By Rebbecca Scales | The Real Poker Girls Media

2025 Ladies Week has officially wrapped — and while there’s much more to reflect on, one thing is already crystal clear:

The inaugural $2,500 Women In Poker High Roller at The Venetian wasn’t just a success. It was a statement — and it’s one the industry won’t forget.

Powered by the LIPS Tour and hosted inside the newly renovated Venetian Poker Room, the High Roller brought structure, visibility, and pride to the women’s game. From the six-figure guarantee to the professionally produced livestream, the event didn’t just raise the bar — it redefined it.

But behind that success was something equally important: the right kind of media partnership. This wasn’t just a poker event with a headline. It was a collaboration between Women Poker News, The Venetian, and Lupe Soto’s Women in Poker brand to make sure that from start to finish, the women involved were seen, celebrated, and elevated.

We spoke with Tommy LaRosa, Director of Poker Operations at The Venetian, about what made this moment matter — and what comes next.

Tommy LaRosa

A High Roller That Raised the Bar

Now that the inaugural $2,500 High Roller exceeded expectations, are you considering raising the guarantee next year?

“We are thrilled with the tremendous support this event received in its first year. We always look for ways to expand our offerings and look forward to building on this momentum as we look ahead to the next year.”

A Partnership That Works

Do you plan to make this a permanent fixture during Ladies Week?

“We are eager to continue our partnership with LIPS and work together to grow and strengthen this event for years to come.”

How has it been working with LIPS, and what do you think that partnership brings to the table?

“LIPS has been an outstanding partner over the years, playing a vital role in welcoming new female players to the game in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.”

Visibility Matters — And This Stream Delivered

What made you decide to stream the final table—and why do you think visibility like this matters for women’s poker?

“We wanted to spotlight the incredible talent at the final table and show aspiring female players that there’s a place for them in this game. Visibility matters. When women see other women succeeding in poker, it helps break down barriers and encourages them to get involved.”

Missed the stream? You can still catch the full replay on @VenetianPokerLive. With over 40,000 views and counting, this broadcast didn’t just highlight great play — it proved there’s a real audience for women’s poker when you put it on the main stage. The stream featured six hours of competitive play, including a three-hour heads-up match that kept viewers locked in.

The Response Was Overwhelming

Were you surprised by the field size and depth of play this year?

“We put a lot of effort into promoting the game and creating a welcoming environment for women in our poker room. So, while the turnout was exciting, it wasn’t entirely surprising. We’re thrilled with the response.”

Have you heard any feedback from your staff or the women who played in the event?

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Players are loving the new room, our dealers, and the environment we’ve created.”

The Setting Was Exceptional

What made this event stand out wasn’t just the prize pool or the livestream — it was how seamlessly and thoughtfully it was executed. The newly upgraded Venetian Poker Room, with its dedicated streaming studio, provided a sharp, modern backdrop that matched the significance of the moment.

From start to finish, the Venetian staff was exceptional. Every dealer, floor supervisor, waitress, cage, and production team member brought professionalism and care. It felt organized, intentional, and elevated — the kind of experience that tells players: this matters. And judging by the energy in the room the next day, the women knew it. This was poker history. And everyone felt it.

The Guarantee Was Big — and the Response Was Bigger

This was a $2,500 High Roller with a six-figure guarantee — a bold statement in a space that too often underestimates women’s fields. And players responded. That guarantee wasn’t just met — it was smashed. The turnout sent a clear message: when you invest in women, they show up ready to compete.

And when it came to execution, the Venetian team didn’t just hold the line — they stayed flexible. When we proposed adding more representation to the livestream booth, they said yes. When we asked for adaptability in the space to elevate coverage and media access, again — yes. From the structure to the stream, everything about this room showed a willingness to listen, collaborate, and say yes when it mattered most.

The Role of Real Media Coverage

Here’s something that doesn’t get said enough: coverage matters — and so does the kind of coverage.

From the start, Women Poker News set out to do more than promote a tournament. We set out to tell the stories behind it. As women began to pre-register, we profiled each one, giving them the spotlight they deserved long before the cards were in the air.

This wasn’t filler content or surface-level promo. It was real storytelling — the kind that builds momentum, builds respect, and makes sure women are remembered for more than just one weekend.

And as the author of many of those features, I’ll say this: I’m constantly floored. I read about these women — their careers, their lives, their accomplishments on and off the felt — and I ask the same question every time:

Why doesn’t the poker world already know who she is?

That’s why this event mattered. That’s why real media coverage matters.
And that’s why we’ll keep telling these stories — until they’re no longer surprising.
They’re just standard.

A Trusted Advocate in the Room

This event didn’t come together by accident — it happened because Tommy LaRosa recognized the moment and leaned in.

A longtime supporter of women in poker, Tommy has consistently worked to grow the game in meaningful ways. Last year, he joined The Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas podcast to talk about the vision behind the new Venetian Poker Room — and left such an impression, he even got a shoutout in their theme song.

As Lupe Soto shared, it was after that taping last year that she asked to meet with Tommy about doing something bigger for women. That simple conversation sparked the collaboration that led to this year’s High Roller.

This Shouldn’t Be the Exception

As Lupe Soto said during the livestream, “Tommy took a risk — and it paid off.”
And it did. But the truth is: it shouldn’t be a risk to back women with real money and media. It should be the standard.

This event proved what we’ve always known:
Women don’t need handouts.
They don’t need novelty formats or pink chip gimmicks.
They need structure. Support. And opportunity.
And when you give it to them, they deliver.

This was the inaugural $2,500 Women’s High Roller at The Venetian — but it won’t be the last.
So, to every woman reading this: start building your bankroll now.
You’re going to want a seat at next year’s table.

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About Women Poker News

Women Poker News isn’t just about who wins the hand—it’s about who gets to be seen. WPN was created to spotlight the real stories behind the felt: the grit, the growth, and the journey women take to own their place at the table.

It’s the media platform poker didn’t know it needed—until now. We don’t just track chip counts—we introduce characters, amplify voices, and show the full picture of what it means to be a woman in this game. From rising amateurs to seasoned crushers, WPN brings context, culture, and community back to poker coverage.

Because behind every final table… is a story worth telling.