High-profile poker players Kristen Foxen and Jeanne David are set to be inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) on December 11 at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This year, WiPHoF received 1,200 votes from the poker community, narrowing down from 52 nominees to eight finalists. The ceremony honors women who have made an indelible mark on the game through performance or advocacy.
Celebrating Trailblazers in Poker
WiPHoF highlighted the importance of honoring women whose stories might be less publicized but whose contributions are significant. “Women who took a seat at the highest levels and were respected for their ability and success. These women were real trailblazers in poker,” WiPHoF stated. Kristen Foxen and Jeanne David will join notable past inductees like Linda Johnson and Jennifer Tilly, marking a new era of achievements in the poker world.
Alongside these honorees, the hall is also recognizing Starla Brodie, a pioneer in poker. Brodie made history in 1979 as the first woman to win an open World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament, playing alongside poker legend Doyle Brunson. Hall organizers described Brodie as “an inspiration and role model for women like Linda Johnson – encouraging them to compete in the biggest games in poker.”
Kristen Foxen’s Achievements
Canadian poker pro Kristen Foxen, second on the women’s all-time earnings list with $9.2 million, has five WSOP bracelets. This summer, she reached a career milestone, placing 13th in the WSOP Main Event and earning $600,000. Her journey began with a win in the 2013 $1,000 Ladies Championship and continued through various high-profile events, including a 2023 victory in the $888 Crazy 8’s event and an online triumph in October’s $1,000 six-handed event. WiPHoF acknowledged, “Year after year she continues to make significant strides in her game.”
Jeanne David’s Contributions to Poker Advocacy
Jeanne David has significantly impacted responsible gaming and poker legislation. A former responsible gaming manager at PokerStars, David has been active in the legislative arena, lobbying for the legalization of online poker in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. She frequently represents responsible gaming at events, even speaking in front of the Dutch Parliament and meeting with the UK Gambling Commission. In Las Vegas, she promotes mixed games and hosts free lessons to encourage more women to play.
WiPHoF’s ceremony, led by emcee Jan Fisher and keynote speaker Jennifer Tilly, will conclude with a $185 bounty tournament at Resorts World Casino. Open to all, the event offers $50 bounties for eliminating WiPHoF members and a special prize for the “last woman standing” in the tournament. Since its founding in 2008, WiPHoF has honored women who contribute to poker’s growth and integrity. As an all-volunteer organization, it continues to celebrate women’s achievements, building a legacy of excellence and resilience in the game.
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