Francine Watson’s journey from a small town in England to becoming a leading figure in global poker content is as captivating as the narratives she crafts behind the lens. With a passion for live television and a fearless attitude toward unfamiliar challenges, Watson carved her place in a traditionally male-dominated industry by trusting her instincts, and constantly pushing the creative boundaries of poker storytelling.
Today, she stands at the helm of PokerStars’ creative engine, shaping how millions of viewers experience the game. In this latest Industry Leader report, we will delve into the journey of Francine Watson, who reshaped poker content.
Francine Watson’s Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Francine Watson grew up in Berkshire, England. From a young age, she understood the importance of choosing a career path that you genuinely enjoy. Shortly after starting secondary school, Watson set her sights on a future in television—particularly live broadcasting.
Her parents supported her ambition, helping her land a short internship with the editor of a major UK soap opera. She then secured a couple of internships at Sky Sports and the independent sports company Sunset+Vine (now the largest sports media company in the UK) while studying at Birmingham University.
After graduating with a BA in English and Philosophy, Watson joined Sunset+Vine full-time and worked on Channel 4’s international cricket coverage.
Creating Poker Content
Watson was fully immersed in live sports until John Duthie, founder of the European Poker Tour (EPT) and a TV drama director, approached Sunset+Vine with a bold idea: to bring poker to European audiences in a way that could rival major U.S. series like the World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker.
Despite having little to no knowledge of poker or casino games, Watson became part of this groundbreaking project. The first EPT stop in Barcelona in 2004 was, in her words, “chaotic.” She and her team were learning poker as they went, far less experienced than Duthie. Yet, they managed to produce hour-long television programs, and the rest is history.
Joining PokerStars
Watson continued working in poker television while maintaining her career in live sports. However, her trajectory changed when she joined PokerStars full-time. Before that, she freelanced on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker and the North American Poker Tour (NAPT).
When PokerStars decided to build an in-house production team to meet growing demand for high-quality content and live broadcasts, Watson saw a unique opportunity. Poker offered her creative freedom and upward mobility that traditional sports—still largely male-dominated at the time—couldn’t.
Francine Watson’s Work at PokerStars
Since joining PokerStars, Watson’s role has expanded significantly. She is now the Associate Director of Creative & Content, leading a team of 30 producers, designers, and specialists across a wide range of media disciplines.
Her responsibilities span campaign development, merchandise design, livestream oversight, and digital content creation. Under her leadership, major PokerStars properties like the European Poker Tour and PokerStars Open have thrived, helping define the brand’s visual identity and voice within the highly competitive world of poker.
Revolutionizing Poker Content
Watson has been instrumental in bringing some of PokerStars’ most iconic productions to life. From the early EPT shows to original formats like Shark Cage, Duel, and the Daniel Negreanu documentary KidPoker—which she co-directed with Gary Davis—Watson has helped reinvent how poker is presented to audiences. Her work combines high-stakes excitement with storytelling that appeals to both seasoned players and casual viewers.
One of her most recent successes was the revival of The Big Game, a fan-favorite show that she helped bring back to life with fresh energy and modern production. The project was both a personal and creative victory for her and the team.
In 2024, her contributions were officially recognized when she was named “Best Industry Person” at the Global Poker Awards—an honor she found both surprising and deeply humbling.
Keep following PokerProNews for more such inspiring stories of women in the world of poker.
Sources – CardPlayerLifestyle and Francine Watson’s Social Handles
