? She recently shared with Card Player magazine, \"Each hand presents a challenge and a unique situation. You can prepare and study, but each hand has its own distinctiveness.
Class of 2024 Inductee - Kristen Foxen
That's why I appreciate the strategic elements of the game. It feels almost like being a detective, piecing together the right move to make.β online poker Foxen made her mark on the poker world in 2013 when she won her first World Series of Poker bracelet.
She triumphed in the $1,000 Ladies Championship, earning herself $173,922. Additional victories would soon follow.
In 2016, she secured another bracelet by winning a $1,500 bounty NLHE event, collecting $290,768 in the process.
Her impressive run continued with online bracelet wins in the years 2020, 2023, and 2024.
With a total of five bracelets, she holds the record for the most won by a woman in poker, boasting an impressive $8.5 million in live tournament earnings. This summer, she captured the attention of poker enthusiasts with her remarkable performance in the WSOP $10,000 Main Event, ultimately finishing in 13th place for $600,000.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone supporting me throughout the Main Event! Although the outcome was disappointing and I truly desired that bracelet, I poured my heart into every hand I played. I feel very thankful for the chance to participate in such a significant tournament....
- Apart from her achievements at the WSOP, Foxen has made numerous final table appearances in various other tournaments, including those on the European Poker Tour, and has seen substantial success online.
- The WiPHoF remarked, \"Each year, she [Foxen] makes remarkable progress in her skills and accomplishments.\"
- Although this name may not be immediately recognizable to all poker fans, David has significantly contributed to making poker more inclusive for women.
Her influence extends to advocacy for responsible gaming practices and the promotion of the game. Based in Las Vegas, this mixed games specialist worked as PokerStars' responsible gaming manager and now shares her insights through writing.
In a recent interview with Poker.org, David explained, \"When I first took on that role, responsible gaming protocols were virtually non-existent in online poker.
β Kristen Foxen (@krissyb24poker) July 16, 2024
Initially, it was just me, but I eventually built a remarkable team of 15 staff over time. I spent 15 years there, including five years living on the Isle of Man, before retiring in 2020.\"
Her impressive career includes legislative advocacy across the U.S. and Europe, promoting the regulation of online poker. Her efforts were instrumental in facilitating online gaming in the U.S. states of Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada.
These regulatory endeavors often involved educating operators on integrating responsible gaming principles into poker operations. She has also addressed the Dutch Parliament and the UK Gambling Commission on these important issues. World Poker Tour Following her retirement, David continues to engage in poker by promoting mixed game tournaments across Las Vegas and offering complimentary lessons to women who wish to learn the game.
Reflecting on her passion for poker, she stated, \"My mind often races ahead of what I'm physically ready to do, so I find No-Limit to be rather tedious compared to mixed games.
Class of 2024 Inductee - Jeanne David
I started with stud poker at the age of seven, as my grandfather taught me how to play. I've been involved with cards ever since. When I finally encountered No-Limit, I thought, 'No, I'm much more inclined towards mixed games.'\" where to play poker in Vegas In a time when men largely dominated the WSOP, Starla Brodie made history as a groundbreaking female player. In 1979, she became the first woman to clinch a title in an open event at the WSOP, which was available to all genders.
Partnering with poker legend Doyle Brunson, she succeeded in a $600 mixed doubles event, winning a total of $4,500 β equivalent to almost $20,000 today.
During this period, event fields were significantly smaller, and the poker scene, including 'bracelet chasing,' did not garner the kind of attention that it does now. It was quite rare to have a woman competing.
In this photo, my mother, Starla Brodie (then Thompson), is seen with Doyle after triumphing in the mixed doubles WSOP event in '79. Although I only met him a few times, he was always incredibly kind and complimentary of how well my mother played. My heartfelt condolences to the Brunson family.
Brodie was not finished with her winning ways. In 1995, she added another bracelet to her collection by winning the $1,000 Women's Seven Card Stud event, earning $35,200. This tournament eventually transitioned to No-Limit Hold'em and is now recognized as the $1,000 Ladies Championship.
Many notable players have claimed this title, including Kristen Foxen, Jennifer Tilly, Barbara Enright, Susan Isaacs, and Jessica Dawley.
Class of 2024!π @leehjones pens a tribute to @jeanriders β \"A true Hall of Famer\"π https://t.co/ZlVuUFTeo1
β Poker Org (@pokerorg) November 13, 2024
According to hall organizers, Brodie was not only a pioneer but also an inspiring figure for women like Linda Johnson, motivating them to take part in the most prestigious poker games.
Complete List of Women in Poker Hall of Fame Members
For those interested, tickets to the induction ceremony can be purchased at the website.
Class of 2024 Pioneer Inductee - Starla Brodie
The ceremony will feature Jan Fisher as the master of ceremonies and Jennifer Tilly as the keynote speaker.
Letβs take a moment to review all the inductees since the WiPHoF's inception in 2008.
Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer residing in Ruidoso, New Mexico, focusing on poker, gambling, the casino industry, and various other subjects. Follow him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions or reach out via email at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net.
#RIPDoyle
β Daniel Brodie (@daniel_brodie) May 15, 2023
The Pioneer Inductee for the Class of 2024 is Starla Brodie. pic.twitter.com/MKKY7V0bV9
For a comprehensive list of members of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame.
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2008 |
Barbara Enright |
2008 |
Linda Johnson |
2008 |
Marsha Waggoner |
2008 |
Susie Isaacs |
2009 |
Cyndy Violette |
2009 |
Jan Fisher |
2009 |
June Field |
2010 |
Billie Brown |
2010 |
Kathy Liebert |
2010 |
Jennifer Harman |
2011 |
Margie Heintz |
2011 |
Phyllis Caro |
2011 |
Kristy Gazes |
2012 |
J.J. Liu |
2012 |
Kathy Raymond |
2014 |
Deborah Giardina |
2014 |
Allyn Shulman |
2016 |
Debbie Burkhead |
2016 |
Vicky Coren Mitchell |
2018 |
Maria Ho |
2018 |
Lupe Soto |
2022 |
Vanessa Selbst |
2022 |
Jennifer Tilly |
2022 |
Angelica Hael |
2022 |
Terry King |
2024 |
Jeanne David |
2024 |
Kristen Foxen |