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Poker Is Booming — But Where Are the Women?
The global poker industry is projected to reach $57 billion by 2031, driven by streaming, sponsorships, and a post-pandemic resurgence. But even as the game scales up, women still make up less than 5% of live tournament fields.
That statistic hasn’t changed in over a decade.
Why? Because while the spotlight is growing, the barriers for women remain firmly in place—rising buy-ins, scarce sponsorships, and a lack of true equity at the tables.
The Cost Isn’t Just Financial—It’s Structural
Many women entering the game stay in the sub-$500 buy-in range, managing career, family, and bankroll all at once. However, poker’s growing obsession with high-roller formats means that fewer events are financially or logistically accessible to everyday players.
Meanwhile, consistent sponsorship and financial backing for women remains elusive. The result? Many talented female players are priced out—not because they lack skill or drive, but because the game isn’t supporting their seat.
Lupe Soto and LIP’S Are Changing That
In a game full of gatekeepers, Lupe Soto is holding the line.
As the founder of the Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS_Tour), Lupe has spent over 20 years creating space for women to play, grow, and compete—without needing a sponsor, an invite, or six figures in the bank.
LIPS_Tour events are affordable, empowering, and built for women at all levels—whether you’re taking your first shot or making your way to the top. It’s one of the few places in poker where women aren’t the exception—they’re the whole damn reason.
A Legacy of Advocacy: Lupe Soto’s Impact on Women in Poker
Lupe Soto isn’t just a tournament organizer—she’s one of the most influential advocates for women in the game.
She founded the Women’s Poker Association (WPA), a nonprofit organization that promotes gender equity and works to increase the visibility and participation of women in poker. Through education, community-building, and outreach, the WPA provides tools and training to help more women enter and thrive in the game.
Lupe also serves as the President of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame, an institution she helped shape to honor and elevate women who have made significant contributions to the poker industry—players, advocates, and industry leaders alike.
Through LIPS_Tour, WPA, and the Hall of Fame, Lupe has built a legacy rooted in action, not just awareness. Her work has opened doors for thousands of women, and she continues to fight for equity at every level of the game.
♣️ Queen of Clubs Tournament – This Is Your Seat at the Table ♣️
📍 Location: Resorts World Las Vegas
🗓️ Date: Sunday, May 18th | 1:00 PM
💰 Buy-In: $200
🧠 Structure: 30K Starting Stack | 30-Minute Levels
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, this tournament was made for you.
Let’s support Lupe Soto and the LIPS_Tour as they continue to fight for real equity in poker.
📝 No sponsor? No problem. This is where community meets competition.
Poker Is Growing. Let’s Make Sure Women Grow With It.
If we want a future where women thrive in poker, we must build it—and show up for those who are already doing the work.
Lupe Soto isn’t just running tournaments.
She’s rewriting the rules.
Comment. Share. Support.
Let’s stop asking “Where are the women?” and start backing the ones who are already here, fighting for the win.
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