PokerStars Ambassador Jennifer Shahade’s recent trip to London was a mix of poker, camaraderie, and memorable experiences. An American chess player, poker player, commentator and a celebrated author, who has won several live titles and has over $487k in live tournament earnings, Shahade went to London to compete in the PokerStars inaugural Women’s Winter Festival, held from November 21 to 25 at the Hippodrome Casino.
Shahade showcased her talent among some of the world’s best female poker players. The festival saw global participation featuring big names like Maria Lampropulos, MSPT Canterbury Park Main Event winner Kyna England, 2024 EPT Barcelona Ladies Main Event Champion Soraya Estrada, Nikki Limo, Caitlin Comeskey, GJ Reggie, Marle Spragg, Kim Kilroy, Vanessa Kade and the list goes on.
The £100,000 guaranteed Main Event served as the festival’s key highlight. The £400 buy-in event drew a record 217 entries, becoming the largest women’s-only tournament ever hosted outside Las Vegas.
Following three starting flights and two more days of grueling action, the main event concluded, crowning Argentina’s Maria Lampropulos as the champion. Lampropulos defeated Belgium’s Ann-Roos Callens in the heads-up, claiming the coveted title and an impressive £20,000 top prize.
Highlight 1 – Lampropulos’ Main Event Victory Reinforcing Poker as a Mind Sport
Shahade recently took to X to share her five favorite moments and provide a glimpse into her unique perspective on the Women’s festival in London. Her first highlight focused on Lampropulos’ remarkable main event victory reinforcing poker’s recognition as a mind sport like chess.
Highlight 2 – Playing High Roller Event With Fellow PokerStars Ambassadors
Her second highlight was about her participation in the live-streamed high-roller event alongside fellow PokerStars ambassadors Georgina “GJ Reggie” James and Marle Spragg. Despite bubbling the event, she found the experience enriching and urged for more higher buy-in events to be added to women’s festivals. This high roller event had a buy-in of £1,100 and saw England’s Charlie Waters triumph over a star-studded field of 27 entries to win it for £10,020.
Highlight 3- Cashing The Largest Women’s Tournament Outside Las Vegas
Shahade’s third highlight was her cash in the Festival’s Main Event, which she described as the largest poker tournament outside of Las Vegas with an impressive field of 271 entries and a massive £100K guaranteed prize pool. The scale and excitement surrounding this event in London truly highlighted the growing visibility of women’s poker.
Highlight 4 – Calling The £220 NLH 50/50 Freezeout Most Fun Event
The innovative 50/50 event, which was finally won by Colombia’s Yon Suaterna for a £7,556 payday, was her favourite event. The tourney saw each woman register alongside a player of the opposite sex. It featured half women and half men. Shahade lauded the lively atmosphere at the event. It was filled with toasts, singing, and laughter and she called it the most fun event. Although she busted outside the money, she left the table with some unforgettable memories and new connections.
Highlight 5- Enjoying Magic Mike show & Meeting Friends
Away from the table, Shahade shared about the fun moments and experiences in London, from indulging in high tea to enjoying the Magic Mike show. She also met and connected with so many new and old friends, rounding off her memorable experience and showcasing the essence of the Women’s Winter Festival—a celebration of skill, camaraderie, love and joy.
With more than $487k live poker earnings and victories in the high roller at the Prague Poker Festival and the BARGE 2015 Main Event, Shahade continues to be an inspiration for women in poker, exemplifying how passion, hard work, and perseverance pave the way for inspiring journeys.
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