Women at the Poker Table: WPF Ladies Weekend Expands to 14 Countries

The poker world is gearing up for an extraordinary event designed to permanently transform the traditionally male-dominated scene. From October 16-18, 2026, the second edition of the World Poker Federation (WPF) Ladies Weekend will take place. This global initiative aims to facilitate access to poker for women and foster a community where they can thrive without the often intimidating presence of a male majority. While poker has long been considered a male domain, recent developments show that interest among women is growing massively once the right conditions are met.

The event is much more than a simple tournament series. It combines competitive play with educational elements such as bootcamps and round-table discussions. Prominent faces in the scene, including PokerStars ambassador Marle Spragg and chess queen Jennifer Shahade, actively support the project. Spragg will not only be at the tables at the Hippodrome Casino in London but will also lead a strategy session to share her knowledge. Such formats are crucial for lowering the barrier to entry for beginners while providing a stage for experienced players.

Numbers and facts

The success of the first edition in 2025 laid the foundation for this year's expansion. Roberto Lifschitz of the WPF recalls the surprising turnout: "It was a huge success. We ended up having 10 countries, and 17 or 18 stops altogether. There was big engagement across all the stops, I think we had around 2,000 players, combined. The attendance was way above what we expected." In Brazil alone, over 500 women participated in the events. For 2026, tournaments in 14 countries are already confirmed, including Taiwan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Israel, Liechtenstein, Nigeria, the Philippines, and South Africa.

The presence is particularly strong in the USA, where events are planned in Nevada, California, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. A highlight will be the stop at Bellagio Las Vegas, featuring Jamie Kerstetter and Emma Hodge as speakers. In London, the Hippodrome Casino will host a tournament with a guaranteed prize pool of 20,000 British Pounds (GBP). Buy-ins vary widely to cater to different types of players, as evidenced by the Hippodrome Women’s Classic for 300 GBP.

Background

The WPF does not act as a direct organizer pocketing profits for this project. Instead, the federation works with national poker federations to market and organize the events locally. A central aspect is data collection: during the tournaments, feedback is sought to better understand the barriers that still hold women back from poker today. Jennifer Shahade emphasizes the importance of livestreams at these events:

"They allow women to get comfortable under the bright lights and hole card cameras, which will make us that much more confident when we play for an EPT or WSOP title." - Jennifer Shahade, PokerStars Ambassador and Author

This educational approach is bolstered by recent successes of women in open fields. Kristen Foxen won an open WSOP event last summer, the first woman to do so in five years, banking 1.7 million US dollars. Leo Margets reached the final table of the 2025 WSOP Main Event, finishing seventh for 1.5 million US dollars. Such role models are essential for inspiring the next generation of female players.

Why it matters for German players

For female poker players in Germany, the situation is unique due to the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). While the WPF Ladies Weekend utilizes physical locations worldwide, German players often look for legal online alternatives. In Germany, only providers with a license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) are allowed to operate. These platforms are listed on the so-called whitelist and guarantee the highest standards of player protection. However, strict rules must be observed, such as the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month, monitored via the LUGAS system.

Although WPF events are primarily live, partnerships with licensed online providers could become relevant for German customers in the future. It is always important to note that gaming law in Germany sets clear boundaries, such as the 1 euro per spin stake limit on slots or the strict separation of poker and casino games. Anyone wishing to participate in international tournaments should always do so through reputable organizers who respect the legal framework and offer fair conditions.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German casinos with a GGL license could benefit from such trends by targeting the female demographic more effectively. Since the German market is heavily regulated by GlüStV 2021, creating safe and inclusive environments is a competitive advantage. Providers that promote special formats for women or offer educational content act in the interest of player protection and market strengthening. It is evident that poker as a game of skill has a growing social component that goes far beyond classic gambling, thus fitting perfectly into the regulated environment of the GGL.