Empowering Women in Poker: Insights from PokerStars Ambassadors Ahead of the 2024 Women’s Winter Festival

Empowering Women in Poker: Insights from PokerStars Ambassadors Ahead of the 2024 Women’s Winter Festival

November 20, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Entertainment

Women in Poker: Insights from PokerStars Ambassadors

PokerStars advocates for women in poker. They create initiatives to encourage more female players and foster a welcoming environment.

Last year, PokerStars launched a Women’s Bootcamp. This program allows new players to learn from experienced players. The winner of the Bootcamp received a package for the 2023 EPT Prague Main Event.

In 2024, PokerStars continues its efforts with the upcoming Women’s Winter Festival in London, scheduled for November 21-24 at the Hippodrome Casino. Kerryjane Craigie, a PokerStars ambassador, leads this event, emphasizing the importance of women’s representation in poker.

To discuss their journeys, PokerStars interviewed Kerryjane, Marle Spragg, and Jen Shahade. They shared how they started in poker:

  • Marle began playing with family during holidays. Her father played full-time, which inspired her to move to Vegas and do the same.
  • Jen got involved through her brother, Greg Shahade, who was one of the early players on PokerStars. After graduating from NYU, she started learning poker from him.
  • KJ found poker while living in the US without work permission. She started with free money games and progressed to real tournaments, including the EPT London Ladies event in 2009.

Key Aspects of the Women in Poker Movement

Marle believes a welcoming environment is crucial to attract women to poker. Jen emphasizes the need for a positive image of women in the game. KJ is passionate about creating opportunities for women to enjoy poker and aims to break down barriers in the sport.

Each ambassador shared goals for the Women in Poker movement for 2025:

  • Marle hopes for a 2% increase in female participation in live events and an aspiration for a televised high roller women’s event.
  • Jen wants more visibility for women in mainstream media and for more women to win major tournaments.
  • KJ believes events for women should have equal thought in structure as mixed events, improving player experience.

Advice for New Female Players

Marle encourages women to simply start playing, whether online or at local events. Jen suggests finding joy in the game, so players stay motivated through challenges. KJ advises players to find their comfort zone and learn at their own pace, urging them to seek out supportive groups and stay within their financial limits.

Kerryjane, with over 12 years of experience as the Director of Poker at PokerStars Live, aims to create a welcoming space for all players. She focuses on giving women a voice, ensuring they can learn and enjoy poker equally.

Women make up a small percentage of poker players, but initiatives like these aim to change that by promoting inclusion and support in the game.

Stay responsible while playing poker. If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, call 1-800 GAMBLER.