Maria Ho is a Chinese-American professional poker player and television personality with $5,281,093 million in live earnings and is currently ranked 176th on United States All Time Money List. She garnered worldwide attention after her induction into Women in Poker Hall of Fame in 2018. She is also the only person to be the WSOP Main Event Last Woman Standing at four different times. She was the first female to be roped in as a strategic commentator on a poker TV broadcast team.
In this article, we will provide insights into her life, poker journey, net worth, and everything you should know about this poker queen. Let us delve into her career highlights.
Maria Ho’s Early Life
Maria Ho was born in Taipei, Taiwan in March 1983. When she was just four years old, her family moved to the United States and settled just outside of Los Angeles, Arcadia, California.
She had a normal childhood.During her college days, she got hooked to poker and started playing the game as a pass time. From early in life, she was drawn to the competitive spirit and the psychology involved in the game of poker. After playing the game with her college friends, she started playing the limit cash games at casinos close to her. She was introduced into the world of the game by fraternity brothers of Lambda Phi Epsilon. While playing poker at college, she did not give up on her studies and went ahead to enroll at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) where she successfully majored in Communications and minored in Law.
ALSO READ: MARIA HO WINS CELEBRITY POKER TOUR GAME NIGHT I, BESTING INFLUENCERS AND NFL STAR
She transitioned from menial jobs to amassing $5,281,093 in live tournament cashes. Her dedication and passion for the game has earned her a nomination for the Women in Poker Hall of Fame in 2018. Currently ranked 4th on the Women’s All Time Money list, she was very passionate about music and performance. She was involved in several musical performances at her school. She was also an aspiring professional singer and to pursue her dream, she became a member of the 3rd season of American Idol. She appeared for the audition and made it to the Hollywood Week round. Unfortunately, she did not make it beyond that round. She has come a long way, from scrubbing floors to shining in poker – an inspiring tale of determination and talent.
Maria Ho’s Poker Career
Ho is known as one of the best female poker players in the world. She has posted four final tables at the World Series of Poker and has 38 money finishes. She also has five ITM finishes at the World Poker Tour, including a WPTDeepstacks Main Event #10 victory, which came in 2018 in Johannesburg. Moreover, she has posted 18 more final tables across various circuit events. She was the winner of Season 1 of Game of Gold and finished fifth in Women’s GPI POY in 2023. This year, she has several cashes to her name, including a victory at the Celebrity Poker Tour (CPT) event.
Her Awards, Charities and Career As A Host, Commentator, Coach & More
Beyond the tables, Ho shares her poker expertise as a coach, host, and commentator. She was the first woman to become the strategic commentator for a poker television series in 2013, working with the Heartland Poker Tour for two seasons. Ever since, she been a co-host and commentator for several poker shows, which include Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) Sports’ The Final Table, National Broadcasting Company (NBC) Sports’ Super High Roller Bowl, Amazon eSports’ Mobile Masters, and the WSOP Main Event break desk coverage on Entertainment, and Sports Programming Network (ESPN). She also had the privilege to host the Global Poker Awards in 2020.
Her major accomplishments include winning the 2019 Global Poker Award for Broadcaster of the Year and three Favorite Female Player nominations at the Bluff Reader’s Choice Awards. She also competed on the reality television series The Amazing Race 15 in 2009 with Tiffany Michelle. Ho is also a spokesperson for the WinStar World Casino and hosts the Battle of Malta poker tournament. She was also one of the team managers in the first season of the Global Poker League in 2016.
She has dual citizenship in her native land and the US. She also participates in her family’s thriving real estate firm. Moreover, she dedicates time to various charitable causes to serve her community.
Maria Ho’s Net Worth 2024
One of the richest female poker players from Taiwan, Ho’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 Million as of 2024. Her net worth comes from playing poker and as the host of multiple shows.
Maria Ho Personal Life
She has a sister, Dr. Judy Ho, a popular face in the media. Both of them are very good friends and maintain a good relationship. Currently, Maria Ho is not in any relationship but she was rumored to be in a relationship with Michael Phelps in 2008. Unlike many celebrities, Maria rarely posts on social media, except shots of herself at some luxurious places or at the poker tables or pictures of her hosting an event. She hardly reveals private information about her life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data, facts, or figures mentioned. Readers are advised to verify any information and use their discretion before making any decisions or judgments based on the content of this article.
Keep following PokerProNews for such inspiring stories of female poker from across the world.
