Written by Kerryjane Craigie for WPN

When will we see true change? Can we dare to dream of being fully accepted at the table?

I recently returned from my first EPT as a PokerStars Ambassador, and ladies, let me tell you—Barcelona was filled with true gentlemen at the tables. These men knew how to treat women players—or more importantly, how *not* to treat them.  For once, I didn’t face any harassment, inappropriate behavior, or feel the need to defend my place as a female poker player—and we all know that’s far from the usual experience.

Later, in a conversation with a male friend, they suggested, *Is it because you’re wearing the PokerStars patch?*  Honestly, that might have been a factor.  While I was thrilled to finally play poker without distractions or hostility, the thought that this respect could be tied to my status made me reflect on all the other instances where things were different.  Now, don’t get me wrong—I didn’t feel I was treated differently because of my patch. But the same can’t be said for Rania Nasreddine, who faced constant scrutiny during the main event. Despite her outstanding performance, leading the field on day six and finishing 4th after back-to-back final tables, she still faced unnecessary and unacceptable comments in the chat boxes.

It couldn’t have been about her gameplay, could it? Poker, as we’re often told, is all about skill, and Nasreddine clearly has that in abundance with the results that demonstrate it.  Yet, some online chatters thought they knew better—and weren’t shy about saying so.  The commentators were great at correcting and closing down the noise, but like living near a train track – rumblings could be heard throughout.

This is exactly why I joined Team PokerStars and why we’re launching the Women’s Winter Festival in London this November.  

The £400 buy-in Main Event for women features a groundbreaking £100,000 guaranteed prize pool—and I intend to make sure everyone knows about it!  With women making up less than 4% of the field in mixed events, women’s-only tournaments are vital for expanding the game and encouraging more participation. We have looked at the structures, the playing times, limiting re-entry and adjusted all to suit our audience. This festival is a major step toward proactively welcoming more women into live poker and growing the overall player base.

It’s also a stepping stone toward more diverse, inclusive tournaments. As women, we don’t just need to master poker strategy—bet sizing, equity, ICM, reading opponents—we also have to navigate biting comments, aggressive tactics, and, sadly, bad behavior.  Which brings me back to the Women’s Winter Festival.  We’re offering a well-structured main event with an affordable buy-in and a prize pool that sets a new standard for women’s events. It’s a chance to showcase incredible play, free from gender-based bias or comments.

Our side events cater to everyone, and I’m especially excited about the 50/50 event, where men and women compete in equal numbers, proving themselves at every stage. A freeze-out tournament which is rare but integral to this event.  This is part of a broader mission—to drive real change at the poker tables. To help women claim their rightful seat and be recognized for their skill, not their gender.

Are we seeing change? Definitely.  Can we dream of equality at the tables? Absolutely—but it starts with events like this, actively bringing more women into the game and closing the gap!

Women’s Winter Festival 

November 21st to 24th 

Hippodrome Casino, London 

Catch KJ on the latest episode of ‘The Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas‘ where the girls discuss all the details about the Women’s Winter Festival this November at London’s iconic Hippodrome Casino.  Kerryjane will be hosting ‘The Real Poker Girls of London‘ launching on all podcast platforms from November.

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