The WSOP Ladies Championship is a dedicated World Series of Poker event created to encourage female participation in poker, first introduced in 1977. Over the decades, it has grown from a small limit stud tournament into a major no-limit Hold’em event attracting over 1,000 players annually.
This event has played a key role in the development of women’s poker, producing some of the game’s most recognisable champions and helping expand the global poker tournament scene.
Key facts about the WSOP Ladies Championship
- First played in 1977
- Originally a $100 Seven-Card Stud event
- Now played as No-Limit Texas Hold’em
- Regularly attracts 1,000+ entries
- Designed to promote women’s participation in poker
WSOP Ladies Championship – Early Days (1970s–1980s)
The Ladies Championship began in 1977 as one of the first organised efforts to bring more women into the game. The debut event featured a $100 buy-in and attracted 93 players, with Jackie McDaniels winning $5,580.
In the following years, buy-ins gradually increased, reflecting the growth of poker history and the expansion of the WSOP itself.
During this era, players like Barbara Enright helped establish a long-term legacy for women in poker. Enright later became the first woman to reach the WSOP Main Event final table and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.
WSOP Ladies Championship – Growth in the 1990s
By the early 1990s, the tournament had grown significantly. The buy-in increased to $1,000 in 1992, a structure that still exists today through a standard buy-in combined with a discounted entry for women.
Players like Susie Isaacs dominated this period, winning back-to-back titles in 1996 and 1997. The decade also saw more consistent participation, with the event finally surpassing 100 players.
The Ladies Championship became a recognised part of the WSOP schedule, attracting both recreational players and experienced professionals.
WSOP Ladies Championship – Poker Boom and Big Names
The poker boom of the 2000s transformed the Ladies Championship. In 2005, the format switched to No-Limit Texas Hold’em, aligning with the most popular poker format worldwide.
That same year, actress Jennifer Tilly won the event, bringing significant media attention and helping introduce new audiences to the game.
Fields grew rapidly during this period, reaching over 1,000 entries as televised poker and online platforms expanded the global player base.
Recent WSOP Ladies Championship winners and modern era
In recent years, the Ladies Championship has continued to attract strong fields and highlight elite female players. Notable winners include Kristen Foxen, one of the most successful modern poker professionals.
The event remains a key part of the WSOP schedule, regularly attracting over 1,000 players and maintaining its role as one of the most recognisable tournaments for women in poker.
In 2024, Shiina Okamoto secured victory after finishing runner-up the previous year, highlighting the competitive level and ongoing evolution of the event.
How the WSOP Ladies Championship has evolved
The WSOP Ladies Championship has evolved from a small niche event into a major international tournament. Changes in format, prize pools and participation reflect the broader growth of poker worldwide.
- 1970s: Small limit stud event
- 1990s: Increased buy-ins and participation
- 2000s: Poker boom and switch to No-Limit Hold’em
- Today: Large international fields and professional-level competition
Complete list of WSOP Ladies Championship winners
The table below shows the full history of winners, entries and prize pools, highlighting the long-term growth of the event.
FAQ about the WSOP Ladies Championship
What is the WSOP Ladies Championship?
The WSOP Ladies Championship is a World Series of Poker event created in 1977 to encourage female participation in poker. It is one of the longest-running tournaments on the WSOP schedule.
When did the WSOP Ladies Championship start?
The tournament first took place in 1977 as a $100 Limit Seven-Card Stud event with 93 players.
What format is the WSOP Ladies Championship played in today?
Today, the WSOP Ladies Championship is played as a No-Limit Texas Hold’em event, the most popular poker format worldwide.
How many players enter the WSOP Ladies Championship?
In recent years, the tournament regularly attracts over 1,000 entries, with record fields exceeding 1,200 players.
Why is the WSOP Ladies Championship important?
The event has played a key role in growing women’s participation in poker and has produced some of the most successful female players in the game.
Who are some famous winners of the WSOP Ladies Championship?
Notable winners include Barbara Enright, Jennifer Tilly and Kristen Foxen, all of whom have had significant impact on the poker world.
