The Girls’s Winter Competition on the Hippodrome has introduced collectively ladies from all walks of life, united by their love of poker
Among the many opponents this yr was Grosvenor Poker Professional Katie Swift, a well-known identify on the British match circuit, who was joined by each her mom, Susan O’Connor, and her sister.
From Satellites to the Hippodrome
“I really certified on-line for the Girls’s Winter Competition,” says O’Connor. “I used to be one of many on-line qualifiers, and I received in for simply $11! It was such a small funding, however I managed to win my seat. The lodge, the tickets—it was all lined!”
“It’s an reasonably priced approach to play at greater occasions with out the strain of placing down large buy-ins”
Each Swift and O’Connor had additionally just lately participated in a stay satellite tv for pc match in Malta, the place they every received seats to play within the Girls’s Winter Competition.
“The satellites are an effective way to get entangled,” says Swift. “It’s an reasonably priced approach to play at greater occasions with out the strain of placing down large buy-ins. We’ve had so many enjoyable experiences, from on-line satellites to stay occasions in Malta. It’s a household affair, for certain!”
Making Poker Accessible for All Girls
Some of the thrilling facets of the Girls’s Winter Competition, based on Swift, is the accessibility it affords to leisure gamers.
“I’ve all the time been an enormous advocate for satellites,” she mentioned. “It makes your cash go additional, and it helps you construct your bankroll in a means that reduces the strain if you’re taking part in. Plus, it’s extra reasonably priced and real looking for many who wish to play however don’t wish to threat rather a lot.”
“I used to be a bit nervous about whether or not they’d get sufficient runners for the satellite tv for pc on Thursday night time,” mentioned O’Connor. “However they exceeded expectations, with over 150 entries and 20 seats up for grabs. And these weren’t small buy-ins—they have been for £400 seats, with a £40 buy-in!
“The truth that they reached over 150 entries reveals how a lot curiosity there may be and what number of ladies wish to get entangled.”
One other main spotlight for Swift is the unbelievable sense of neighborhood surrounding the occasion.
“It’s unbelievable to see so many ladies coming collectively to play,” she mentioned. “The PokerStars crew, the Hippodrome, and folks like Kerryjane Craigie (pictured) have actually labored laborious to make this occasion occur. It’s not simply in regards to the poker; it’s about creating alternatives for girls within the sport, whether or not you’re a professional or a leisure participant.”
“It’s not nearly competing; it’s about creating a cushty, inclusive setting for everybody”
Swift emphasised that occasions like this are serving to to construct a community of ladies in poker. “I’ve received a WhatsApp group with over 100 ladies poker gamers, and we’ve been buzzing about this occasion for months. To see it come to life is superb. This occasion remains to be in its early phases, however you’ll be able to really feel the thrill and vitality. It’s fantastic.”
The timing, construction and assist concerned have all been thought of, says Swift.
“They’ve actually thought in regards to the security side and made certain ladies really feel welcome. It’s not nearly competing; it’s about creating a cushty, inclusive setting for everybody.”
O’Connor managed to make it by Day 1b yesterday, with a stack of 54,000 and can be flying the flag for the household on Day 2 on the Hippodrome On line casino.
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