Are women-only poker events more toxic than open ones? If you ask Caitlin Comeskey, the answer is a resounding “No!” In fact, these events provide a crucial stepping stone for many beginners and help foster a welcoming environment where camaraderie and competition thrive.
Let’s break down why these events, particularly the Women’s Festivals hosted by PokerStars, are more important than ever in growing the game of poker.
Caitlin Comeskey is a player and content creator who joined PokerStars as an ambassador last year. Follow her on X.
A Soft Start for New Players
One of the main reasons women-only poker events are so vital is that they offer a “soft start” for beginners. Poker has long been a male-dominated space, and women often find themselves as the only female at a table. The overwhelming male presence can be intimidating, especially for newcomers. Caitlin herself experienced this when she entered the 2021 WSOP Ladies Event for the first time, feeling both starstruck and nervous.
But it wasn’t just the glitz of tournament play that made it memorable. Caitlin fondly recalls learning from poker legends like Maria Ho and JJ Liu.
“It was my first exposure to the tournament world, and I’ll never forget it,” she shared.
These women-only events provide a safe space for female players to engage with the game on their terms, away from the intimidating atmosphere of mixed events.
A Lighter, More Fun Atmosphere
Unlike the intense, high-stakes energy often found in open events, women’s events are known for their lighter, more social vibe. Caitlin describes them as “more laughter, more fun, more beverages.” For many women, these events serve as a return to the roots of the game, reminiscent of playing poker in family kitchens or basements, where the pressure is lighter and the fun is abundant.
In these events, the competitive spirit is alive and well, but there’s an added layer of camaraderie.
“It’s refreshing to play with a group of women where there’s more chatting and laughter, and fewer sunglasses and headphones,” says Caitlin.
The friendly environment allows women to bond and network, making these tournaments about more than just the money – they’re about connection.
Image Courtesy: Pokernews
A Growing Appetite for Women’s Events
The statistics speak for themselves. PokerStars’ Women’s Winter Festival in London 2024 saw the most positive feedback of any live event in the company’s history. The event’s success was not just due to the tournament’s structure, but also the off-the-felt activities like High Tea, a ride on the London Eye, and even a Magic Mike variety show.
The increase in participation is staggering, with the Women’s Poker Tour (WPT) and other events seeing impressive growth year-over-year. PokerStars noted that the NAPT saw a 94% increase in attendance, while Monte Carlo doubled its numbers in 2024. This growth shows that there is an undeniable appetite for women-only poker events.
Building Professional Networks
Women’s events offer more than just a poker experience; they provide a professional network that can be crucial for those looking to make a career in the game. Networking has always been a key aspect of poker, and these events give women the opportunity to find like-minded players, form study groups, and travel together. With more women entering the world of poker, these networks are becoming invaluable.
Caitlin notes, “For new players, women’s events can offer not only a chance to learn but also access to a support system that can help take their game to the next level.”
The True Purpose of Women’s Events
Women’s poker events are more than just a “soft start” for beginners – they’re an essential part of making poker more inclusive and accessible. They offer an environment where new players can thrive, learn from one another, and eventually compete in open events on equal footing.
Caitlin emphasises the importance of these events for women’s poker growth, saying, “These events help cultivate future champions who will eventually stand tall against male players in open events. They help women build the confidence and skills needed for the big leagues.”
As a PokerStars ambassador, Caitlin is dedicated to promoting these events and encouraging women to take part. “Women’s events are here to stay, and they are a vital part of poker’s future,” she adds.
FAQs
Q1: Why are women’s poker events important?
Women’s poker events provide a welcoming environment for beginners, helping them gain confidence before transitioning to open events. They also foster a strong sense of community.
Q2: Are women-only events softer than open events?
Yes, women’s events are often considered softer, as they are designed to help new players ease into tournament play. However, they are still highly competitive.
Q3: Can women’s events help me network?
Absolutely! Women’s events offer an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded players, share strategies, and form professional networks.
Q4: How successful have women’s poker events been?
PokerStars has seen significant growth in women’s events, with the Women’s Winter Festival receiving unprecedented positive feedback and attendance rising dramatically year-over-year.
Q5: Do women’s events prepare players for open events?
Yes! Women’s events help players build the confidence and skills necessary to compete in open events, where the competition is more intense.
Ready to get in on the action? Sign up now at Pokerbol and experience the excitement of women’s poker events and much more. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s always a place for you at the table.
