Cyndy Violette stands as one of the most respected and accomplished women in the history of poker. Known for her mastery of seven-card stud and consistent presence in major tournaments for over four decades, she helped pave the way for countless female players in what was once a male-dominated industry. From cash game dominance to a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet victory, Violette’s legacy is built on both talent and tenacity.
Here is a look into the Journey of Cyndy Violette from her early life to her extraordinary poker career.
Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Born on August 19, 1959, Cyndy Violette began playing poker at a young age with her family. At the age of 12, her family moved to Las Vegas, where the game would eventually become a lifelong career.
She continued participating in home games with friends and relatives until turning 21, when she could legally play in casinos. Before diving fully into professional poker, Violette worked as a blackjack and poker dealer. However, it didn’t take long for her to realize that her future was not behind the table but on it—she soon quit dealing to pursue a full-time career as a poker player.
Poker Career Highlights and Winnings
Violette initially made her mark in cash games, particularly in seven-card stud, before stepping into the tournament scene. Her first recorded live cash came in 1984 when she finished fourth in the Annual Jack Straus World Match Play Championship $1,000 Seven Card Stud event, earning $1,900.
A year later, in 1985, she had a breakthrough by winning the Stairway to the Stars Limit Seven Card Stud event and banking $75,000—then the highest-ever live tournament score by a female poker player. In 1987, she placed fifth in the $500 Women’s 7-Card Stud tournament at the WSOP for $2,520. Several years later, in 1995, she finished seventh in the $1,000 Women’s 7-Card Stud event for $3,520. In 1996, she took third in the $5,000 7-Card Stud tournament and earned a $39,000 payday.
Her most significant victory came in 2004 when she won the $2,000 7-Card Stud Hi-Lo Split event at the WSOP, capturing her first bracelet along with $135,900. In 2005, she made another deep run at the WSOP in the $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em event, where she faced off against poker legend Erik Seidel. Though she ultimately finished second, the result earned her a career-best $295,970.
In 2006, she added another strong result by finishing third in the $5,000 7-Card Stud event for $102,648. After that, she began to slow down her tournament schedule to focus more on her family and personal life, although she continued to play in seven-card stud events at the WSOP.
In 2015, Violette reached the final table of the $1,500 7-Card Razz event at the WSOP, where she earned $10,802. Another notable run came in 2018 when she finished 13th in the $2,500 Mixed Game Omaha Hi-Lo/Stud Hi-Lo event for $8,586. Most recently, she won the $220 Limit Omaha 8 or Better Championship at the Ladies International Poker Series in 2024, taking home $1,930.
Although she has reduced her tournament volume, Violette remains active in the game and is occasionally seen playing in private mixed games at the Aria and other Las Vegas poker rooms.
Induction into the Women’s Poker Hall of Fame
In 2009, Cyndy Violette was inducted into the Women’s Poker Hall of Fame in recognition of her significant impact on the game and her role in inspiring future generations of female players. As of April 2025, she has accumulated over $1.4 million in live tournament earnings from 85 career cashes, securing her place as one of the true icons of women’s poker.
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