Recently, Champions Social Club in Texas hosted a multi-day women-focused poker event called “Queens & Cards” featuring record-breaking participation, unique tournament formats, high-profile cash-game action, bounty events, and a headline Main Event.
The series kicked off with a $150 buy-in Women’s Tag Team event, which drew 120 entries, surpassing the venue’s previous tag team record of 85 entries. The tournament format dictated that whenever the tournament director said “switch,” teammates had to swap stacks. The switch could happen at virtually any point, including in the middle of a hand or while a player was actively making a decision.
Taking home $1,975 apiece was the team of Tricia Symansic & Sarah Landell.
Ladies vs. Hellmuth
On the second day of the series, a special “Brat Attack” live-streamed $5/$10 NLH cash game took place involving a full lineup of female players and 17-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, who was playing with an effective stack of $900 at all times with a $1,000 continuous bounty on his head.
That meant anyone who busted Hellmuth during the game would get a $1,000 on top of winning the pot, as you can see below.
“The enthusiasm in the room was incredible! I was surprised, and very happy, when women came up to me saying how much it meant to them,” Hellmuth told PokerNews. “We had women show up from all over the country. I want women to know they are more than welcome in the poker world”
Among those in the game were Nikki Limo, Caitlin Comeskey, Brandi Rook, Rachelle Park, Katie Lindsay, AJ Rudolph, and Esther “ETay” Taylor.
“I really enjoyed playing Phil and his 4% VPIP on the cash stream,” Limo told PokerNews. “All the ladies had a great time, and I hope we can do it again!”
Rudolph also offered: “The Queens and Cards weekend at Champions Club Texas could not have been more fun! The venue went out of its way to make sure everyone was having a good time, and things ran smoothly. Phil Hellmuth was not only generous with his money, but also with his time. Joining in on the live stream and Maneater bounty, played Cash with us, and paid the bubble in the main event when we asked him to. The weekend was about community, camaraderie, and competition. I’m so thrilled that I was able to be a part of it. Many women are already planning to come back next year.”
Comeskey added: “There’s a lot of conversation about whether we need women’s events and who they’re for, and I continue to champion them. The staff & owners at Champions had it in their hearts to welcome in new women, cheer on those celebrating, and comfort those in times of pain. I think, to that end, they were extremely successful. I’m proud of the efforts I saw from not only Phil but so many women in the room who want to pass on the goodwill they have received from others to take care of the game and our female players.
“I will always be grateful to Phil for the kindness and generosity he showed women in poker in my home state—and to the words he said directly to me. His words of praise and appreciation were so moving, I could barely take them in and still haven’t, honestly. But if Phil wants us back, he better not run out of Kahlua & Bailey’s next time.”
Check out a replay of the live stream below:
Also taking place on the second day was the $250 buy-in Maneater Bounty, which saw a $100 bounty on all male players who entered (they were encouraged to do so).
Ultimately, it was Lisa Fleischman coming out on top to claim the title, $6,350 top prize, and $600 in bounties.
The Main Event
On Day 3, the $500 buy-in Main Event took place, a tournament that attracted 158 runners and saw Hellmuth juice the prize pool with an extra $25,000 out of his own pocket!
That allowed winner Cheryl Spencer-Nejtek to take home $25,230 in prize money.
You can watch the Main Event final table replay here:
*Images courtesy of Champions Club.
Check out the Champions Club Poker Room review here on PokerNews!
Chad Holloway
PR & Media Manager