It's day two of the PokerStars Women's Winter Festival at the Hippodrome Casino in central London. The first champions have already been crowned, with Charlie Waters taking the High Roller title, but there are many other women in action for Day 1. A look at the main event.
The festival brought together a diverse group of talented women, each with their own unique stories and backgrounds.
Here, Poker News introduces some of the women who will be attending the inaugural festival.
Teresa Newton — From Pub Poker to the Big Leagues
For Teresa Newton, poker started as a casual hobby with her partner. But since then, her journey has taken a surprising turn. Newton, who earned a spot at the Women's Winter Festival through an online qualifier, calls it a “huge achievement”, especially considering online poker is not her usual area of expertise.
“I don't play online at all,” Newton told PokerNews. “I started playing pub poker with my partner and then started traveling to poker events around the UK.”
Newton, who has been a member of the Hippodrome Ladies Club for over a year, credits the club with providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere that helped her develop her skills and make lasting connections.
“It’s a great way to learn about upcoming events,” she says. “Kelly-Jane Craigie is really supportive of all women. Her combination of ability and knowledge has really helped me grow.”
PokerStars Ambassador Craigie talks about 'encouraging the doubters' in women's poker
Ilana Belsky — a hard-studied diamond cutter
Forget about hearts, clubs and spades. For Ilana Belsky, it's all about diamonds.
Belsky, who is one of Britain's last remaining diamond cutters and runs her own jewelery brand, discovered poker by watching it on TV. And while most people start their poker journey by at least playing real poker, Belsky chose a different path.
“I’m probably a pretty weird person,” Belsky says with a laugh. “I was studying GTO before I played a hand of poker.”
Intrigued, she threw herself into learning the game and quickly applied her new knowledge to the table. Her hard work paid off: “I loved my first tournament, and when I went back the next week I came in second.”
As one of the original members of the Hippodrome Ladies Poker Club, Belsky is currently focused on expanding her poker career and plans to travel across Europe in 2025 with her poker playing partner Callum Gordon.
Lydia Kugudda — Hippodrome Ambassador at the Women's Winter Festival from home
Lydia Kugudda says she has always felt an affinity for the Hippodrome.
“I had my best score live here in 2013,” she said. “Heads up with Jake Cody at the UKIPT event!”
Kugadda, who is currently an ambassador for the Hippodrome, said she couldn't help but smile as she reflected on the interactions she had with the wonderful friends she had at the table.
“When you sit down at a table with people like Georgina James and Vanessa Cade, how can you not smile?” she said. “I was worried that the high rollers would be a little more serious, but the atmosphere was still fun and lively, even at this level.”
Although poker didn't go as planned, Kugudda was a lot of fun. “Even though the game didn't go as planned, we had a lot of laughs. It's always nice to be in a competitive yet relaxed environment.”
https://www.pokernews.com/news/2024/11/charlie-waters-claims-the-inaugural-women-s-Winter-festival-47408.htm
Lisa Tam — A newcomer with poker roots
Lisa Thumm is new to the poker world, having only started playing a few months ago. However, she already has a strong poker pedigree. Her younger brother, Niklas Sam, made a name for himself by reaching the final table of the 2023 PokerStars Players No Limit Hold'em Championship in the Bahamas, finishing in sixth place.
I want other women to have confidence and start playing.
Despite being relatively new to the game, Thumm quickly developed a passion for poker.
“I'm definitely getting into the game more and more,” she says. “I'm learning a lot and gaining more experience. I'd like to see more women at the table and encourage other women to start playing with confidence. ”
Thumm has already set her sights on attending more gigs and is keen to continue building her poker career, starting with the Women's Winter Festival.
“It's been a great experience so far. Everyone feels welcomed and empowered with a well-organized, great atmosphere and great support for women from PokerStars.”
Georgina “GJReggie” James — An ambassador who’s all about fun
Georgina James, known by her poker nickname 'GJReggie', is thrilled to be taking part in the Women's Winter Festival. Especially because of the lively and friendly atmosphere. “It’s great to walk into a poker room and see a table full of women competing and having a good time,” she says. “It was really lively and chatty. It was like a big home game.”
“I’m really looking forward to coming here because everyone is so friendly and welcoming.”
For James, this event is more than just a competition. It's about connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. “It was great to catch up with friends I hadn’t seen in a while and meet a lot of new people,” she says. “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I'm looking forward to being here.”
Aiming for the “beautiful” Main Event trophy, James is ready to give it his all and have fun.
Will Silvia Editor-in-Chief