The Most Accomplished Women in Poker

Vanessa Selbst: A Relentless Competitor

Vanessa Selbst’s track record at high-stakes tables is built on calculated aggression. Her mastery of deep-stack play and unwavering confidence made her a dominant tournament player. She was the first woman to reach the top of the Global Poker Index rankings, accumulating over $11 million in live earnings. Selbst claimed three World Series of Poker bracelets, a feat unmatched by any other female player in open events.

In 2008, she secured her first major title by taking down the Partouche Poker Tour Main Event. Four years later, she added a second WSOP bracelet, further cementing her reputation. Her ability to adapt to opponents in real time allowed her to thrive in both cash games and tournaments.

After retiring in 2018, she pursued roles in business and finance. Despite stepping away from the poker circuit, Selbst’s influence continues through her strategic insights and contributions to poker education.

Liv Boeree: Precision and Strategy

Liv Boeree’s success stems from a meticulous approach to the game. Her background in astrophysics translated to a structured, analytical method at the tables. The defining moment of her career came at the 2010 European Poker Tour Sanremo Main Event, where she outplayed a field of over 1,200 entries to secure a €1.25 million payday.

Beyond the felt, Boeree has been a strong advocate for applying rational thinking to decision-making. As one of the founders of Raising for Effective Giving, she has promoted charitable giving within the poker community.

Her work as a speaker and content creator has expanded poker’s reach, making statistical analysis a focal point for both recreational and professional players.

Mastering the Fundamentals: A Look at Poker Strategy

A strong foundation in poker strategy has been a common trait among the most successful female players. Vanessa Selbst’s aggressive approach, Liv Boeree’s analytical mindset, and Jennifer Harman’s cash game expertise all stem from a deep understanding of the basics. Learning how to play poker effectively is often the first step in developing an advanced skill set, allowing players to adapt their strategies based on opponents and game dynamics.

Many top players mastered fundamentals before refining their unique styles. Studying opening hand ranges, positional advantages, and bet sizing can provide a solid starting point. From there, incorporating discipline and psychological awareness further strengthens a player’s edge.

Jennifer Harman: A Fixture in High-Stakes Games

Jennifer Harman built her reputation in cash games, taking on the toughest lineups Las Vegas had to offer. As one of the few women regularly competing in the legendary “Big Game” at Bellagio, she proved capable of holding her own at the highest levels.

Her two WSOP bracelets came in 2000 and 2002, demonstrating her adaptability across multiple poker variants. Despite undergoing two kidney transplants, she remained an active presence in the poker world, contributing to charity events and mentoring up-and-coming players.

Kathy Liebert: Consistency in Major Events

Kathy Liebert made poker history in 2002 by winning the PartyPoker Million, a tournament with a $1 million prize for first place. The win secured her spot as one of the most consistent performers on the circuit, with numerous deep runs in World Poker Tour and WSOP events.

Her measured, strategic style emphasized controlled aggression, allowing her to navigate large tournament fields. Beyond her tournament results, she has been a vocal advocate for increasing female participation in poker and has regularly competed in some of the game’s toughest events.

Maria Ho: A Tournament Specialist

Maria Ho has secured multiple final table appearances at WSOP, WPT, and other prestigious events. Her deep understanding of game flow and opponent tendencies has contributed to her consistent results.

Beyond her success at the tables, she has gained recognition as a poker broadcaster, offering analysis grounded in her playing experience. Her commentary has provided key insights into strategy, helping newer players understand advanced concepts.

Annette Obrestad: Online Sensation to Live Pro

Annette Obrestad made an immediate impact on the poker world by winning the inaugural WSOP Europe Main Event in 2007. At only 18 years old, she became the youngest bracelet winner in history, taking home over £1 million.

Known for her aggressive play and ability to extract value, Obrestad rose to prominence through online poker before successfully transitioning to live events. Though her presence in high-stakes tournaments has diminished in recent years, her achievements remain a benchmark for young players looking to compete at the highest level.

Victoria Coren Mitchell: A Literary Mind at the Tables

Victoria Coren Mitchell is the first two-time champion in European Poker Tour history, winning titles in London in 2006 and Sanremo in 2014. Her ability to read opponents and shift gears has been a defining aspect of her playing style.

Aside from poker, her work as an author and broadcaster has brought poker into mainstream entertainment. By combining storytelling with technical discussion, she has contributed to the game’s reach beyond traditional poker audiences.

Vanessa Rousso: A Strategic Approach

With a mind for both poker and law, Vanessa Rousso applied strategic reasoning to her approach at the tables. She accumulated over $3 million in earnings across tournaments and cash games, showcasing versatility in multiple poker formats.

Her deep run in the 2006 WSOP Main Event was a breakthrough moment, bringing her into the spotlight. She later transitioned to coaching and public speaking, emphasizing structured decision-making in poker and beyond.

Joanne “J.J.” Liu: A Steady Presence

Joanne Liu has maintained a strong presence in major poker events for over two decades. A regular on the WPT, she developed a reputation as a patient yet highly skilled competitor. Her deep runs in high-profile tournaments have contributed to her place among the most respected players in poker.

Honorable Mentions

Several additional players have built impressive resumes in poker:

• Jennifer Tilly – Successfully transitioned from acting to poker, winning a WSOP bracelet.
• Loni Harwood – Secured multiple WSOP victories early in her career.
• Kristen Bicknell – Became a force in both online and live play, winning multiple WSOP bracelets.

These players, alongside the names listed above, have left a lasting mark on the poker world through their tournament victories, strategic contributions, and presence at the highest levels of competition.