Women are on the rise in all aspects of life, rolling up their sleeves and showcasing their abilities. This trend is also evident in the online gaming market, where women now account for 20 to 40 percent of casino players (the exact percentage varies by country). In the United Kingdom, the representation reaches an impressive 41 percent, while in the United States, it hovers just above 20 percent.
That's right, ladies and gentlemen, female players have been excelling more and more. However, just like in other fields, female gamblers have not always received the recognition they deserve. So, here is our tribute to the top 5 exceptional players, those women who know how to handle risks and take home million-dollar prizes! Check them out below.
Lotte Deno, also referred to as "Lotta Dinero / The Poker Queen."
Our initial player takes us back to the Old West, where the gambling scene was predominantly male-dominated in taverns. This fact never deterred the daring and alluring Mrs. Deno from making her way to the gambling tables, earning her the title of the "Poker Queen." However, this wasn't her only nickname. Born with the name Christan, Carlotta J. Thompkins, Lotte decided on Deno after winning such a monumental hand that another player shouted she ought to be called Lotta Dinero.
Arguably one of the most renowned players of all time (she was immortalized on the American TV show Gunsmoke) in the rugged frontier lands of the Old West, this enigmatic and adept lady surpassed individuals like Doc Holiday and managed to retire with the winnings she earned in the game, living up to an impressive 89 years (the average life expectancy for women in the US during that era was 52). She's a true testament to resilience and skill, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of gambling.
Judy Bayley: "The game's first lady"
Have you ever heard of Hacienda? No, we're not talking about the Spanish tax authorities, but rather the casino that Judy Bayley established in Nevada. Initially opened with her husband, Warren Bayley, Judy became the sole owner and operator of Hacienda after her husband and partner passed away in 1964, earning her the title of "The First Lady of Gambling."
With no formal business education, she relied entirely on her business acumen and swiftly recognized the demand for entertainment and advertising. By bringing both to the establishment, she kept the Hacienda in the spotlight and within the public eye, transforming it into a tremendously successful venture until its closure in 1996. Additionally, she possessed a fervent enthusiasm for online bingo keno, although at the time, gaming was not yet internet-based. Regrettably, Judy passed away in 1971, but she will forever be remembered as the game's leading lady.
Vanessa Selbst: Three-time champion of the World Poker Series and the only player to reach the number one spot in the global poker rankings.
One of the most distinguished poker players is Vanessa Selbst, who holds the unique distinction of being the only woman to have secured the top spot in the Global Poker Index and clinch the North American Poker Tournament for two consecutive years. Moreover, she has triumphed thrice in the World Poker Series, an achievement accomplished solely by two other male players. At the age of 31, Vanessa retired from the game in 2018, having amassed over $15 million in live poker earnings.
Annette Obrestad, famously known as "Annette 15 / The Huntress,"
Annette Obrestad's story is quite intricate, as she embarked on her poker journey at the age of 15, participating in free tournaments and attaining her initial winnings through this avenue, adamantly rejecting the notion of playing with real money. Nonetheless, this does not diminish Obrestad's deserving credit for her accomplishments; she undoubtedly ranks among the top 5 gamblers, dominating the tables and clinching numerous tournaments. She asserts that she engages in blind games to emphasize the significance of observing one's opponents and positional awareness, rather than focusing solely on the hand at play.
In 2007, she made history as the youngest player ever to win a WSOP bracelet. During the years 2006 and 2007, she amassed a fortune of $500,000 through PokerStars, $200,000 through Ultimate Bet, and $136,000 on Full Tilt Poker. Additionally, in 2008, she claimed the top spot in the fiercely competitive Stars Sunday Hundred Grand Tournament, outperforming a staggering 20,000 players. Presently, her focus lies on running a thriving YouTube makeup channel, where she shares her expertise and captivates audiences worldwide.
Liv Boeree: the world's number one poker player, renowned as the "Iron Maiden."
Ranked fifth on our Top 5 list is the current world's number one poker player (2021), Liv Boeree, also known as "Iron Maiden" (a nickname derived from her love for heavy metal music and gothic culture). She stands as the sole female player to have triumphed in both the World Poker Tour and the European Poker Tour, accumulating a staggering $4 million in tournament winnings. Liv Boeree proudly represents the PokerStars brand. However, her talents extend far beyond the poker table. Graduating in astrophysics, she has also founded a charitable institution and is renowned for hosting major gambling events worldwide.
In addition to the mentioned five, there are numerous other accomplished female gamblers such as Gladys Knights, Kathy Liebeths, Sarann Knight Preddys, and Dona Marias. Discover further insights into the global ranking of poker players by visiting the website of the World Series of Poker.
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