PokerStars launches first women-only High Roller tournament in London

PokerStars is set to debut its inaugural £1,100 ($1,192) High Roller tournament as part of the Women's Winter Festival on November 21, marking a significant milestone in promoting female participation in live poker. This groundbreaking event will take place at The Hippodrome, in a bid to create more competitive opportunities for women in the sport.

The Women’s Winter Festival was first announced at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona, where the company outlined its vision to encourage women to engage in live poker with aspirational outcomes. Designed by Kerryjane Craigie, a PokerStars Ambassador and Director of Poker at The Hippodrome, the festival aims to foster a supportive yet competitive atmosphere based on feedback from female players.

“The Women’s Winter Festival is all about elevating the game for women. The addition of the High Roller provides our players with more variety,” Craigie stated. 

In addition to the High Roller, the festival will feature a £220 50/50 NLH Freezeout, an open £220 NHL Single Re-Entry tournament, and a Women’s Closer Freeroll, with a package to EPT Prague awarded to the champion. 

Marle Spragg, a notable player and EPT Prague final tablist, expressed her excitement about the event: “I’m really looking forward to playing the High Roller in London. Hopefully, this will be the first of many more events like this.”

Cédric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events Operations at PokerStars, emphasized the significance of the tournament: “It’s clear from talking to our players that women want more opportunities to play in high roller events. This is a fantastic addition to the schedule that will make the Women’s Winter Festival a truly unmissable event.”

To facilitate participation, PokerStars will offer women-only online satellites, along with additional live satellites and qualifiers leading up to the festival.