Las Vegas, NV – June 24, 2025 — Tirza Sanders, an educator from Tucson, Arizona, captured the title in the first-ever $2,500 LIPS Women in Poker High Roller at The Venetian — and took home three trophies: the LIPS Women in Poker Gold Lady Spade, the Venetian Lion, and the signature purple WPA Trophy. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Sanders was one of seven players to reach the final table after three days of competitive play that brought together women from across the globe.

When Women’s Poker News asked Sanders what she planned to do with the prize money, she shared that she hoped to cash in on this event and use the winnings to enter the WSOP Main Event. Sounds like she’ll be extending her trip — and the poker world will be watching. Sanders also dedicated her win to her kids, making the moment even more meaningful.

This isn’t her first major title either. In 2024, Sanders made headlines by winning the Ladies NLH Championship at the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas, further establishing herself as a force to watch on the women’s circuit.

Next up, she heads to ARIA to compete in the Ladies Mystery Bounty, this time proudly representing her home league, the Royal Rebels.

The final table lasted over six hours, a testament to the depth of play, patience, and precision brought by every woman who made it that far. It was filmed in the Venetian’s brand-new streaming room, which opened earlier this year, providing a world-class stage for the event. Within that marathon, the heads‑up battle between Isabelle Dang and Tirza Sanders alone stretched a little more than three hours before Sanders finally sealed the victory.

💰 Final Table Payouts

  • 1st: $67,846 – Tirza Sanders
  • 2nd: $43,251 – Isabelle Dang
  • 3rd: $28,697 – Jacqueline Burkhart
  • 4th: $19,849 – Shamica Lamar
  • 5th: $14,338 – Lisa Schuessler
  • 6th: $10,839 – Marie K.
  • 7th: $8,592 – Monika Zukowicz

Total Prize Pool: $257,400

The day began with Jacqueline Burkhart holding a commanding chip lead of 1,925,000. She had finished second in chips on Day 1, climbed to the top by the end of Day 2, and came into the final table as the clear front-runner. But on the final day, she struggled to catch hands despite her disciplined play and deep experience. Burkhart ultimately finished in third place — but not without one of the best rails in the room, including close friends Angela Jordison, Jamie Kerstetter, and Kyna England, who were playfully cheering her on every step of the way.

Isabelle Dang, entering the final table with 598,000, was perhaps the biggest surprise — a newcomer to the scene who earned her seat through a satellite and quickly proved she belonged on one of the biggest stages in women’s poker.

This tournament carried so much more with it than chips and titles — it carried momentum.
From the thoughtfully crafted deep structure and long levels to the international turnout, the LIPS Women in Poker High Roller was designed to give women the kind of competitive, respectful arena they’ve long deserved.

The format allowed for real play — not just short stacks and shove-fests — and the field blended recreational players, rising talents, seasoned professionals, poker media personalities, and content creators, alongside Women’s Poker Hall of Famers Kathy Liebert and Allyn Shulman. Together, they turned this into a truly historic moment for women in the game.

With players flying in from Canada, Poland, Austria, and across the U.S., this wasn’t just a large field — it was a global gathering of talent, experience, and ambition.

The livestream alone drew record numbers, with over 40,000 combined views on Day One — a powerful reminder of the growing demand for women’s poker coverage. Jamie Kerstetter, ambassador for The Venetian, understood the importance of this moment when she came back to commentate on the event. Her day began at 9:00 AM with a special Meet-Up Game (MUG) at The Venetian that drew four full tables, where she gave out two seats to the LIPS $600 Ladies Event. Afterward, despite a full tournament schedule at WSOP, she returned to The Venetian to help spotlight this milestone moment for women in poker.

There was also a deeply moving moment in the poker room itself. As the final table played out live on the big screen, hundreds of women competing in the LIPS $600 NLH Ladies Event at The Venetian paused their play to watch. Audible gasps could be heard for big hands and close calls. But the most magical part? As each woman exited the streaming room — win or lose — the players across the room stopped to clap in recognition. It was a rare, powerful show of solidarity. They weren’t just watching a final table — they were witnessing history, and honoring it in real time.

Lupe Soto, founder of LIPS, has always believed women were ready — the industry just needed to catch up. As soon as she heard about The Venetian’s new streaming room, she saw the chance to create something special — and made it happen.

She brought the idea to The Venetian — and they stepped up. From the poker operations team to the floor staff, wait staff, cashier attendants, and dealers, support came from every level. The professionalism and care shown by everyone involved elevated the experience and proved just how powerful collaboration can be when women’s poker is taken seriously. The result wasn’t just a tournament — it was a breakthrough moment.

Stay tuned as Women Poker News continues coverage of Ladies Week.