Grand Casino Liechtenstein: The Fish Whisperer wins WPF Ladies Event

The poker scene in the Principality of Liechtenstein reached a significant milestone on October 18, 2026. Sandra Naujoks, a prominent figure in German poker and long-time ambassador for the game, hosted the WPF Ladies Event at the Grand Casino Liechtenstein (GCLI). The tournament was a localized highlight of a global weekend organized by the World Poker Federation (WPF), designed to connect women at the tables and strengthen their international presence. Before the first cards were dealt, the GCLI team hosted a brunch, allowing participants to network in a relaxed setting.

The tournament featured a player-friendly structure, offering a CHF 200 buy-in with no rake. This meant the entire entry fee went directly into the prize pool. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 29 individual players participating and accounting for an additional 12 re-entries. Consequently, the prize pool reached CHF 8,200, significantly surpassing the CHF 5,000 guarantee. Groups such as the Herzdamen Club, the Wicked Alliance, and the Swiss Poker Ladies were well-represented, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the tables.

Numbers and facts

The competition was fierce yet friendly, featuring 40,000 starting chips and 30-minute levels. Five places were originally intended to be paid. However, a bubble deal was struck, allowing Charlene from Northern Germany to take home CHF 300 in sixth place. Justine Yvonne Ehlermann from Germany finished fifth, securing CHF 780. The final three players eventually agreed on a deal to distribute the remaining funds.

"Der Fischflüsterer took the victory in a deal among the final three." - Pokerexklusiv Editorial, GCLI Event Coverage

Following the deal, the player using the nickname "Der Fischflüsterer" was declared the winner, taking home CHF 1.850 and the trophy. Two GCLI regulars completed the podium: Kathrin Wolfinger from Liechtenstein took second place with CHF 2.005, while Switzerland's Angelika Good-Mathies finished third with CHF 2.300, holding the largest stack at the time of the agreement.

Background

The event in Liechtenstein was part of the second annual WPF Ladies Weekend, held simultaneously across more than 15 cities worldwide from October 16 to 18, 2026. The World Poker Federation initiative aims to showcase female talent and amplify women's leadership within the international poker community. By combining competition with workshops and social gatherings, the WPF seeks to inspire a new generation of female players.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, participating in such live events remains a popular alternative to the strictly regulated domestic online market. Under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), online poker and slots in Germany are subject to rigorous controls. Players must use platforms licensed by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). These legal sites enforce a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit through the LUGAS system and a 1 Euro stake limit on virtual slots.

While live tournaments in neighboring Liechtenstein allow for larger prize pools and specialized formats like ladies-only events, online players in Germany must prioritize safety by choosing GGL-licensed casinos. Engaging with unregulated offshore sites (e.g., from Curacao) carries significant risks, including the lack of player protection and potential legal issues. For German residents, winnings from licensed live tournaments are generally tax-free, but professional status may lead to income tax obligations.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The success of specialized events like the WPF Ladies Weekend underscores the demand for community-focused gambling experiences. GGL-licensed operators face the challenge of providing engaging content while adhering to strict advertising and player protection rules. While they cannot easily host rake-free mass events due to high compliance costs, they offer the highest level of legal certainty and integration with the OASIS central exclusion database, which is vital for sustainable player protection in the German market.