The Most Successful Women in Poker History

Honoring Women in Poker

In celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, it's fitting to honor the remarkable achievements of women in poker. Historically dominated by men, the poker world has seen a significant rise in female participation, with many women reaching the pinnacle of the game. Here are some of the most successful female poker players:

1. Vanessa Selbst

Vanessa Selbst has claimed impressive wins during her poker journey. She has won three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets in open field tournaments and amassed over $11.8 million in live poker earnings. Selbst is the only woman to surpass $10 million in winnings. She retired from professional poker in 2017 to pursue a career in the corporate world.

2. Kathy Liebert

Kathy Liebert started her poker journey at a young age but gained recognition in her late 30s. In 2002, she won the inaugural Party Poker Million, earning her first million-dollar prize. Liebert secured a WSOP bracelet in 2004 and has accumulated over $6 million in live tournament earnings, making her one of the top female earners in poker history.

3. Annie Duke

Annie Duke is renowned for her accomplishments in poker, including winning a WSOP bracelet in 2004 and the NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship in 2010, where she claimed a $500,000 prize. Before her poker career, Duke studied psychology. She has since focused on writing and consulting, using her poker expertise to teach important life lessons.

4. Annette Obrestad

Annette Obrestad made a name for herself in the poker world at a young age. She started playing online poker at 15 and won the World Series of Poker Europe Main Event in 2007 at 18, making her the youngest person to win a WSOP bracelet. Obrestad has earned over $4 million in live tournament winnings and currently creates online tutorials as a YouTuber.

5. Liv Boeree

Liv Boeree began her professional poker career after participating in a reality TV show in 2005. In 2010, she won the European Poker Tour (EPT) Main Event in Sanremo, earning €1,250,000. In 2017, she secured a WSOP bracelet in the $10,000 Tag Team No-Limit Hold'em Championship. Boeree is the only woman to have won both a WSOP bracelet and an EPT event. After a brief hiatus, she returned to professional poker in December 2024, finishing fourth in the $25,000 WSOP Super Main Event and cashing out $2,800,000, the highest payout for a female poker player.

6. Vanessa Rousso

Vanessa Rousso began playing poker online during law school and eventually became a professional player. She has achieved multiple six-figure tournament cashes, including a notable performance at the EPT Grand Final, where she earned over $700,000. Rousso also completed her law degree and passed the bar exam in 2018.

7. J.J. Liu

Joanne "J.J." Liu transitioned from a career in software engineering to professional poker in the 1990s. She has been a consistent presence in the poker scene, with notable finishes in various tournaments. As of 2024, her total live tournament winnings exceed $3.8 million, ranking her among the top female poker players.

8. Maria Ho

Maria Ho started playing poker in college and quickly rose through the ranks. She has made multiple WSOP and World Poker Tour (WPT) final tables, with numerous cashes in both. Ho has earned over $3 million in live tournament winnings and also dedicates time to hosting poker events and providing commentary.

Recent Notable Achievements:

• Kristen Foxen (née Bicknell): A Canadian professional poker player, Foxen has won five WSOP bracelets, with her most recent victory in October 2024. As of March 2025, her total live tournament earnings exceed $9.4 million, making her one of the most successful female poker players.
• Nikita Luther: An Indian professional poker player, Luther became the first Indian woman to win a WSOP bracelet in 2018. She has made significant strides in the poker world, with multiple final table appearances and a growing presence in international tournaments.
• Vivian Saliba: In September 2024, Brazilian poker player Vivian Saliba won her first WSOP bracelet at the €2,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event during the World Series of Poker Europe, earning €91,400. This victory increased her career earnings to approximately €800,000.

In Memoriam:

• Barbara Enright: A trailblazer for women in poker, Barbara Enright passed away in 2023. She was the first woman to reach the final table of the WSOP Main Event and the first to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

The landscape of poker continues to evolve, with women making significant contributions and achieving remarkable successes. Their accomplishments not only enrich the game but also inspire future generations of female poker players.

For those interested in experiencing the thrill of poker firsthand, explore our real-money poker games and join the exciting world of competitive play.