PokerStars has announced the appointment of Kerryjane Craigie as an Ambassador for Women in Poker. Craigie, a well-respected figure in the poker community, brings extensive experience and a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion in poker.
Craigie currently serves as Director of Poker at the Hippodrome Casino in London and has worked tirelessly to make the space welcoming and inviting to all. Her work extends beyond the walls of the Hippodrome and she's a more-than-capable poker player in her own right.
“I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to promote and support women in poker as a PokerStars ambassador,” said Craigie. “I truly believe that PokerStars’ mindset and commitment to making a difference are perfectly aligned with today’s environment.”
She continued, saying, “Launching an active program for Women in Poker with initiatives to encourage, support, and promote this game we all love is incredibly exciting. There are challenging moments at a poker table when someone in a minority, not just gender, feels uncomfortable. It’s time to make that a thing of the past, and we can all make a conscious change. I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of it and ready to get started!”
Craigie started her journey in the poker industry at the Hippodrome Casino in 2012, managing the collaborative poker room between PokerStars and the casino. Her dedication and vision have since elevated her to the role of Director of Poker.
In 2023, Craigie was appointed to the Women's Poker Association (WPA) board where she leads the "Raise It Up" campaign outside of North America. Soon, she'll take this initiative to Europe and beyond, reinforcing her dedication to creating an inclusive environment in the poker world.
Craigie boasts numerous accomplishments on the felt to add to her off-felt expertise. In 2023, she won the UKIPT Women's Event in Brighton and finished runner-up in a WSOP bracelet event. In 2015, she was the last Brit standing in the inaugural WSOP Colossus event, finishing 84th out of 23,400 entrants.
Aside from her professional accomplishments, Craigie founded the Ladies Club in 2014, an organization which has grown into a supportive community for women in poker. Members of the Ladies Club meet monthly to discuss and share strategies, mindsets, and experiences.
Women in Poker Ambassador reception
To celebrate Craigie's new role, she and PokerStars will co-host a Women in Poker reception during the dinner break of the Ladies Championship at the World Series of Poker.
The networking event aims to bring together women in the community to connect and celebrate while gathering feedback on certain initiatives that PokerStars will spearhead in the coming months.
Attendees will have the chance to speak with Craigie and PokerStars ambassadors Maria Konnikova and Jen Shahade. If you're interested in attending, sign up quick as the event is limited to 100 guests only and tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
