Lena Evans is a two-time WSOP Circuit champion, successful entrepreneur, and founder of the Poker League of Nations.
In poker rooms around the world, a recurring question surfaces: are women-only poker tournaments still necessary?
In an era where fields are technically open to everyone, some argue that gender-specific events are outdated. But after years of building grassroots poker communities, funding female players, and studying the cognitive and social benefits of the game, I can say without hesitation: yes — these events are not only necessary but also foundational to creating a more inclusive, diverse, and competitive future in poker.
Poker is a game of skill, repetition, and — most critically — opportunity. And opportunity is where the playing field remains uneven.
In my book, The Poker Powered Brain, I explore how poker enhances critical cognitive functions — decision-making, risk assessment, emotional regulation, and pattern recognition. These are not just tools for tournaments — they are life skills. But like any skill, they can only be honed through repeated practice. And for most women, consistent access to live, structured poker has long been out of reach.
This is not a question of ability. It is a matter of access.
Why access still matters
For many women, particularly those new to the game, entering the world of poker can feel daunting. Local card rooms may be inaccessible due to geographical limitations. Travel and buy-ins can be prohibitively expensive. And walking into a male-dominated space without a network or support system can be intimidating.
That is where women’s poker tournaments shift the dynamic. These events are not 'safe spaces' — they are accessible spaces. They are not protective bubbles; they are launchpads.
Women’s tournaments offer a point of entry and a platform to gain traction, providing a chance for players who might otherwise be overlooked or discouraged to start their journey.
The power of local leagues and practical support
That is why I founded Poker League of Nations (PLON), the world’s largest women’s poker organization. Our mission is simple: bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.
We offer direct bankroll support, organize online and in-person leagues, crowdsource tournament entries, and help fund travel for women to compete in top-tier events like the WSOP, WPT, and EPT. Without backing, even the most talented players are often locked out before the first hand is dealt. PLON changes that.
We have helped hundreds of women enter events they otherwise could not afford, with life-changing results. We also emphasize local access. Many women live hours from a card room. Through grassroots leagues, low-stakes meetups, and virtual play, we bring the game to them, along with mentorship and coaching.
Community is the backbone of success. Through these tournaments, women find study partners, staking deals, form lifelong friendships, and develop a stronger sense of belonging in the poker ecosystem.
Women who paved the Poker Powered path
Some of poker’s most respected women have used these events as a springboard.
Linda Johnson, a Poker Hall of Famer known as 'The First Lady of Poker,' has long been a guiding force in this movement. Her decades of experience offer clarity:
“Women’s tournaments are stepping stones. They’re not where you finish — they’re where you start. And they work. I’ve seen countless women use these events to gain rhythm, confidence, and a seat at every other table that follows.”
Take Marsha Wolak, who won the 2011 WSOP Ladies Championship. That win wasn’t just symbolic — it was strategic. It gave her the confidence and bankroll to keep competing globally:
“My first tournament was a ladies' event. I was too intimidated to enter an open one. Ladies' events are a great way to enter the world of poker. It’s also been a fantastic way to make friends. I usually travel by myself, so it's always nice to see familiar faces and enjoy the wonderful camaraderie from female friends that I’ve met over the years.”
Lexy Gavin-Mather, one of today’s standout pros, echoes this sentiment:
“I didn’t start with a backer or a big bankroll. I needed affordable events and a way to build momentum. Women’s events create a space for players who might feel intimidated jumping into a traditionally male-dominated field. These events are an entrée into the poker world.”
Far from being charity contests, these events are career accelerators. They provide the consistent volume, exposure, and networks that help new players develop into serious competitors.
Dr. Lara Eisenberg, 2021 WSOP Ladies Champion, highlights the deeper structural challenges:
“There isn’t an inherent advantage that one gender has over the other at the table. But there are a variety of reasons why there are far fewer women poker players. Not all of those are easily addressed, like economic disparities or the fact that MTTs take a large time commitment, which can be difficult given that women still tend to have greater child and household responsibilities.
However, a lack of exposure to poker growing up and as adults is something we can address. And women’s tournaments can both create visibility and a more accessible environment for some women, especially when starting.”
Criticism and clarity
Not every woman’s experience at a ladies' event is positive. Some express frustration over cliques, competitiveness, or even hostility.
These concerns are valid, but they are not unique to women’s events. Toxic behavior can happen in any poker environment and should not be tolerated anywhere.
I have faced these frustrations myself — encounters that left me disappointed and frustrated. They motivated me to do more, not less. That is why PLON does not just provide tournament seats — we work to shape the culture around those seats. We promote values like mentorship, sportsmanship, and respect.
Individual negative experiences do not invalidate the broader purpose of these tournaments. If anything, they underscore the importance of thoughtful leadership and intentional community building.
It is also worth noting that women’s events are not alone in creating specialized entry points. Seniors’ events have long existed in tournament series, offering environments tailored to specific player demographics. These formats are not about separation — they serve the same larger goal: expansion.
Women’s tournaments do not create easier paths. They open long-blocked paths.
Repetition is the real equalizer
All elite poker players share one thing in common: a high volume of play. The more hands played, the more scenarios encountered, the faster the improvement. Women-only events offer consistent chances to gain experience.
Whether online or live, frequent play accelerates mastery. When women play ten tournaments a year instead of one or two, their growth curve steepens dramatically. These are not 'safe spaces,' they are accessible spaces where real progress happens.
And access breeds visibility. Many women’s tournaments are scheduled alongside major series, providing players with exposure and networking opportunities that they would not receive from a local game. PLON partners with organizers to ensure women’s events are professional, scalable, and respected.
A rising tide lifts all players
Skeptics sometimes suggest these events are 'less competitive' or unnecessary. To that, I say, watch a final table at a major women’s tournament. The level of play is just as sharp as any open field. What differs is the route taken to get there.
Supporting women in poker does not dilute the game — it enriches it.
Diverse perspectives create new strategies, elevate competition, and expand the community. The poker economy thrives when more players participate, and women’s tournaments are one of the most effective ways to increase both player fields and prize pools.
We are not creating separate tracks. We are building bridges into the game.
Beyond the felt
In The Poker Powered Brain, I demonstrate how poker serves as a cognitive training ground. It strengthens decision-making, sharpens intuition, and teaches us to stay cool under pressure. These skills apply far beyond poker — they make us better leaders, professionals, and thinkers.
That is the real return on women’s events. They do not just introduce more women to the game; they also empower them to succeed by delivering tools that extend far beyond the felt.
So, when people ask if women’s tournaments are still necessary, my answer is unequivocal: yes. Not because women need help competing, but because they deserve access to compete, to grow, and to win.
The door is no longer cracked open. It is wide open.
The 2025 WSOP No-Limit Hold'em Championship starts on Thursday.
Additional images courtesy of PokerStars
